The Adipokines in Domestic Animal Reproduction: Expression and Role in the Regulation of Ovarian Function

Abstract

Currently, it is clear that female reproduction is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitaryovary axis, which produces many hormones that control reproductive stages. It is therefore important to have knowledge of new regulators/hormones controlling reproduction in domestic animals. In female animals, energy metabolism and fertility are tightly connected, and reciprocally regulated. The adipose tissue is well known to be implicated in the secretion of several hormones, such as the adiponectin, resistin, chemerin, visfatin, vaspin and apelin, the so-called adipokines or "adipose tissue-derived hormones". Many reports indicate that adipokines regulate the ovarian follicles' development, the onset of puberty and/or ovulation. This chapter summarizes that several adipokines are expressed in the ovary and that they can regulate ovarian physiology such as the steroid hormone production, cell proliferation, apoptosis and oocyte maturation in different domestic animals like pigs, cows, goats, ewes, chickens and turkeys.

Adipokines as biomarkers of postpartum subclinical endometritis in dairy cows

“…The adipose tissue serves not only as a depot for lipid storage but also as an endocrine gland that secretes many mediators generally named adipokines ( Reverchon et al 2014 ), including hormone-like mediators as adiponectin, chemerin and visfatin ( Kurowska et al 2018 ). Although adipokines are mainly produced by adipocytes and immune cells found in the stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue, different cell types outside adipose tissue depots have also been described as primary sources of these mediators ( Mancuso 2016 , Kurowska et al 2018 ). Among other functions, adipokines regulate energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, angiogenesis, reproductive function, immunity and inflammation ( Reverchon et al 2014 , Mancuso 2016 ).…”

“…Chemerin, also known as tazarotene-induced gene 2 protein or retinoic acid receptor responder protein 2 (RARRES2), is a proinflammatory adipokine produced by both adipose tissue and liver ( Zabel et al 2014 ). It is secreted as the inactive precursor prochemerin, which becomes active following cleavage at the C-terminus by extracellular proteases ( Mattern et al 2014 ) and contributes to the regulation of adipogenesis, insulin secretion and the inflammatory process ( Kurowska et al 2018 ). In the latter, RARRES2 works as a chemoattractant for monocytes and dendritic cells ( Mancuso 2016 ), and its blood concentrations correlate with those of TNFα, IL-6 and C-reactive protein ( Rourke et al 2013 ).…”

Expression dynamics of adipokines during induced ovulation in the bovine follicles and early corpus luteum

“…(2011). Research in this field aims to better understand the intricate interactions among these components and how they contribute to the regulation of folliculogenesis, oocyte development and the overall reproductive health (Estienne et al., 2019; Kurowska et al., 2018, 2021; Ouchi et al., 2011). While our findings contribute to the understanding of these adipokines in ovarian physiology, further research is essential for a comprehensive elucidation of their intricate roles.…”

“…This group encompasses adiponectin, vaspin, visfatin, resistin, chemerin, leptin and apelin, forming a distinctive set of biochemical messengers. These adipokines may exhibit inflammatory effects, impacting factors like insulin resistance and inflammation, indirectly influencing ovarian processes, including follicle growth, maturation and ovulation (Kurowska et al., 2018, 2021; Ouchi et al., 2011; Zavalza‐Gómez et al., 2008). Our specific focus centers on understanding the role played by adipokines during final follicle growth, ovulation and early luteal development in the cow.…”

Expression of Locally Produced Adipokines and Their Receptors during Different Physiological and Reproductive Stages in the Bovine Corpus Luteum

“…Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the ovary serves as a target organ for adipokines. Their presence has been confirmed in various ovarian structures, including granulosa, theca, and luteal cells [12]. Studies have revealed that adipokines influence mechanisms associated with steroid synthesis, and can modify the production of progesterone and prostaglandins, which are key regulators of corpus luteum lifespan [35].…”