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It is easy to presume that adipocytes are just storage units for excess calories in the form of fat. In fact our fat cells are sophisticated endocrine organs responsible for regulating our metabolism and energy homeostasis. One of the key hormones produced by adipocytes is leptin. This polypeptide binds to leptin receptors in the hypothalamus to decrease appetite and increase metabolic rate. Leptin is your body’s way of letting you know you have eaten enough and to stop producing insulin. In the case of obesity, leptin production increases as adipocytes fill with triglyceride. However, rather than further reducing appetite, leptin receptors eventually become desensitised and become leptin resistant. The consequence of this common scenario is a propensity to overeat with a corresponding slowing of metabolism.
Leptin may also provide negative feedback inhibition to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is crucial for adapting to chronic stress. Consequently, leptin resistance influences the stress response and increases cortisol production. Cortisol acts directly on adipose tissue, increasing leptin synthesis and further contributing to leptin resistance. Therefore, a therapeutic approach that addresses HPA axis dysregulation and the stress response is a critical component to effectively managing leptin resistance, obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Various studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of Rhodioloa rosea on the stress response, anxiety and cortisol levels. As a true adaptogen, rhodiola has also been shown to inhibit stress-activated inflammatory protein kinases, nitric oxide, leukotriene B4 and C-reactive protein (CRP). Under inflammatory conditions CRP binds to leptin preventing it from crossing the blood-brain barrier to reach receptors in the hypothalamus. High leptin levels with corresponding leptin resistance is commonly associated with low magnesium.
As an essential cofactor for normal glucose metabolism and insulin function, magnesium is the foundational nutrient for metabolic management. Numerous studies have also shown that magnesium lowers inflammatory signals CRP, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 which may also result in improved leptin receptor sensitivity.
The amino acid taurine has also been shown to reduce leptin resistance by decreasing endoplasmic reticulum stress, serum lipids, glucose levels and insulin resistance.
In this infographic we take a close look at the role of leptin, its relationship with cortisol and insulin and the nutritional influences that have been shown to improve its function.
RESEARCH
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