New aspect on the regulation of in vitro oocyte maturation: role of the obesity, neuropeptides and adipokines.

Oocyte quality determinants and nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation establish essential processes for fertilization and further development of the conceptus. Moreover, female fertility is strongly dependent on the metabolic status of the organism. Numerous sources indicate that obesity impairs ovarian function including oocyte physiology by inhibiting nuclear maturation, stimulating lipotoxicity and inflammation, enabling cumulus cells apoptosis, promoting reactive oxygen species formation and ultimately imposing pathogenic effects on mitochondria leading to infertility.

The adipokine profile in the plasma and anterior pituitary of pigs during the estrous cycle.

Adipokines play crucial roles in both reproductive and energy metabolic processes. This study aimed to compare the hormonal plasma profile of adiponectin, apelin, vaspin, chemerin, resistin, visfatin, and adipolin, and the expression of their receptors in the anterior pituitary (AP) between normal-weight Large White (LW) and fat Meishan (MS) pigs during different phases of the estrous cycle. We measured adipokine levels in the plasma and assessed their gene expression in the AP.

Adipokines in pregnancy.

Reproductive success consists of a sequential events chronology, starting with the ovum fertilization, implantation of the embryo, placentation, and cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, endocrinology, or metabolic changes, which taken together finally conduct the birth of healthy offspring. Currently, many factors are known that affect the regulation and proper maintenance of pregnancy in humans, domestic animals, or rodents. Among the determinants of reproductive success should be distinguished: the maternal microenvironment, genes, and proteins as well as numerous pregnancy hormones that regulate the most important processes and ensure organism homeostasis.

Expression and in vitro effect of phoenixin-14 on the porcine ovarian granulosa cells.

Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) regulates energy metabolism via the G protein-coupled receptor 173 (GPR173); elevated plasma levels have been described in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. The aims were to investigate the ovarian expression of PNX-14/GPR173 and the in vitro effect of PNX-14 on granulosa cells (Gc) function. Transcript and protein levels of PNX-14/GRP173 were analysed by real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry in the porcine ovarian follicles at days 2-3, 10-12 and 16-18 of the oestrous.