Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

An Emerging Role of Leptin in Clinical Psychiatry

  • Conference paper
Brain Somatic Cross-Talk and the Central Control of Metabolism

Part of the book series: Research and Perspectives in Endocrine Interactions ((RPEI))

  • 85 Accesses

Summary

Early in the 20th century changes in appetite and weight had already been recognized as important features of severe psychiatric disorders. The present chapter reviews recent evidence suggesting that the fat cell-derived hormone leptin is pathophysiologically involved in these changes. Moreover, data are discussed supporting the speculation that leptin, which is now recognized to be a cytokine-like peptide involved in many aspects of brain function such as neurodevelopment, neuronal survival and various aspects of behavior and cognition, plays a patho-physiological role in behavioral and cognitive changes observed in psychiatric patients and, in particular, in anorexia nervosa and schizophrenia.

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

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Allison DB, Fontaine KR, Heo M, Mentore JL, Cappelleri JC, Chandler LP, Weiden PJ, Cheskin LJ (1999a) The distribution of body mass index among individuals with and without schizophrenia. J Clin Psychiat 60:215–220

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Allison DB, Mentore JL, Heo M, Chandler LP, Cappelleri JC, Infante MC, Weiden PJ (1999b) Antipsychotic-induced weight gain: a comprehensive research synthesis. Am J Psychiat 156:1686–1996

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Auwerx J, Staels B (1998) Leptin. Lancet 351:737–742

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beumont PJ, Arthur B, Russell JD, Touyz SW (1994) Excessive physical activity in dieting disorder patients: proposals for a supervised exercise program. Intl J Eat Disord 15:21–36

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brömel T, Blum WF, Ziegler A, Schulz E, Bender M, Fleischhaker C, Remschmidt H, Krieg JC, Hebebrand J (1998) Serum leptin levels increase rapidly after initiation of clozapine therapy. Mol Psychiat 3:76–80

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bukanan R (2000) Schizophrenia: introduction and overview. In: Sadock B, Sadock V (eds) Comprehensive textbook of psychiatry. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, New York, pp 1096–1109

    Google Scholar 

  • Bustillo JR, Buchanan RW, Irish D, Breier A (1996) Differential effect of clozapine on weight: a controlled study. Am J Psychiat 153:817–819

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devuyst O, Lambert M, Rodhain J, Lefebvre C, Coche E (1993) Haematological changes and infectious complications in anorexia nervosa: a case-control study. Q J Med 86:791–799

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dicou E, Attoub S, Gressens P (2001) Neuroprotective effects of leptin in vivo and in vitro. Neuroreport 12:3947–3951

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eder U, Mangweth B, Ebenbichler C, Weiss E, Hofer A, Hummer M, Kemmler G, Lechleitner M, Fleischhacker WW (2001) Association of olanzapine-induced weight gain with an increase in body fat. Am J Psychiat 158:1719–1722

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Esler M, Vaz M, Collier G, Nestel P, Jennings G, Kaye D, Seals D, Lambert G (1998) Leptin in human plasma is derived in part from the brain, and cleared by the kidneys. Lancet 351(9106):879

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Exner C, Hebebrand J, Remschmidt H, Wewetzer C, Ziegler A, Herpertz S, Schweiger U, Blum WF, Preibisch G, Heldmaier G, Klingenspor M (2000) Leptin suppresses semi-starvation induced hyperactivity in rats: implications for anorexia nervosa. Mol Psychiat 5:476–481

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fantuzzi G, Faggioni R (2000) Leptin in the regulation of immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. J Leukocyte Biol 68:437–446

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Farooqi IS, Jebb SA, Langmack G, Lawrence E, Cheetham CH, Prentice AM, Hughes IA, McCamish MA, O’Rahilly S (1999) Effects of recombinant leptin therapy in a child with congenital leptin deficiency. N Engl J Med 341:879–884

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hebebrand J, Ballauff A, Hinney A, Herpertz S, Köpp W, Wewetzer C, Ziegler A, Blum WF, Remschmidt H (1999) Die gewichtsregulation im rahmen der Anorexia nervosa unter besonderer berücksichtigung der leptinsekretion. Nervenarzt 70:31–40

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heymsfield SB, Greenberg AS, Fujioka K, Dixon RM, Kushner R, Hunt T, Lubina JA, Patane J, Self B, Hunt P, McCamish M (1999) Recombinant leptin for weight loss in obese and lean adults: a randomized, controlled, dose-escalation trial. JAMA 282:1568–1575

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hinze-Selch D, Schuld A, Kraus T, Kühn M, Uhr M, Haack M, Pollmächer T (2000) Effects of antidepressants on weight and on the plasma levels of leptin, TNF-α and soluble TNF receptors: a longitudinal study in patients treated with amitriptyline or paroxetine. Neuropsychopharmacology 23(1):13–19

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jalenques I, Tauveron I, Albuisson E, Audy V, Fleury-Duhamel N, Codert A (1996) Weight gain as a predictor of long-term clozapine efficiency. Clin Drug Invest 12:16–25

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kalra SP, Dube MG, Pu S, Xu B, Horvath TL, Kalra PS (1999) Interacting appetite-regulating pathways in the hypothalamic regulation of body weight. Endocrine Rev 20:68–100

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karsenty G (2001) Leptin controls bone formation through a hypothalamic relay. Recent Prog Horm Res 56:401–415

