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Restoration of fertility in young obese (Lepob Lepob) male mice with low dose recombinant mouse leptin treatment

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of low-dose leptin treatment on restoration of fertility in young adult male leptin deficient obese mice.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND RESULTS: MMTV-TGF-α Lepob Lepob mice (8–10 weeks old) were treated with recombinant mouse leptin. In experiment 1, four mice (5 µg/g body weight leptin followed by 2.5 µg/g) lost weight and impregnated females (number of pregnancies/number of females, 3/6, 5/6, 5/10, 4/10). In experiment 2, Leptin-Obese (2.5 µg/g) and Control-Lean mice weighed significantly less than Control-Obese mice. Epididymal pad weights of Control-Obese mice were the heaviest, followed by those of Leptin-Obese mice, and Control-Lean mice were the lightest. Testes weight was greater in Control-Lean vs Control-Obese mice. Leptin-Obese mice had testes weight not significantly different from either control group. Four of five Leptin-Obese mice impregnated females (4/10, 5/10, 2/10, 5/12, 0/10).

CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that low-dosage mouse recombinant leptin treatment restored fertility to young Lepob Lepob male mice. Although body weights of Leptin-Obese mice were similar to those of lean age-matched mice, epididymal fat pad weights were heavier.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by grant award DAMD17-97-1-7055 and funds from the Hormel Foundation.

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Correspondence to MP Cleary.

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Cleary, M., Bergstrom, H., Dodge, T. et al. Restoration of fertility in young obese (Lepob Lepob) male mice with low dose recombinant mouse leptin treatment. Int J Obes 25, 95–97 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801525

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