Recent Update on the Molecular Mechanisms of Gonadal Steroids Action in Adipose Tissue

Abstract

The gonadal steroids, including androgens, estrogens and progestogens, are involved in the control of body fat distribution in humans. Nevertheless, not only the size and localization of the fat depots depend on the sex steroids levels, but they can also highly affect the functioning of adipose tissue. Namely, the gonadocorticoids can directly influence insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, fatty acid uptake and adipokine production. They may also alter energy balance and glucose homeostasis in adipocytes in an indirect way, e.g., by changing the expression level of aquaglyceroporins. This work presents the recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanism of how the gonadal steroids influence the functioning of adipose tissue leading to a set of detrimental metabolic consequences. Special attention is given here to highlighting the sexual dimorphism of adipocyte functioning in terms of health and disease. Particularly, we discuss the molecular background of metabolic disturbances occurring in consequence of hormonal imbalance which is characteristic of some common endocrinopathies such as the polycystic ovary syndrome. From this perspective, we highlight the potential drug targets and the active substances which can be used in personalized sex-specific management of metabolic diseases, in accord with the patient’s hormonal status.

Association between Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Adipose tissue, as an endocrine organ, is recognized as a significant site for transformation of sex steroid hormones and their action. Adipose tissue is also a key source of aromatase, which contributes to estrogen synthesis from androgen precursors [7,63]. These impacts related to estrogen could reduce the detrimental influence of adipose tissue on bone mass in girls to some extent.…”

Impact of blood levels of progesterone on the day of ovulation onset on clinical, laboratory and reproductive parameters of young patients undergoing assisted reproduction: a cross-sectional study

“…Thus, it is possible that the higher the BMI, the higher the aromatase expression and, consequently, the higher the estrogen production, which could impact the production of progesterone. ( 32 ) In addition, obesity and higher BMI, with a higher degree of adiposity, can affect the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes of hormones. This explains the fact that equal doses of emergency contraceptives and contraceptive patches, e.g., are less effective in women with high BMI compared to adequate BMI, and could also explain progesterone inversely correlated with BMI.…”

Unraveling Human AQP5-PIP Molecular Interaction and Effect on AQP5 Salivary Glands Localization in SS Patients

“…Indeed, reduced levels of estrogens have been observed to be responsible for the strong female incidence of SS while androgens suppress the inflammation [38]. In addition, AQP5 and other AQPs can be regulated by sex hormones [39][40][41][42].…”