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Köpp W, Blum WF, von Prittwitz S, Ziegler A, Lubbert H, Emons G, Herzog W, Herpertz S, Deter HC, Remschmidt H, Hebebrand J (1997) Low leptin levels predict amenorrhea in underweight and eating disordered females. Mol Psychiat 2:335–340

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Köpp W, Blum WF, Ziegler A, Mathiak K, Lubbert H, Herpertz S, Deter HC, Hebebrand J (1998) Serum leptin and body weight in females with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Horm Metab Res 30:272–275

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kraepelin E (1901) Einführung in die psychiatrische klinik. Dreissig Vorlesungen. Barth Verlag, Leipzig

    Google Scholar 

  • Kraus T, Haack M, Schuld A, Hinze-Selch D, Kühn M, Uhr M, Pollmächer T (1999) Body weight and leptin plasma levels during treatment with antipsychotic drugs. Am J Psychiat 156:312–314

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kraus T, Haack M, Schuld A, Hinze-Selch D, Pollmächer T (2001) Low leptin levels but normal body mass indices in patients with depression or schizophrenia. Neuroendocrinology 73:243–247

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kraus T, Zimmermann U, Schuld A, Haack M, Hinze-Selch D, Pollmächer T (2001) Zur pathophysiologie der gewichtsregulation im rahmen der thérapie mit Psychopharmaka. Fortschritte der Neurologie-Psychiatrie 69:116–137

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kraus T, Haack M, Schuld A, Hinze-Selch D, Koethe D, Pollmächer T (2002) Body weight, the tumor necrosis factor system and leptin production during treatment with mirtazapine or venlafaxine. Pharmacopsychiatry, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lieberman JA (1999) Is schizophrenia a neurodegenerative disorder? A clinical and neurobiological perspective. Biol Psychiat 46:729–739

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maier W, Lichtermann D, Rietschel M, Held T, Falkai P, Wagner M, Schwab S (1999) [Genetics of schizophrenic disorders. New concepts and findings]. Nervenarzt 70:955–969

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Masuzaki H, Ogawa Y, Hosoda K, Miyawaki T, Hanaoka I, Hiraoka J, Yasuno A, Nishimura H, Yoshimasa Y, Nishi S, Nakao K (1997) Glucocorticoid regulation of leptin synthesis and secretion in humans: elevated plasma leptin levels in Cushing’s syndrome. J Clin Endocrin Metab 82:2542–2547

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meltzer HY, Lee MA, Ranjan R (1994) Recent advances in the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia. Acta Psychiatr Scand 384:95–101

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morimoto T, Yamamoto Y, Yamatodani A (2001) Brain histamine and feeding behavior. Behav Brain Res 124:145–150

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Newcomer JW, Selke G, Melson AK, Gross J, Vogler GP, Dagogo-Jack S (1998) Dose-dependent cortisol-induced increases in plasma leptin concentration in healthy humans. Arch Gen Psychiat 55:995–1000

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pickar D (1995) Prospects for pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia. Lancet 345:557–562

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pollmächer T (2002) Treatment of schizophrenia. In: Smelser NJ, Balters PB (eds) International Encyclopedia of the social and behavioral sciences. Pergamon, Kidlington, pp 13546–13552

    Google Scholar 

  • Rayner DV, Trayhurn P (2001) Regulation of leptin production: sympathetic nervous system interactions. J Mol Med 79:8–20

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schafroth U, Godang K, Ueland T, Bollerslev J (2001) Leptin response to endogenous acute stress is independent of pituitary function. Eur J Endocrinol 145:295–301

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shanley LJ, Irving AJ, Harvey J (2001) Leptin enhances NMDA receptor function and modulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity. J Neuroscience 21(24):RC186

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sinton CM, Fitch TE, Gershenfeld HK (1999) The effects of leptin on REM sleep and slow wave delta in rats are reversed by food deprivation. J Sleep Res 8:197–203

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Steppan CM, Swick AG (1999) A role for leptin in brain development. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 256:600–602

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wauters M, Considine RV, Van Gaal LF (2000) Human leptin: from an adipocyte hormone to an endocrine mediator. Eur J Endocrinol 143:293–311

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Proenca R, Maffei M, Barone M, Leopold L, Friedman JM (1994) Positional cloning of the mouse obese gene and its human homologue. Nature 372:425–432

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Krapelinstrasse 10, D-80804, Munich, Germany

    T. Pollmächer

Authors
  1. T. Pollmächer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institut Necker, 156, rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France

    Claude Kordon

  2. Division of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK

    Iain Robinson

  3. Service Endocrinologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor — INSERM U.99, 51, Av Mal Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Creteil

    Jacques Hanoune

  4. INSERM U.394, Rue Camille Saint Säens, 33077, Bordeaux Cedex

    Robert Dantzer

  5. Fondation IPSEN, Pour la Recherche Thérapeutique, 24, rue Erlanger, 75781, Paris Cedex 16, France

    Yves Christen Ph. D.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2002 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Pollmächer, T. (2002). An Emerging Role of Leptin in Clinical Psychiatry. In: Kordon, C., Robinson, I., Hanoune, J., Dantzer, R., Christen, Y. (eds) Brain Somatic Cross-Talk and the Central Control of Metabolism. Research and Perspectives in Endocrine Interactions. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-18999-9_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-18999-9_11

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-62400-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-18999-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation