Open AccessEffects of low energy availability on female reproductive function
Author(s) -
Iwasa Takeshi,
Minato Saki,
Imaizumi Junki,
Yoshida Atsuko,
Kawakita Takako,
Yoshida Kanako,
Yamamoto Yuri
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
reproductive medicine and biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.005
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 1447-0578
pISSN - 1445-5781
DOI - 10.1002/rmb2.12414
Subject(s) - ghrelin , orexigenic , leptin , kisspeptin , endocrinology , medicine , hypothalamus , regulator , secretion , biology , hormone , orexin , gonadotropin releasing hormone , neuropeptide y receptor , neuropeptide , luteinizing hormone , obesity , receptor , biochemistry , gene
Background It is known that metabolic and nutritional disturbances induce reproductive dysfunction in females. The main cause of these alterations is reduced gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the hypothalamus, and the underlying mechanisms have gradually been elucidated. Methods The present review summarizes current knowledge about the effects of nutrition/metabolism on reproductive functions, especially focusing on the GnRH regulation system. Main findings Various central and peripheral factors are involved in the regulation of GnRH secretion, and alterations in their activity combine to affect GnRH neurons. Satiety‐related factors, i.e., leptin, insulin, and alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone, directly and indirectly stimulate GnRH secretion, whereas orexigenic factors, i.e., neuropeptide Y, Agouti‐related protein, orexin, and ghrelin, attenuate GnRH secretion. In addition, kisspeptin, which is a potent positive regulator of GnRH, expression is reduced by metabolic and nutritional disturbances. Conclusion These neuroendocrine systems may be defensive mechanisms, which help organisms to survive adverse conditions by temporarily suppressing reproduction.