Abstract
Adiponectin is the most abundant plasma adipokine. It mainly derives from white adipose tissue and plays a key role in the control of energy metabolism thanks to its insulin-sensitising, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic properties. In vitro and in vivo evidence shows that adiponectin could also be one of the hormones controlling the interaction between energy balance and fertility in several species, including humans. Indeed, its two receptors—AdipoR1 and AdipoR2—are expressed in hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and their activation regulates Kiss, GnRH and gonadotropin expression and/or secretion. In male gonads, adiponectin modulates several functions of both somatic and germ cells, such as steroidogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. In females, it controls steroidogenesis of ovarian granulosa and theca cells, oocyte maturation, and embryo development. Adiponectin receptors were also found in placental and endometrial cells, suggesting that this adipokine might play a crucial role in embryo implantation, trophoblast invasion and foetal growth. The aim of this review is to characterise adiponectin expression and its mechanism of action in male and female reproductive tract. Further, since features of metabolic syndrome are associated with some reproductive diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, endometriosis, foetal growth restriction and ovarian and endometrial cancers, evidence regarding the emerging role of adiponectin in these disorders is also discussed.
Highlights
It is well known that white adipose tissue is no longer the main storage compartment of triglycerides but it is a real endocrine organ releasing a number of biologically active proteins, known as adipokines [1]
We will discuss the structure of adiponectin and its physiological role in the male and female reproductive tract, with a predominant emphasis on its role in several human reproductive diseases including polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus, foetal growth restriction, ovarian and endometrial cancer, endometriosis and preeclampsia
No significant effects of adiponectin were observed on bovine in vitro maturation (IVM), cleavage and blastocyst formation rates [84] (Figure 4A). These results indicate that species differences may exist with regard to the specific oocyte response to adiponectin
Summary
It is well known that white adipose tissue is no longer the main storage compartment of triglycerides but it is a real endocrine organ releasing a number of biologically active proteins, known as adipokines [1]. Adipokines are considered as main regulators of the whole body energy homeostasis. One of these adipokines, named adiponectin, is recognised to play a major role in regulation of the insulin sensitivity and the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. We will discuss the structure of adiponectin and its physiological role in the male and female reproductive tract, with a predominant emphasis on its role in several human reproductive diseases including polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus, foetal growth restriction, ovarian and endometrial cancer, endometriosis and preeclampsia
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