Leptin

Hormone/ Element

Report in 192Hrs

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No Fasting Required

Details

Hormone regulating appetite.

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Leptin Test Information Guide

Why is it done?
- Measures leptin hormone levels produced by adipose (fat) tissue to assess body fat stores, appetite regulation, and metabolic function
- Evaluates obesity and weight management issues to determine if leptin resistance is contributing to weight gain
- Investigates unexplained weight loss or failure to thrive in children
- Assesses metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome
- Evaluates hypogonadism, delayed puberty, or reproductive disorders that may be linked to low leptin
- Monitors patients with eating disorders, malnutrition, or lipodystrophy
- Investigates immune dysfunction or recurrent infections associated with leptin abnormalities
Normal Range
- Units of Measurement: ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) or μIU/mL (microinternational units per milliliter)
- Normal Range (Adults): 2.0 - 5.9 ng/mL for fasting leptin levels (Reference ranges vary by laboratory and may differ based on sex, BMI, and age)
- Sex Differences: Women typically have higher leptin levels than men at similar body weight due to hormonal differences
- Low Leptin Levels: < 2.0 ng/mL may indicate inadequate fat stores, malnutrition, severe caloric restriction, or rare congenital leptin deficiency
- High Leptin Levels: > 5.9 ng/mL typically correlates with obesity, increased body fat mass, or leptin resistance
Interpretation
- Elevated Leptin with Obesity: Suggests leptin resistance where the body produces adequate leptin but cells do not respond appropriately. Associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk.
- Low Leptin Levels: May indicate insufficient fat stores, malnutrition, anorexia nervosa, hypothalamic dysfunction, or congenital leptin deficiency. Can result in increased appetite, reproductive dysfunction, and immune impairment.
- Leptin Resistance: Characterized by high leptin levels with continued weight gain despite elevated hormone signaling. Often accompanied by elevated triglycerides and hypertension.
- Factors Affecting Results: Body composition and fat mass, sex and estrogen levels, insulin levels, inflammation markers (TNF-α, IL-6), medications (corticosteroids, antipsychotics), acute illness, age, and recent caloric intake
- Diurnal Variation: Leptin levels fluctuate throughout the day with peaks typically occurring at night. Fasting morning samples are preferred for consistency.
- Clinical Significance: Leptin serves as a biomarker for body energy stores and metabolic function. Abnormal levels correlate with weight disorders, reproductive dysfunction, immune compromise, and metabolic disease progression.
Associated Organs
- Primary Organs Involved: Adipose tissue (primary source), hypothalamus (central energy sensor), pancreas (insulin regulation), reproductive organs, immune system (lymphocytes and macrophages)
- Associated Conditions with Abnormal Leptin:
  - Obesity and metabolic syndrome
  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance
  - Hypertension and cardiovascular disease
  - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and reproductive dysfunction
  - Hypogonadism and delayed puberty
  - Anorexia nervosa and severe malnutrition
  - Congenital leptin deficiency (rare genetic disorder)
  - Lipodystrophy (congenital or acquired fat loss disorders)
  - Chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions
  - Immunodeficiency and increased infection risk
- Potential Complications: Leptin resistance can accelerate metabolic dysfunction and weight gain; low leptin impairs fertility and immune function; chronic abnormal leptin levels increase risk for cardiovascular events, stroke, and type 2 diabetes progression
Follow-up Tests
- Recommended Follow-up Testing:
  - Fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1C for diabetes screening
  - Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR index to assess insulin resistance
  - Lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
  - High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) for inflammation assessment
  - Adiponectin measurement (complementary adipokine assessment)
  - Thyroid function tests (TSH, free T4) to rule out thyroid dysfunction
  - Reproductive hormone panel (LH, FSH, testosterone) if reproductive dysfunction suspected
  - Growth hormone and IGF-1 assessment in children with growth abnormalities
  - Immune function markers (T-cell counts) if immunodeficiency suspected
  - Genetic testing for LEPR or LEPT mutations if congenital leptin disorder suspected
- Imaging Studies: DEXA scan for body composition analysis; abdominal ultrasound to assess fatty liver disease if metabolic syndrome present
- Monitoring Frequency: Annual testing for patients with obesity or metabolic syndrome; every 6 months for those undergoing weight loss interventions; every 3-6 months for patients with metabolic disease complications; more frequently for children with growth abnormalities or congenital disorders
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Status: YES - Fasting is required for accurate leptin measurement
- Fasting Duration: 8-12 hours of fasting prior to blood draw. Fasting overnight is ideal (nothing after midnight, blood draw in early morning).
- Dietary Instructions: No solid food, no beverages containing calories, and no sugar. Water is allowed.
- Medications: Continue regular medications with water unless specifically instructed otherwise by physician. Avoid corticosteroids within 24 hours if possible as they affect leptin levels.
- Timing Considerations: Early morning sampling (7-9 AM) is preferred to minimize diurnal variation. Leptin has pronounced circadian rhythm with higher levels at night and lower levels in early morning.
- Pre-Test Preparation: Get adequate sleep the night before (poor sleep affects leptin). Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours prior to testing. Remain calm and seated for 5 minutes before blood draw. Avoid caffeine 2 hours before collection.

How our test process works!