Asprosin infusion modulates central circuits to rescue selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced male...

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Reproductive Biology
• Metabolic Signaling

Background:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used, but commonly cause sexual dysfunction (SD).
• SSRIs disrupt metabolic signaling, potentially exacerbating SD.
• Asprosin, a fasting-induced adipokine, links energy homeostasis to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate asprosin's potential to modulate sexual activity.
• To determine if asprosin can mitigate SSRI-induced reproductive impairment.
• To explore asprosin's role in regulating male reproductive function and metabolic status.

Main Methods:

• Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into control, sham, paroxetine, asprosin, and paroxetine+asprosin groups.
• Behavioral assessments, serum hormone analysis, sperm parameter evaluation, and reproductive histology were performed.
• Hypothalamic Kiss1 and Rfrp-3 gene expressions were analyzed in specific brain regions (ARC, DMH, RP3V).

Main Results:

• Asprosin significantly enhanced erectile responses, ejaculation, and sexual motivation.
• Asprosin ameliorated paroxetine-induced testicular damage and restored sperm concentration and motility.
• Asprosin modulated serum hormone levels (decreased prolactin, increased oxytocin) and hypothalamic gene expression.

Conclusions:

• Asprosin exhibits significant pro-fertility effects in male rats.
• Asprosin counteracts SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction and reproductive toxicity.
• Asprosin acts as a key regulator of male reproduction, linking metabolic status to the HPG axis.