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Role of ghrelin in reproduction

Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, R/San Francisco s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña), Spain, ¹ Endocrine Section, Department of Medicine, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain and ² Physiology Section, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cordoba, Avda. Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004 Cordoba, Spain

Correspondence should be addressed to C Diéguez; Email: fscadigo{at}usc.es

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of GH secretagogue receptor type 1a, has emerged as a pleiotropic modulator of diverse biological functions, including energy homeostasis and, lately reproduction. Here, we review recent reports evaluating the reproductive effects and sites of action of ghrelin, with particular emphasis regarding its role as a molecule integrating reproductive function and energy status. Data gleaned from rodent studies clearly show that besides having direct gonadal effects, ghrelin may participate in the regulation of gonadotropin secretion and it may influence the timing of puberty. In addition, experimental data showing that ghrelin and/or its receptor are expressed in normal human ovary and testis as well as in human ovarian and testicular tumors raise the possibility that the ghrelin system may be involved in the control of cell proliferation in these tumors. We propose that ghrelin either acting as an endocrine and/or paracrine signal may play a major role in the endocrine network that integrates energy balance and reproduction.

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