Chicken Is a Useful Model to Investigate the Role of Adipokines in Metabolic and Reproductive Diseases

Abstract

Reproduction is a complex and essential physiological process required by all species to produce a new generation. This process involves strict hormonal regulation, depending on a connection between the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and peripheral organs. Metabolic homeostasis influences the reproductive functions, and its alteration leads to disturbances in the reproductive functions of humans as well as animals. For a long time, adipose tissue has been recognised as an endocrine organ but its ability to secrete and release hormones called adipokines is now emerging. Adipokines have been found to play a major role in the regulation of metabolic and reproductive processes at both central and peripheral levels. Leptin was initially the first adipokine that has been described to be the most involved in the metabolism/reproduction interrelation in mammals. In avian species, the role of leptin is still under debate. Recently, three novel adipokines have been discovered: adiponectin (ADIPOQ, ACRP30), visfatin (NAMPT, PBEF), and chemerin (RARRES2, TIG2). However, their mode of action between mammalian and nonmammalian species is different due to the different reproductive and metabolic systems. Herein, we will provide an overview of the structure and function related to metabolic and reproductive mechanisms of the latter three adipokines with emphasis on avian species.

A grape seed extract maternal dietary supplementation in reproductive hens reduces oxidative stress associated to modulation of plasma and tissue adipokines expression and improves viability of offsprings

“…In a previous study we showed that plasma RARRES2 was significantly associated to fattening in reproductive hens [55]. Furthermore, NAMPT has been described as more a myokine than an adipokine [55,56]. Here, we showed that dietary GSE supplementation decreases plasma RARRES2 whereas it increases plasma ADIPOQ and NAMPT in each period (from starting to laying period).…”

“…We observed that plasma RARRES2 and ADIPOQ were negatively correlated with live body weight whereas the opposite was observed for the plasma NAMPT. In a previous study we showed that plasma RARRES2 was significantly associated to fattening in reproductive hens [55]. Furthermore, NAMPT has been described as more a myokine than an adipokine [55,56].…”

“…Thus, GSE treatment through modulation of plasma adipokines could indirectly regulate oxidative stress. Here, we measured plasma levels of three adipokines (ADIPOQ, RARRES2 and NAMPT) that have been the best described in chicken [55] and we determined a correlation between plasma adipokines and oxidative stress parameters. We did not analyse leptin since its expression and its role in birds are still a debate [56].…”

Microbiota Changes Due to Grape Seed Extract Diet Improved Intestinal Homeostasis and Decreased Fatness in Parental Broiler Hens

“…In a previous study, we showed that the measure of back fat thickness by ultrasound is a good predictive marker of the adipose tissue content in the whole body of broilers [6]. Furthermore, in another study, we showed a negative correlation between adiponectin concentrations and fattening, but also a positive correlation with chemerin concentrations in plasma and fatness [43]. So, the use of GSE in the diet could decrease adiposity in female broilers during the reproductive period.…”

Visfatin and Its Role in the Regulation of the Reproductive System

“…Значительные успехи в оценке роли висфатина в контроле функций яичников были достигнуты при изучении его влияния на стероидогенез и фолликулогенез у птиц. Это обусловлено тем, что яичники птиц являются наиболее подходящей моделью для изучения регуляторных эффектов адипокинов как на метаболические процессы, так и на функции репродуктивной системы [53]. Следует, однако, отметить, что эффекты висфатина на ГГГ-ось характеризуются видовой специфичностью, вследствие чего экстраполировать данные, полученные при изучении птиц, на человека нужно с большой осторожностью.…”