The role of the leptin in reproduction
Ana Cervero1, Francisco Domínguez, José A Horcajadas
1Fundacion IVI, Instituto Universitario IVI, University of Valencia, Spain.
Purpose Of Review:
Since its discovery in 1994, leptin has appeared to be a pleiotrophic hormone, governing energy homeostasis and affecting many tissues in the body. Numerous pieces of evidence have accumulated showing that leptin potentially plays an important role in the control of the reproductive function.
Recent Findings:
This review presents the major concepts for the role of leptin in the modulation of reproductive function. As a marker of the nutritional status, leptin affects the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis, regulating gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and luteinising hormone secretion, and appears to be a permissive factor in the onset of the puberty. This protein and its receptor have been found in the reproductive tissues, indicating that this system could be also implicated in several processes such as embryo development, implantation and pregnancy. Moreover, disorders of the leptin system have been related to some reproductive pathologies such as pre-eclampsia and polycystic ovary syndrome. However, controversy surrounds several aspects of the action of leptin in reproduction that require a deeper investigation of this system.
Summary:
Results to date suggest that this system could be implicated in important reproductive processes such as embryonic development and implantation. Moreover, understanding the role of leptin might be useful for new treatments in reproductive pathologies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
01:26Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
01:31Overview of the Reproductive System
The gonads, or primary reproductive organs, produce gametes and sex hormones. In males, the testes produce spermatozoa and testosterone, which is responsible for developing secondary male sex characteristics, including a deeper voice, larger muscles, facial and body...