Abstract:
Asprosin, an adipokine released from the white adipose tissue during fasting, was first discovered in patients with neonatal progeroid syndrome. Asprosin is encoded by the fibrillin 1 (FBN1) gene, weighs approximately 30 kDa, and consists of 140 amino acids. Asprosin is an orexinergic hormone that modulates hepatic glucose release and hence has a role in metabolic processes. Recent studies suggest that asprosin may extend its influences on reproductive and sensory physiology, impacting various neuroendocrine pathways associated with sexual maturation and behavior in mammals. Studies indicate that while asprosin does not typically alter the timing of puberty onset, it is associated with the advancement of specific reproductive milestones in both sexes. In males, asprosin has been linked to enhanced sexual motivation and an accelerated ejaculation phase, while in females, it is associated with the advancement of the first estrus phase and heightened sexual exploration. Additionally, asprosin appears to improve olfactory performance in both male and female subjects, possibly through olfactory receptor-mediated pathways, suggesting a role in sensory processing that may complement its reproductive functions. Asprosin has been shown to act by binding to the OLFR734 receptor, which is an olfactory receptor. Asprosin has been shown to elevate levels of key reproductive hormones, such as corticosterone, folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and oxytocin, which are critical for sexual maturation and function. Furthermore, histological analyses have revealed its stimulatory effects on ovarian follicle development in females and enhanced testicular activity in males, underscoring asprosin’s potential role in promoting reproductive tissue development. Overall, asprosin emerges as a multi-functional hormone influencing both neuroendocrine and sensory pathways. Its roles in sexual behavior, olfactory performance, and hormone regulation highlight asprosin as an important contributor to mammalian reproductive and sensory physiology. These insights broaden the understanding of adipokines in endocrine signaling and suggest potential therapeutic applications for asprosin in treating reproductive and metabolic disorders. This study was supported by TUBITAK (Project # 220S744).
Biography:
Dr Haluk Kelestimur is a Professor of Physiology in Istanbul Okan University. He gained his PhD in Physiology in 1984 from the University of Firat, Turkey. He then completed his postdoctoral training at University College London in 1988. After he worked 42 years in Firat University, he began to work in Istanbul Okan University in 2022. His work focusses on neuroendocrinology. Professor Haluk Kelestimur was elected to membership in the
International Union of Physiological Sciences Academy in 2021.
Haluk Kelestimur
