an antiobesity hormone that decreases food intake through

its hypothalamic receptor. It also regulates bone growth and

immune function (Cock, 2003; La Cava, 2004). In the placenta,
leptin also is synthesized by both cytotrophoblast and
syncytiotrophoblast (Henson, 2002). Relative contributions
of leptin from maternal adipose tissue versus placenta are currently
not well defined. Maternal serum levels are significantly
higher than those in nonpregnant women. Fetal leptin levels
correlate positively with birthweight and likely play an important
function in fetal development and growth. Studies suggest
that leptin inhibits apoptosis and promotes