The Effect of Steroid Hormones on Expression of the Leptin Receptors

Leptin, a peptide hormone secreted by adipocytes, has been widely studied in the attempt to understand its contributions and relation to obesity. There is a sexual dimorphism in leptin levels between men and women, suggesting a possible influence of steroid hormones on leptin expression and signaling pathways. Likewise, evidence suggests that leptin gene expression is regulated by steroid hormones in humans and mice. Leptin signals through a membrane receptor, <italic>Ob-R</italic>, and expression of the Ob-R</italic> isoforms are also sexually dimorphic, and suggest that steroid hormones may also control receptor expression. The experiments described here attempt to better understand the potential relationship between steroid hormones and leptin receptor (<italic>Ob-R</italic>) gene expression. This hormonal regulation may result in leptin resistance in men and women, increasing risks for prolonged and irreversible obesity.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Strong, Shannon Alissa

• 3T3-L1

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/36440

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/36440