Methods of regulating angiogenesis, ischemic injury and/or wound healing
by modulating the activity of leptin, particularly as mediated by the
leptin receptor, and/or the interaction between leptin and the leptin
receptor. Correspondingly, these methods can also be used to treat
diseases mediated by angiogenesis, including wound healing, tumors and
tumor metastasis, diabetic microangiopathy, retinal neovascularization,
neovascularization of adipose tissue and fat metabolism,
revascularization of necrotic tissue, enhancement or vascularization in
microvascular transplants, and ovarian follicle maturation. Assays for
identifying agents that modulate leptin and/or leptin receptor-mediated
angiogenesis and/or wound healing and their use in treating
angiogenesis-mediated diseases or conditions involving wound healing are
also disclosed.