Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Plasma Leptin and Exercise

Recent Findings

  • Leading Article
  • Published:
Sports Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The cloning of murine and human obese genes in 1994, and the subsequent identification that the product of the obese gene, leptin, is secreted from adipose tissue, stimulated a tremendous amount of interdisciplinary interest in adipose tissue endocrinology and the potential role of this tissue in the regulation of energy balance. Exercise, with concomitant changes in fuel flux, systemic hormone levels and energy expenditure, may contribute to the regulation of plasma leptin levels and presumably, leptin action. The initial work characterising the leptin-exercise relationship was equivocal. Cross-sectional studies provided some mixed evidence regarding the relationship between aerobic capacity or habitual physical activity and plasma leptin.

In contrast, studies on acute bouts of exercise and exercise training interventions have, with few exceptions, suggested that exercise does not alter systemic leptin independent of changes in fat mass. In general, these studies did not carefully control for energy balance, and sampled only a single fasting plasma leptin level. Two recent studies utilising experimental designs in which energy balance was controlled and 24-hour profiles of plasma leptin were determined have provided the most compelling evidence to date of the interaction between exercise, energy balance and systemic leptin in humans. These studies provide a clear explanation for the apparent lack of an acute effect of exercise on systemic leptin and underscore the importance of clearly defining the balance between energy intake and energy expenditure when studying the physiology of leptin. The aim of this brief review is to provide an overview of the interaction between energy expenditure during physical activity and systemic leptin level. Special emphasis will be placed on those studies in which energy intake/balance was carefully controlled.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Table I

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Zhang Y, Proenca R, Barone M, et al. Positional cloning of the mouse obese gene and its human homologue. Nature 1994; 372: 425–32

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Kennedy GC. The role of depot fat in hypothalamic control of food intake in the rat. Proc R Soc Lond B 1953; 140: 578–92

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Flier JS. What’s in a name? In search of leptin’s physiologic role. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998; 83 (5): 1407–13

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Ahima RS, et al. Role of leptin in the neuroendocrine response to fasting. Nature 1996; 382: 250

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Kim S, Moustaid-Moussa N. Secretory, endocrine, and autocrine/ paracrine function of the adipocyte. J Nutr 2000; 130: 3110S-5S

    Google Scholar 

  6. Friedman JM, Halaas JL. Leptin and the regulation of body weight in mammals. Nature 1998; 395: 763–2

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Wang J, Liu R, Hawkins M, et al. A nutrient sensing pathway regulates leptin gene expression in muscle and fat. Nature 1998; 393: 684–8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Bado A, Levasseur S, Attoub S, et al. The stomach is a source of leptin. Nature 1998; 394: 790–3

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Esler M, Vaz M, Collier G, et al. Leptin in human plasma is derived in part from the brain, and cleared by the kidneys. Lancet 1998; 351: 879

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Wiesner G, Vaz M, Collier G, et al. Leptin is released from the human brain: influence of adiposity and gender. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999; 84: 2270–4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Lepercq J, Cauzac M, Lahlou N, et al. Overexpression of placental leptin in diabetic pregnancy: a critical role for insulin. Diabetes 1998; 47: 847–50

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. White DW, Tartaglia LA. Leptin and OB-R: body weight regulation by a cytokine receptor. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 1996; 7 (4): 303–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Harris RBS. Leptin - much more than a satiety signal. Annu Rev Nutr 2000; 20: 45–75

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Baile CA, Della-Fera MA, Martin RJ. Regulation of metabolism and body fat mass by leptin. Annu Rev Nutr 2000; 20: 105–27

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Casanueva FF, Dieguez C. Neuroendocrine regulation and actions of leptin. Front Neuroendocrinol 1999; 20 (4): 317–63

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Himms-Hagen J. Physiological roles of the leptin endocrine system: differences between mice and humans. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 1999; 36 (9): 575–655

