Effects of intracerebroventricular asprosin administration on reproductive hormones in male rats

Aim: Asprosin is a protein hormone secreted from white adipose tissue and increases hepatic glucose release. Known that asprosin is localized in brain and testicular tissue, however, administration of asprosin increases progressive movement of sperms. This study was carried out to investigate effects of central asprosine infusion on hormones and sperm cells in hypothalamus pituitary testicular axis. Materials and Methods: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were used in study. Rats were divided into four groups control, sham, 34 and 68nM asprosin (n=10). While application was't made to control group, brain infusion kit was implanted into lateral ventricles of rats in sham and experimental groups infusion (artificial cerebrospinal fluid for sham, 34 and 68nM asprosine for administration groups) was performed 14 days. At end of experiment, hypothalamus, blood and epididymis tissues of rats were collected. GnRH mRNA and protein levels were determined in hypothalamus tissue by RT-PCR and Western Blot methods. Serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels were analyzed from blood samples using ELISA method, and sperm cells in epididymis tissue. Results: GnRH mRNA and protein expressions of asprosin treated groups were higher than control and sham groups (p<0.05). It was determined that asprosin infusion also increased serum FSH, LH and testosterone levels (p<0.05). In addition, sperm density, motility and forward movement were found to be increased in asprosin applied groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that centrally administered asprosine can activate hormones in hypothalamus pituitary testicular axis and epididymis tissue. Results obtained suggest that asprosin is important protein/biomarker that should be considered in treatment of infertility. Keywords: Asprosin, FSH, GnRH, Infertility, LH, Testosterone.