Atherosclerosis
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Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that has been shown to exert both beneficial metabolic effects and potentially adverse vascular effects in preclinical studies. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effects of leptin receptor signaling pathways on atherosclerosis in the setting of obesity and hyperlipidemia. ⋯ In a mouse model of obesity and hyperlipidemia, leptin receptor-mediated STAT3-independent signaling pathways confer protection against atherosclerosis. These differences occur independently of leptin effects on energy balance.