Kasacka I, et al. - In this investigation, researchers compared the distribution and expression of leptin in the stomach between healthy men and women and their serum level. Nineteen subjects were recruited with normal histology of the gastric mucosa. By immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR method, gastric mucosa leptin content and leptin gene expression were determined. Using ELISA method, plasma leptin level was measured. In women, serum leptin level was higher than in men, and in both sexes it was found to correlate positively with BMI and weight. In women, but not in men, there was a negative correlation between leptin level and age. The current study is the first to provide evidence in all segments of the human stomach for the presence of leptin-containing cells. The differences between men and women in gastric leptin biosynthesis and serum leptin levels suggest that sex hormones or other unknown factors can control leptin secretion.