The Mantzoros group utilizes genomics-bioinformatics, molecular biology and human investigation tools to discover and study novel molecules, especially adipokines, important in the pathogenesis of diabetes, obesity and associated disease states. The Mantzoros group was the first to complete…
more pharmacokinetic studies of leptin in humans. They were also the first to conclusively demonstrate, utilizing "proof of concept" studies involving leptin administration, the role of leptin in regulating the neuroendocrine response to energy deprivation in humans. They subsequently demonstrated for the first time that low leptin levels are intimately linked with neuroendocrine abnormalities observed in hypothalamic amenorrhea and anorexia nervosa. Further, they demonstrated that administration of leptin, in replacement doses, corrects the neuroendocrine and reproductive abnormalities and improves markers of bone density in strenuously exercising women athletes with hypothalamic amenorrhea. Currently, the group explores further the role of this hormone in the physiology and pathophysiology of disease states such as obesity, HIV lipoatrophy and eating disorders. Studies on physiological determinants of adiponectin have led us to perform the first case-control and prospective cohort studies demonstrating that adiponectin may be a missing link between obesity/insulin resistance and common malignancies associated with obesity, including endometrial, breast, prostate, renal, and colon cancers. Ongoing studies investigate the underlying mechanisms and explore the potential role of adiponectin as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent in these conditions. This work, funded by the NIH, the ADA, HMS, Foundations and Industry, has resulted in more than 180 publications in medline, 70 reviews/chapters in textbooks, 7500 citations and prestigious awards at National/International meetings.
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