The Complex Role of Leptin in SLE: Is Leptin A Key Link between Metabolic Syndrome, Accelerated Atherosclerosis and Autoimmunity?

Adipokines discovery opened a new research field that investigates the interface and the relationship between immune response, nutrition, and metabolism. Leptin is the first adipokine discovered and exerts a wide spectrum of biologic function such as control of food intake and energy expenditure, modulation of insulin sensitivity, regulation of neuro-endocrine system and activation of immunity. Leptin involvement is described in many autoimmune diseases. In SLE, leptin seems playing a complex role, linking metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and autoimmune disease activity.