[Leptin and beta-blockers in bone metabolism].

It has been shown that leptin, initially discovered as an anorexigenic hormone, exerts various biological effects. We demonstrated that leptin negatively regulates bone formation via the neuronal network composed of central nervous system and sympathetic nervous system. Administration of beta-blockers in mice led to an increase in bone mass. Moreover, recent report showing that beta-blockers reduce the risk of fracture suggests their therapeutic application for osteoporosis.