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Schoeller DA, Cella LK, Sinha MK, et al. Entrainment of the diurnal rhythm of plasma leptin to meal timing. J Clin Invest 1997; 100: 1882–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Laughlin GA, Yen SSC. Hypoleptinemia in women athletes: absence of a diurnal rhythm with amenorrhea. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997; 82 (1): 318–21

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. van Aggel-Leijssen D, van Baak MA, Tenenbaum R, et al. Regulation of average 24h human plasma leptin level: the influence of exercise and physiological changes in energy balance. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1999; 23 (2): 151–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Hilton LK, Loucks AB. Low energy availability, not exercise stress, suppresses the diurnal rhythm of leptin in healthy young women. Am J Physiol 2000; 278 (1): E43-E49

    Google Scholar 

  21. Chin-Chance C, Polonsky KS, Schoeller DA. Twenty four hour leptin levels respond to cumulative short-term energy imbalance and predict subsequent intake. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2000; 85 (8): 2685–91

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. McClain D, Alexander T, Cooksey RC, et al. Hexosamines stimulate leptin production in transgenic mice. Endocrinology 2000; 141 (6): 1999–2002

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Gutin B, Ramsey L, Barbeau P, et al. Plasma leptin concentrations in obese children: changes during 4-mo periods with and without physical training. Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 69 (3): 388–94

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Reiterer E, Sudi E, Mayer K, et al. Changes in leptin, insulin and body composition in obese children during a weight reduction program. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 1999; 12 (6): 853–62

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Sable AD, Nicolson M, Ravussin E. Total energy expenditure and the level of physical activity correlate with plasma leptin concentrations in five-year-old children. J Clin Invest 1997; 99: 592–5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Hickey MS, Israel RG, Gardiner SN, et al. Gender differences in serum leptin levels in humans. Biochem Mol Med 1996; 59: 1–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Tataranni PA, Montoe MB, Dueck CA, et al. Adiposity, plasma leptin concentration and reproductive function in active and sedentary females. Int J Obes Rel Metab Dis 1997; 21 (9): 818–21

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Gippini A, Mato A, Peino R, et al. Effect of resistance exercise (bodybuilding) training on serum leptin levels in young men: implications for relationship between body mass index and serum leptin. J Endocrinol Invest 1999; 22 (11): 824–8

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Thong FS, McLean C, Graham TE. Plasma leptin in female athletes: relationship with body fat, reproductive, nutritional and endocrine factors. J Appl Physiol 2000; 88: 2037–44

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Thong FS, Graham TE. Leptin and reproduction: is it a critical link between adipose tissue, nutrition, and reproduction? Can J Appl Physiol 1999; 24 (4): 317–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Hickey MS, Considine RV, Israel RG, et al. Leptin is related to body fat content in male distance runners. Am J Physiol 1996; 271 (5 Pt 1): E938-E940

    Google Scholar 

  32. Melanson KJ, Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Campfield LA, et al. Appetite and blood glucose profiles in humans after glycogendepleting exercise. J Appl Physiol 1999; 87 (3): 947–54

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Perusse L, Collier G, Gagnon J, et al. Acute and chronic effects of exercise on leptin levels in humans. J Appl Physiol 1997; 83 (1): 5–10

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Racette SB, Coppack SW, Landt M., et al. Leptin production during moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997; 82 (7): 2275–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Torjman MC, Zafeiridis A, Paolone AM, et al. Serum leptin during recovery following maximal incremental and prolonged exercise. Int J Sports Med 1999; 20 (7): 444–50

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Kraemer RR, Johnson LG, Haltom R, et al. Serum leptin concentrations in response to acute exercise in postmenopausal women with and without hormone replacement therapy. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1999; 221 (3): 171–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Koistinen HA, Tuominen JA, Ebeling P, et al. The effect of exercise on leptin concentration in healthy men and in type 1 diabetic patients. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998; 30 (6): 805–10

