Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
06:31
Identification and Dissection of Diverse Mouse Adipose Depots
Published on: July 11, 2019
The Intimate Relationship between Adipose Tissue, Fertility, and Bone
Olympia Michalopoulou1, Ifigenia Kostoglou-Athanassiou2, Georgios Troupis3
1Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Centre, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Journal of Frailty, Sarcopenia and Falls
|March 4, 2026
Summary
Adipose tissue is a key endocrine organ influencing metabolism, reproduction, and bone health. Its signals interact with reproductive and skeletal systems, impacting fertility and bone integrity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Physiology
- Skeletal Biology
Background:
- Adipose tissue functions as a dynamic endocrine organ, secreting adipokines that regulate reproductive and skeletal systems.
- Complex interplay exists between adipose tissue, bone, and the reproductive system, linking energy balance, fertility, and bone homeostasis.
- Adipokines and bone-derived proteins, alongside Vitamin D, form intricate networks influencing steroidogenesis and metabolic function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanistic and clinical evidence on adipose tissue signaling to gonadal and skeletal tissues.
- To explore depot-specific effects and bidirectional feedback within the adipose-bone-reproductive axis.
- To highlight implications for infertility, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disease, identifying therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of mechanistic and clinical studies.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involving adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin), osteocalcin, and Vitamin D.
- Examination of endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine communication networks.
Main Results:
- Adipose tissue signals significantly modulate reproductive function and bone remodeling.
- Bidirectional communication between adipose tissue and bone is crucial for metabolic and skeletal health.
- Disruptions in this network are linked to infertility and metabolic bone disorders.
Conclusions:
- Adipose tissue plays a central role in integrating metabolic, reproductive, and skeletal physiology.
- Understanding these complex interactions offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps in treating related disorders.
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