Leptin-1 is a peptide derived from the N-terminal of human leptin, which can improve glucose metabolism by increasing glucose uptake and GLUT4 expression, and its translocation to the plasma membrane. Leptin-1 induced glucose uptake is mediated through activation of AMPK, PI3K, and AKT, and exerts its metabolic effect through the activation of JAK2, an important downstream target of the leptin receptor. Leptin-1 increases mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP production, and increases expression of PGC1 alpha, NRF1, and Tfam proteins. In a diabetic mouse model, leptin-1 significantly decreases blood glucose level and improves glucose tolerance.
