The early (intrauterine and neonatal) life environment plays an important role in
programming the susceptibility in later life to chronic degenerative diseases, such as
obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer and osteoporosis. Among other
hormones, leptin plays a major role in the regulation of the overall metabolism and has
multiple neuroendocrine (adeno-and neuro-hypophysis axes and the hypothalamus–
pituitary–adrenal axis) and immune functions. The hormone exerts its actions beginning in …