The role of apelinergic system in metabolism and reproductive system in normal and pathological conditions: an overview

Lifestyle changes have made metabolic disorders as one of the major threats to life. Growing evidence demonstrates that obesity and diabetes disrupt the reproductive system by affecting the gonads and the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Apelin, an adipocytokine, and its receptor (APJ) are broadly expressed in the hypothalamus nuclei, such as paraventricular and supraoptic, where gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is released, and all three lobes of the pituitary, indicating that apelin is involved in the control of reproductive function. Moreover, apelin affects food intake, insulin sensitivity, fluid homeostasis, and glucose and lipid metabolisms. This review outlined the physiological effects of the apelinergic system, the relationship between apelin and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, as well as the effect of apelin on the reproductive system in both gender. The apelin-APJ system can be considered a potential therapeutic target in the management of obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction and reproductive disorders.

Automated summary

Lifestyle changes have led to metabolic disorders becoming a major threat to life. Evidence shows that obesity and diabetes disrupt the reproductive system through their effects on gonads and the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Apelin, an adipocytokine, and its receptor (APJ) are involved in the control of reproductive function and also affect food intake, insulin sensitivity, fluid homeostasis, and glucose and lipid metabolisms. This review highlights the physiological effects of the apelinergic system, the relationship between apelin and metabolic disorders, and the impact of apelin on the reproductive system in both genders. The apelin-APJ system may serve as a potential therapeutic target for managing obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction and reproductive disorders.