Energy Sensors in Female and Male Reproduction and Fertility.

Abstract

In mammals and birds, the reproductive system is very sensitive to states of energy deficit. For example, chronic food restriction in prepubertal female rats prevents the normal onset of puberty [1]. In chickens, food restriction decreases body weight, the numbers of yellow preovulatory follicles, and the proportion of atretic yellow follicles and increases the age at onset of lay [2]. In pigs, a negative energy balance and a decrease in body fat result in a reduction in litter size and viability of piglets [3]. In sheep, it is well known that an increase in availability of energy substrates is associated with an increase in prolificacy [4]. Furthermore in human, both clinical and experimental studies reveal the negative consequences of obesity on male and female reproductive function [5]. Obese women also have higher rates of many complications in pregnancy, including gestational diabetes and rates of cesarean delivery [6]. Although the clinical impact of obesity on male and female infertility has been well described, the mechanisms involved that could lead to effective treatment are still being elucidated. The hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis is central to the reproductive system. Pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) released from the hypothalamus stimulates the secretion of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary. In females, FSH promotes follicle maturation and LH regulates ovulation whereas in males, FSH is mainly involved in spermatogenesis and LH stimulates the synthesis and the secretion of testosterone by the testis. Compelling evidence indicates that common regulatory signals involving energy sensors are implicated in the integrated control of energy balance and reproduction. At the whole animal level, energy sensors play a crucial role to indicate whether energy reserves are abundant (obesity) or poor (in case of food restriction and sports training). These energy sensors can be hormones, kinases, or nutrients. Some fertility disorders related to abnormal metabolism have highlighted the importance of the role of hormones produced by white adipose tissue (adipokines) in the regulation of mechanisms involved in human and animal reproductive functions [7]. It is well known that white adipose tissue provides energy in the form of fatty acids and glycerol to other organs, especially when dietary intake does not meet requirements. However, adipokines produced by white adipose tissue play an important role in the regulation of the reproductive axis [8]. The most studied and described adipokine in the literature is leptin [9]. For example, leptin has been proved to cooperate with other regulatory signals such as ghrelin (the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone (GH)) in the integrated control of energy balance and reproduction [10]. The major involvement of leptin in the regulation of food intake, adiposity, insulin sensitivity, and reproduction has paved the way for the discovery of new adipokines such as adiponectin, visfatin, chemerin, and apelin [11]. Deregulation of plasma levels of these adipokines has been linked to the onset of pathologies such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes (type 2 or gestational), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [12–15]. Furthermore, the removal of adipose tissue has been demonstrated in mice to inhibit reproductive functions [20]. Thus, an adequate amount and distribution of white adipose tissue may be essential for the completion of normal gametogenesis and fertility. Given the tight link between energy metabolism and reproduction, in this special issue, we propose to discuss the role of some energy sensors such as adipokines on the fertility in different species including mammals and birds. Birds have some metabolic and reproductive peculiarities interesting to study the relationship between adipokines, metabolism, and reproduction. This special issue includes one novel research article and 4 reviews summarized as follows: