The role of vaspin in the regulation of the physiology and pathology of ovarian cells

Abstract

Energy metabolism is tuned to reproductive needs of the body. Obesity and underweight lead to inhibition of ovarian follicle growth, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or luteal phase deficiency. The proposed markers linking female fertility with energy metabolism are adipokines, adipose tissue hormones that regulate the functions of the entire body. Adipokine vaspin stimulates the differentiation of preadipocytes, has anti-inflammatory properties and increases the sensitivity to insulin. Its higher levels have been observed in serum of obese people. This article presents the current knowledge about vaspin expression in the ovary and the mechanism of its influence on ovarian follicular (steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, proliferation, apoptosis) and luteal (endocrinology, angiogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis) cells function. The relationship between vaspin and PCOS, ovarian cancer, and luteal phase deficiency is also discussed. Thus, data about the role of vaspin in the physiology of the ovary may be used to optimize the oestrus/menstrual cycle, or vaspin level in the blood may be used as a simple diagnostic criterion of physiology or pathology of ovary.

Key words: vaspin, ovary, corpus luteum, reproduction, steroidogenesis, oocytes maturation, polycystic ovary syndrome