Exploiting the therapeutic potential of leptin signaling in cachexia.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

The anorexia-cachexia syndrome is a complication of many chronic conditions including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Leptin levels are significantly elevated in CKD patients and are associated with markers of poor nutritional status as well as mortality and morbidity. This review will focus on the mechanism and exploit the therapeutic potential of leptin signaling in CKD-associated cachexia.

RECENT FINDINGS:

Studies in db/db mice show that the lack of leptin receptor is protective against CKD-induced cachexia. Blockade of leptin's downstream mediators, such as melanocortin-4 receptor, attenuated CKD-associated cachexia. Pegylation of leptin antagonists resulted in a potent and effective long-acting reagents suitable for in-vivo studies or therapies. Pegylated leptin antagonist treatment ameliorates CKD-associated cachexia in mice.

SUMMARY:

Leptin antagonism may represent a viable therapeutic strategy for cachexia in CKD.

• Authors: Robert H Mak, Wai W Cheung, Arieh Gertler
• Journal: Current opinion in supportive and palliative care (Curr Opin Support Palliat Care) Vol. 8 Issue 4 Pg. 352-7 (Dec 2014) ISSN: 1751-4266 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25259544 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• Leptin
• Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4
• Receptors, Leptin

Topics

• Animals
• Cachexia (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Cytokines (metabolism)
• Humans
• Leptin (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Mice
• Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4 (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Receptors, Leptin (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Signal Transduction