Leptin increases proliferation of human steosarcoma cells through activation of PI(3)-K and MAPK pathways.

Background: Serum leptin levels are strongly and directly related to fat body mass (FBM). Bone mineral density (BMD) increases with FBM, and obesity has a protective effect against osteoporosis. We have previously demonstrated that leptin therapy has a significant effect in preventing ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats and leptin also exerts direct osteogenic effects in vitro.