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Reproductive effects of irisin: Initial in vitro studies
Leonid Poretsky1, Julie Islam2, Dimiter Avtanski3
1Gerald J. Friedman Diabetes Institute, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Hofstra School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, NY, USA.
Irisin, a newly found hormone, impacts reproductive functions. It affects luteinizing hormone (LH) production in the pituitary and estradiol (E2) in the ovaries, suggesting a role in the reproductive axis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Physiology
Background:
- Irisin is a myokine and adipokine known to influence insulin sensitivity.
- The reproductive effects of irisin on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are largely unknown.
- Understanding irisin's role in reproduction is crucial for metabolic and reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential effects of irisin on the reproductive axis.
- To examine irisin's influence on hormone production in the pituitary and ovaries.
Main Methods:
- Murine pituitary mPit12 cells were used to study luteinizing hormone (LH) production.
- Human ovarian granulosa cells were utilized to assess estradiol (E2) production.
- Cells were treated with GnRH, irisin, insulin, or combinations thereof.
Main Results:
- Irisin alone showed a stimulatory effect on LH synthesis at 100 ng/ml but abolished GnRH-stimulated LH production.
- Both insulin and irisin individually stimulated estradiol (E2) production in granulosa cells.
- Combined treatment with insulin and irisin abolished the stimulatory effect on E2 production.
Conclusions:
- Irisin may exert effects on the reproductive axis, specifically in the pituitary and ovaries.
- Irisin's interaction with GnRH and insulin suggests complex regulatory roles in reproduction.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of irisin in the reproductive system.
