Leptin Influence in Craving and Relapse of Alcoholics and Smokers

Abstract

Leptin inhibits signaling of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, suggesting its role in regulating stress and its possible involvement in the neurobiology of reward system. The aim of this study was to review of the literature on the influence of leptin in the craving for alcohol and tobacco and whether there is already evidence that leptin may be a biomarker to indicate risk for craving and relapse. The review used as data bases Medline, LILACS and SciElo in the period between 2000 and 2012. Keywords were leptin, substance use disorders, craving and withdrawal, in Portuguese and English. Only 12 articles were met the inclusion criteria, relating leptin with craving in alcoholics (n = 10) and smokers (n = 2). No studies were found in the LILACS database. Leptin levels increase during abstinence and this may be related to a reduction of dopaminergic action in mesolimbic system, resulting in a greater intensity of craving and maintenance of addictive behavior. Although there are few studies, the most recent results indicate the usefulness of leptin as a marker of risk for relapse among smokers and alcoholics in abstinence.

The impact of leptin on perinatal development and psychopathology

“…Leptin action causes presynaptic inhibition of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area, which modulate reward-seeking behavior found in food consumption and addiction (Thompson and Borgland, 2013). Circulating leptin levels increase during withdrawal from alcohol, which may act on dopamine to enhance cravings (Aguiar-Nemer et al , 2013). Moreover, enhanced activity of the mesolimbic dopamine system has been implicated in schizophrenia and a number of other psychiatric disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).…”

Influence of the leptin and cortisol levels on craving and smoking cessation

“…The most of studies evaluating the effect of serum leptin and craving was conducted with alcoholics (Kiefer et al, 2001;Wrust et al, 2003;Kraus et al, 2004;Toffolo et al, 2012;Aguiar-Nemer et al, 2013). Among smokers, there are only three studies that evaluated a possible effect of serum leptin in the sensation of craving for tobacco (von der Goltz et al, 2010;al 'Absi et al, 2011;Potretzke et al, 2014).…”

Peptide YY and ghrelin predict craving and risk for relapse in abstinent smokers

“…Craving cigarettes, particularly cue-induced cravings, is a strong motivation for relapse (Ferguson and Shiffman 2009). Appetite hormones have been implicated in craving, relapse, and the reward properties of addictive drugs (Lee, Joe et al 2006; Leggio, Ferrulli et al 2012; Aguiar-Nemer, Toffolo et al 2013). While leptin has been extensively studied and linked to the rewarding effects of nicotine (Aguiar-Nemer, Toffolo et al 2013) other appetite hormones have received relatively less attention.…”

“…Appetite hormones have been implicated in craving, relapse, and the reward properties of addictive drugs (Lee, Joe et al 2006; Leggio, Ferrulli et al 2012; Aguiar-Nemer, Toffolo et al 2013). While leptin has been extensively studied and linked to the rewarding effects of nicotine (Aguiar-Nemer, Toffolo et al 2013) other appetite hormones have received relatively less attention. Ghrelin and PYY are additional appetite hormones that may be involved in regulating the rewarding effects of drug use (Hillemacher, 2011; Malik, McGlone, Bedrossian, & Dagher, 2008; Schloegl, Percik, Horstmann, Villringer, & Stumvoll, 2011).…”