Adipose-derived metabolic hormone
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High-quality testing run in a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited lab in Santa Clara, California.
About Leptin
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About Leptin
Overview and History
Leptin is a small peptide hormone produced primarily by adipocytes and belongs to the cytokine-like class of metabolic signals. First characterized in the 1990s, it is part of the hormonal network that links nutrient status and body fat to central nervous system and peripheral organ responses.
Biologically, leptin binds hypothalamic and peripheral receptors to influence appetite, energy expenditure, reproductive signaling, sympathetic activity, and immune cell behavior. Its effects extend beyond hunger regulation, including modulation of inflammatory mediators and vascular function, making it an integrative marker of metabolic–inflammatory status.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Elevated leptin levels are most commonly seen alongside greater adipose mass and may reflect reduced sensitivity to leptin’s signaling (often called leptin resistance); elevated values are also associated with markers of inflammation and altered vascular or sympathetic activity. Low leptin levels typically indicate reduced energy stores or prolonged caloric deficit and can be linked with lower metabolic drive and altered reproductive hormone signaling. Any single leptin result gains meaning when interpreted with the Cardio Zoomer panel—lipids, glucose/insulin markers, inflammatory and endothelial measures, and genetic context all help clarify whether a leptin value represents adaptive physiology, resistance, or a broader cardiometabolic pattern.
Featured Test
Cardio Zoomer includes leptin to capture adipose-derived metabolic signaling that ties body-fat biology to inflammation, vascular function, and metabolic stress. As part of an integrated panel, leptin helps clinicians discern whether adipose signaling is contributing to cardiometabolic patterns and refines personalization of risk assessment and follow-up testing.
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The gold standard of accuracy in the lab industry
Our tests run on a proprietary 3Dense microchip technology platform that boasts unrivaled specificity and sensitivity. While most other labs carry only CLIA certification, we're CAP-accredited by the College of American Pathologists.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
