Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating infants, children or adults suffering from pulmonary distress caused by low or insufficient production of surfactant. It is particularly suitable for treating premature infants suffering from Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The method comprises administering a leptin compound to an individual with impaired surfactant production for a time and in an amount sufficient to enhance surfactant production. The method may be used for treatment of any mammal with impaired lung surfactant production.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating infants, children or adults suffering from pulmonary distress caused by low or insufficient production of surfactant. It is particularly suitable for treating premature infants suffering from Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The method comprises administering a leptin compound to an individual with impaired surfactant production for a time and in an amount sufficient to enhance surfactant production. The method may be used for treatment of any mammal with impaired lung surfactant production.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient that has inadequate intestinal function is described. Administering leptin to a subject increases the intestinal function beyond that for a normal intestine and beyond that of a normal adaptive response. Further, administering leptin to a subject results in an increase in amino acid absorption, sugar absorption, mucosal mass, transport mechanisms for amino acids, or transport mechanisms for sugars. The method may be used for treating subjects have conditions such as short bowel syndrome, inflammation of the bowel, necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal atresia, midgut volvulus, severe acute gastroenteritis, chronic gastroenteritis, cholera, chronic infections of the bowel, immunologic disorders affecting the small intestine, and inflammatory bowel disease such as, chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease.