E. Raynaud et al., Serum leptin is associated with the perception of palatability during a standardized high-carbohydrate breakfast test, CLIN SCI, 96(4), 1999, pp. 343-348
Leptin is an adipocyte-derived signalling molecule which plays a key role i
n the regulation of body weight and energy expenditure. Since its involveme
nt in human eating behaviour is still poorly understood, we investigated wh
ether the perception of palatability of food was related to fasting serum l
eptin levels. Twenty-six non-diabetic subjects, six men and twenty women of
widely ranging age and body mass index, performed a standardized high-carb
ohydrate breakfast test. Palatability was evaluated with a visual analogue
scale, body composition by bioelectrical impedance, serum leptin and plasma
insulin by radioimmunoassay. Palatability was correlated to fasting serum
leptin levels independently of body mass index, body fat mass and percentag
e of body fat (P < 0.01). No significant relation was observed with peaks o
f insulinaemia, integrated concentrations of insulin or insulin resistance
indices. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that serum leptin gave th
e strongest predictive association with palatability. These results suggest
that the leptin system may be involved in the regulation of human eating b
ehaviour in relation to the perception of palatability of food.