Gastric leptin

The recent discovery of gastric leptin has initiated several investigations on the possible role of leptin in digestive physiology. The following clue s are currently suggested: leptin might control meal size in cooperation wi th 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 pep tides. The present review is a brief survey of the most significant advance s in these issues. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.