The recent discovery of gastric leptin has initiated several investigations on the possible role of leptin in digestive physiology. The following clues are currently suggested: leptin might control meal size in cooperation with Cholecystokinin, help cytoprotection of the gastric mucosa, play a role in gut inflammatory processes, regulate secretion of gastric hormones such as gastrin and somatostatin, and modulate intestinal transport of small peptides. The present review is a brief survey of the most significant advances in these issues.
Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.