LEAP2 in Physiology—A Narrative Review

Liver Enriched Antimicrobial Peptide 2 (LEAP2) is a fascinating peptide that has gained significant attention since its discovery in 2003. Initially identified as an antimicrobial peptide, LEAP2 has more recently been found to play a key role in the regulation of energy metabolism. One of the most notable functions of LEAP2 is its interaction with the ghrelin hormone, which is known for stimulating hunger. LEAP2 acts as an inhibitor of ghrelin, thereby reducing food intake and influencing energy balance. The physiological roles of LEAP2 extend beyond appetite suppression. Studies have shown that LEAP2 has an impact on insulin secretion, suggesting its potential involvement in glucose metabolism and possibly insulin sensitivity, which is crucial in managing conditions like type 2 diabetes. Moreover, LEAP2 levels appear to fluctuate based on factors such as gender, developmental stage, and even interventions like bariatric surgery, which is known for its role in managing obesity and diabetes. Given these findings, LEAP2 shows potential as a therapeutic target, particularly for addressing obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Its ability to influence food intake and energy balance makes it a promising candidate for further research into therapies aimed at weight regulation and glycemic control. In the future, LEAP2 could become an important agent in the development of treatments aimed at curbing obesity and its associated metabolic disorders.