Novel Signals for the Integrated Control of Energy Balance and Reproduction: Peripheral Hormones and Central Mediators

FERNÁNDEZ FERNÁNDEZ R; MARTINI AC; NAVARRO VM; CASTELLANO JM; DIÉGUEZ C; AGUILAR E; PINILLA L; TENA SEMPERE M

MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY.

ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2006 vol. 254 p. 127 - 132

0303-7207

  Although the close link between body weight and fertility has been known since Old Ages, only recently identification of the peripheral signals and neuroendocrine networks responsible for such a phenomenon has been initiated. A key event in this field was the cloning of the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin, which was proven as a pivotal integrator in the joint control of energy homeostasis and the reproductive system. Nonetheless, additional peripheral signals, with key roles in energy balance and metabolism, have been suggested to cooperate with leptin in such a coordinated function. In addition, significant knowledge has been gained recently on the central mediators responsible for relaying systemic metabolic inputs onto the neuroendocrine networks controlling reproduction. In this context, we review herein recent experimental work evaluating the reproductive effects and sites of action of ghrelin and PYY, two hormonal signals of gastrointestinal origin involved in the control food intake and energy balance. In addition, the potential contribution to the fitting of reproductive function and energy balance is discussed. The available data point out that, besides direct gonadal effects, ghrelin may participate in the regulation of the gonadotropin secretion, and it may operate as putative modifier of (male) puberty. Likewise, the suppression of reproductive function in conditions of negative energy balance. Overall, it is proposed that the peripheral hormones, ghrelin and PYY, and the central neuropeptide, kisspeptin, are ?novel? players in the complex neuroendocrine networks fitting energy status and reproduction.