The Complex Roles of Adipokines in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are frequent diseases of the female reproductive tract causing high morbidity as they can significantly affect fertility and quality of life. Adipokines are pleiotropic signaling molecules secreted by white or brown adipose tissues with a central role in energy metabolism. More recently, their involvement in PCOS and endometriosis has been demonstrated. In this review article, we provide an update on the role of adipokines in both diseases and summarize previous findings. We also address the results of multi-omics approaches in adipokine research to examine the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes coding for adipokines and their receptors, the secretome of adipocytes and to identify epigenetic alterations of adipokine genes that might be conferred from mother to child. Finally, we address novel data on the role of brown adipose tissue (BAT), which seems to have notable effects on PCOS. For this review, original research articles on adipokine actions in PCOS and endometriosis are considered, which are listed in the PubMed database.

Protein Expression and Bioinformatics Study of Granulosa Cells of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Expressed Under the Influence of DHEA

“…Studies have revealed that nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), an adipokine, can influence the growth and steroidogenesis of ovarian follicles and act to increase insulin sensitivity. 69 Insulin and IGF-1 work together with FSH and LH in the ovary to increase estrogen synthesis by GCs and testosterone production by thecal stromal cells. According to some research, PCOS is linked with insulin resistance in the ovary.…”

Expression and Function of BMP and Activin Membrane-Bound Inhibitor (BAMBI) in Chronic Liver Diseases and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

“…Adipose tissue is a highly active endocrine organ secreting numerous proteins [ 115 ]. Impaired adipose tissue function in obesity is associated with low-grade systemic inflammation, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance.…”

Fecal and Urinary Adipokines as Disease Biomarkers

“…Adipokines represent a group of cytokines released by adipose tissues irrespective of their cellular origin. Although cells not localized in adipose tissue can contribute to adipokine production, several adipokines are almost exclusively produced by adipocytes, while others mainly originate from stromal vascular cells [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Adiponectin and omentin-1 are exceptions, and their circulating levels decline in the obese. These fat-derived cytokines improve metabolic health, and their downregulated expression in fat tissues and circulation is unfavorable in this regard [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 16 , 17 ].…”