Leptin and chronic kidney diseases

Chronic kidney diseases (CKD), a common outcome of various kidney diseases, cause a series of refractory complications, which lead to great economic burdens on patients. The clinical outcomes of CKD depend on various factors, including metabolic disorders. Leptin, a peptide hormone, produced in adipose tissues, plays an important role in regulating food consumption and energy expenditure. Leptin also influences the immune system and hematopoiesis. Increased leptin status is observed in CKD, leptin deficiency attenuates the immune response in nephritis. Conversely, leptin inhibits the development of obesity, which is closely associated glomerular disorder. Now, the precise role of leptin in CKD remains elusive. This review will give an integrated understanding of the potential role of leptin and its interactions with other signal molecules in CKD.