Abstract
It is well known that adipokines are endocrine factors that are mainly secreted by white adipose tissue. Their central role in energy metabolism is currently accepted. More recently, their involvement in fertility regulation and the development of some reproductive disorders has been suggested. Data concerning the role of leptin and adiponectin, the two most studied adipokines, in the control of the reproductive axis are consistent. In recent years, interest has grown about some novel adipokines, chemerin, visfatin, resistin and apelin, which have been found to be strongly associated with obesity and insulin-resistance. Here, we will review their expression and role in male and female reproduction in humans and animal models. According to accumulating evidence, they could regulate the secretion of GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone), gonadotropins and steroids. Furthermore, their expression and that of their receptors (if known), has been demonstrated in the human and animal hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. Like leptin and adiponectin, these novel adipokines could thus represent metabolic sensors that are able to regulate reproductive functions according to energy balance changes. Therefore, after investigating their role in normal fertility, we will also discuss their possible involvement in some reproductive troubles known to be associated with features of metabolic syndrome, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation in women, and sperm abnormalities and testicular pathologies in men.
Highlights
Nowadays, it is well known that there is a close link between metabolism and reproductive function [1,2]
Here we focused on four novel adipokines named chemerin, visfatin, resistin and apelin that have been identified and recognised as important regulators of energy metabolism [15,16,17,18]
We will discuss the structure of these adipokines and their roles in the male and female reproductive tract in human and animal models, with a discussion of their involvement in several female and male reproductive pathologies including polycystic ovary syndrome and gestational diseases and sperm abnormalities and testicular pathologies, respectively
Summary
It is well known that there is a close link between metabolism and reproductive function [1,2]. Adipose tissue is considered as an endocrine organ that could influence fertility through the hormonal secretion of adipokines, which are cytokines involved in various physiological processes [3,4,5]. Those biologically active proteins are considered the main regulators of whole body energy homeostasis [3,6,7,8]. We will discuss the structure of these adipokines and their roles in the male and female reproductive tract in human and animal models, with a discussion of their involvement in several female and male reproductive pathologies including polycystic ovary syndrome and gestational diseases (gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation) and sperm abnormalities and testicular pathologies, respectively
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