Expression analysis of leptin in nephrogenesis and renal carcinogenesis

The complex phenomenon of renal development involves several signaling molecules. Any alteration in the developmental process could largely influence the organogenesis, thus predisposing to several adulthood diseases. Leptin is a pleiotropic gene secreted by adipose cells. However, the purview of its actions is much beyond merely the extent of human adipose reserve. It regulates several cellular mechanisms such as cell proliferation, inflammation, vasculogenesis, and the production of collagen fibres. Further leptins are thought to play a putative role in embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. The aim of thIS study was to investigate the localization of the protein in fetal and cancer kidney in an attempt to understand the role of the protein in fetal kidney development and in renal cancer. Leptin expression was evaluated by subjecting tissue sections from paraffin-embedded blocks of renal tissues (fetal, adult and cancer) to immunohistochemistry staining. The tissues were scored based on the staining pattern and percentage of immunoreactive cells. The tissues were subjected to haematoxylin and eosin stain before performing immunohistochemistry. The images were analyzed and photographed. Mild staining for leptin was observed in the tubules of fetal and adult kidneys. Mild to moderate staining was seen in membranes of renal cell carcinoma tissues. It appears such that leptin may not be a key factor or rather a temporary factor in the developmental process of the kidney. The low levels of leptin in normal adult renal tissues may be physiologically significant. The role of leptin in the renal cell carcinoma progression is sceptible.