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Tuominen JA, Ebeling P, Heiman ML, et al. Leptin and thermogenesis in humans. Acta Physiol Scand 1997; 160: 83–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Landt M, Lawson GM, Helgeson JM, et al. Prolonged exercise decreases serum leptin concentration. Metabolism 1997; 46 (10): 1109–2

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Leal-Cerro A, Garcia-Luna PP, Astorga R, et al. Serum leptin levels in male marathon athletes before and after themarathon run. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998; 83 (7): 2376–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Tuominen JA, Ebeling P, Laquier FW, et al. Serum leptin concentration and fuel homeostasis in healthy man. Eur J Clin Invest 1997; 27 (3): 206–11

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Duclos M, Corcuff JB, Ruffie A, et al. Rapid leptin decrease in immediate post-exercise recovery. Clin Endocrinol 1999; 50 (3): 337–42

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Essig DA, Alderson NL, Ferguson MA, et al. Delayed effects of exercise on the plasma leptin concentration. Metabolism 2000; 49 (3): 395–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Kohrt WM, Landt M, Birge Jr SJ. Serum leptin levels are reduced in response to exercise training, but not hormone replacement therapy, in older women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1996; 81 (11): 3980–5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Kraemer RR, Kraemer GR, Acevedo EO, et al. Effects of aerobic exercise on serum leptin levels in obese women. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 1999; 80 (2): 154–8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Okazaki T, Himeno E, Nanri H, et al. Effects of mild aerobic exercise and a mild hypocaloric diet on plasma leptin in sedentary women. Clin Exp Pharm Physiol 1999; 26 (5–6): 415–20

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Ryan AS, Pratley RE, Elahi D, et al. Changes in plasma leptin and insulin action with resistive training in postmenopausal women. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2000; 24 (1): 27–32

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Houmard JA, Cox JH, MacLean PS, et al. Effect of short-term exercise training on leptin and insulin action. Metabolism 2000; 49 (7): 858–61

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Christensen JO, SvendsenOL,Hassager C, et al. Leptin in overweight postmenopausal women: no relationship with metabolic syndrome X or effect of exercise in addition to diet. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1998; 22 (3): 195–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Clapp III JR, Kiess W. Effects of pregnancy and exercise on concentrations of themetabolic markers tumor necrosis factor alpha and leptin. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000; 182 (2): 300–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Dirlewanger M, Di Vetta V, Giusti V, et al. Effect of moderate physical activity on plasma leptin concentration in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 1999; 79 (4): 331–5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Halle M, Berg A, Garwers U, et al. Concurrent reductions of serum leptin and lipids during weight loss in obese men with type II diabetes. Am J Physiol 1999; 277 (2 Pt 1): E277-E282

    Google Scholar 

  53. Hickey MS, Houmard JA, Considine RV, et al. Gender-dependent effects of exercise training on serum leptin levels in humans. Am J Physiol 1997; 272 (4 Pt 1): E562-E566

    Google Scholar 

  54. Pasman WJ, Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Saris WH. The effect of exercise training on leptin levels in obesemales. Am J Physiol 1998; 274 (2 Pt 1): E280-E286

    Google Scholar 

  55. Brabant G, Horn R, von zur Muhlen A, et al. Free and protein bound leptin are distinct and independently controlled factors in energy regulation. Diabetologia 2000; 43: 438–42

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

Funding support came from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant #COL00762.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Health and Exercise Science, Physiology, and Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, 218E Moby Complex, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, USA

    Matthew S. Hickey

  2. Department of Physiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

    Dean J. Calsbeek

Authors
  1. Matthew S. Hickey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Dean J. Calsbeek
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthew S. Hickey.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hickey, M.S., Calsbeek, D.J. Plasma Leptin and Exercise. Sports Med 31, 583–589 (2001). https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200131080-00003

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200131080-00003

Keywords

Search

Navigation