Springer Leptin and Reproduction

The isolation of leptin in 1994 and its characterization as a factor influencing appetite, energy balance, and adiposity, immediately thrust the polypeptide into the rapidly growing body of literature centered on the physiology of obesity. The growing clinical awareness of obesity as a major health risk in developed societies dovetailed perfectly with any of a number of roles that leptin might play in this abenant physiological condition. Almost unnoticed amidst the excitement generated by early leptin publications was the suggestion that the "fat hormone" might also regulate a wide range of systems and events important to reproduction, including pubertal development, gonadal endocrinology, fettility, and pregnancy. Recognizing this potential, a relatively small cadre of researchers began to examine leptin specifically as a reproductive hormone, thus creating a new and fertile field of investigation. Interest in this area has since gained momentum and an increased number of participants have now made significant contributions to our understanding of many leptin-related mechanisms that are relevant to reproductive biology. Leptin and Reproduction is the first major volume to specifically address leptin as a reproductive hormone and closely examines the advances made in the short time since this field of interest developed. Preeminent researchers ti'om many of the subdisciplines working within this area present a welcomed compendium of the wealth of related literature and voice novel interpretations of cun'ent advances. Review "...this treatise serves as an essential reference which compiles in a single volume, the multiple effects of leptin." (Virendra B. Mahesh, Ph.D., D.Phil., Medical College of Georgia, Augusta) "This is a wonderful, timely and comprehensive volume. It provides source material and references for the new investigator to this area, provides challenges and provokes new thoughts and ideas to the established investigator, and it clearly takes forward the role of leptin as being much more than just an appetite hormone, but a critical regulator of physiologic functions. I congratulate all the authors, and the editors on this superb volume." (John R.G. Challis, D.Sc., F.R.S.C., University of Toronto, Canada) "This book is an extremely useful resource for summarizing an important and rapidly growing field. It covers a broad range of topics related to leptin and reproduction, including major sections devoted to general reproductive function, puberty, pregnancy and genetics. The final section, Clinical Challenges, includes discussion of the potential roles of leptin in pre-eclampsia, hypothalamic amenorrhea, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.[...] The editors are leaders in this field and have made an obvious effort to present each chapter in a consistent style and layout, with appropriate and sufficient use of real data and, in some cases, images. [...] Leptin and Reproduction is encompassing and analytical, and a valuable resource for anyone studying the importance of leptin in reproduction." (Laura C. Schulz and Eric P. Widmaier, Dept. of Biology, Boston University, MA)