Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025

08:20
A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Published on: October 2, 2018
11.4K
Irisin: circulating levels in serum and its relation to gonadal axis
Yunyao Luo1, Xiaoyong Qiao2,3, Liangzhi Xu4,5
1Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013, China.
Endocrine
|January 18, 2022
Summary
Irisin, an exercise hormone, impacts metabolism and fertility. This review explores irisin
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Irisin is an exercise-induced myokine/adipokine influencing white adipose tissue browning and metabolic health.
- Circulating irisin levels correlate with exercise, obesity, diet, and various diseases.
- Previous research suggests irisin's involvement in folliculogenesis and fertility, with conflicting results in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of irisin physiology and its role in the gonadal axis.
- To examine irisin levels in PCOS and their relationship with BMI, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism.
- To explore irisin's novel effects on reproduction and fertility through animal and in vitro studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of irisin physiology, secretion, and regulation.
- Analysis of studies on irisin levels in PCOS, considering BMI, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism.
- Synthesis of findings from animal interventional studies and in vitro experiments on irisin and the gonadal axis.
Main Results:
- Irisin's physiological roles and regulatory mechanisms are detailed.
- Associations between irisin, PCOS, BMI, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism are explored.
- Evidence from experimental studies suggests novel effects of irisin on reproductive functions and fertility.
Conclusions:
- Irisin plays a significant role in the gonadal axis, impacting reproductive health.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate irisin's therapeutic potential in metabolic and reproductive disorders.
- Irisin emerges as a potential key player in fertility and reproductive disease management.
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
774
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
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...
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...
774
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
4.0K
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
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...
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...
4.0K
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
1.9K
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
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...
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...
1.9K
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
1.2K
The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
1.2K
Oogenesis
64.8K
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
64.8K
Ovarian Cycle
2.1K
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle...
2.1K

