LEPTIN'S ROLE IN PAIN IN FEMALES: EXPLORING LEPTIN IN A MOUSE MODEL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Abstract

Leptin, a hormone secreted by adipose tissue, is known for its relationship to energy homeostasis, metabolism, and obesity. However, leptin also has a pro-inflammatory role, and recently emerging research points to leptin as a contributor to pain. Chronic pain conditions have been the topic of studies for many years now, and it is well known that females are disproportionately impacted by these ailments. However, it is not fully understood why females are more likely to be affected by these chronic pain conditions. Due to estrogen, leptin levels are higher in women. Given that leptin is also potentially related to pain, introductory research studies have begun to explore the importance of leptin signaling in female pain specifically. Recent research has begun to explore the role of leptin in the disease endometriosis, which occurs in women and results in frequent, severe pain. Because leptin signaling participates in pain perception, a model of endometriosis serves as a useful study to understand the mechanism of female pain. This study explores the influence of leptin in the pain associated with endometriosis. This study is the foundation of experimental studies to determine the difference of leptin levels in endometriosis mouse models, paving the way for future studies to determine the potential relationship between increased leptin levels and pain in endometriosis and other chronic pain states impacting females.