Leptin Horse

Leptin is a 16-kDa peptide hormone primarily secreted by white adipocytes (fat cells). It plays a crucial role in regulating food intake and energy balance by signaling the brain to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure . The discovery of leptin has significantly advanced our understanding of obesity and metabolic disorders.

In horses, leptin has been studied for its relationship with body condition and fat mass. Research has shown that peripheral concentrations of leptin correlate with body condition scores in horses, indicating that leptin levels increase with higher fat mass . This makes leptin a valuable marker for assessing the nutritional status and body condition of horses.

Recombinant horse leptin is produced using genetic engineering techniques, typically in E. coli. The recombinant form is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 146 amino acids, with a molecular mass of 16 kDa . This form of leptin is used in various research applications to study its effects on metabolism, growth, and reproduction in horses.

Recombinant horse leptin has been utilized in several studies to understand its role in equine physiology. For instance, it has been used to develop radioimmunoassays for quantifying leptin levels in horse serum . These assays help researchers investigate the relationship between leptin levels and various physiological parameters, such as body condition, age, and gender.

Additionally, recombinant leptin has been used to explore its potential therapeutic applications. By understanding how leptin influences energy balance and metabolism, researchers aim to develop strategies to manage obesity and related metabolic disorders in horses.