Leptin’s and antigen-presenting cells’ functions in periodontitis – an overview / Leptin e as funções das células que apresentam antigénios na periodontite - uma visão geral

Abstract

Leptin is a hormone synthesized predominantly by white adipose tissue. Its production levels are directly proportional to the total mass of this tissue in an individual’s body. Apart from its classic role in the regulation of hunger and satiety, it also plays an important part in scenarios involving innate and adaptive immune responses. It has been discovered that leptin levels are altered in a variety of inflammatory responses, such as periodontitis, a condition which derives from a persistent inflammatory immune response from a host facing bacterial infection. The initial trigger for this reaction is the recognition of the pathogens by antigen presenting cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, whose actions can be influenced by leptin. This review aims to present the relationship between leptin, dendritic cells and macrophages in the context of periodontal disease. Thus, we have assembled the most important findings related to leptin’s role in the modulation of the immune response carried out by these cells in periodontitis