Ovarian nesfatin-1 in Hemidactylus flaviviridis: Reproductive phase-dependent expression, role and hormonal regulation

Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2023 Nov 26:111556. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111556. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTNesfatin-1 has recently emerged as a modulator of ovarian functions in mammals. Studies in non-mammalian vertebrates, though limited and majorly restricted to fishes, have evidenced a role of this peptide in the regulation of ovarian steroidogenesis and oocyte maturation. Interestingly, nesfatin-1 remains completely unexplored in reptiles. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the presence, role, and regulation of ovarian nesfatin-1 in the ovary of Hemidactylus flaviviridis. Ovarian expression of nucb2/nesfatin-1 was highest during late recrudescence and breeding while it was lowest during regression. Follicular stage-dependent expression analysis showed significantly high expression of nucb2/nesfatin-1 in previtellogenic follicles. Further, in vitro treatment of recrudescent wall lizard ovaries with nesfatin-1 resulted in increased expression of anti-apoptotic gene, bcl-2, along with a concomitant decline in the pro-apoptotic gene, caspase-3. In addition, proliferation/differentiation markers like scf, c-kit, pcna, and bmp-15 were stimulated in ovaries incubated with the peptide. Ovarian steroidogenesis was also positively influenced by nesfatin-1 as treatment with the peptide resulted in heightened star expression as well as increased estradiol and progesterone production. Also, all concentrations of nesfatin-1 stimulated glucose uptake and...
Source: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A, Molecular and integrative physiology. - Category: Physiology Authors: Source Type: research