ESPE Abstracts

Background: The phytoestrogen resveratrol found in grapes and other plants has attracted considerable interest due to its proposed ability to extend lifespan, attenuate the development of metabolic syndrome in obese subjects and protect against cardiovascular disease. Among other functions resveratrol has been reported to affect the endocrine system. Self-medication with high pharmacological doses of this polyphenol with the aim to improve metabolic parameters and health canno...

Background: Obesity and metabolic syndrome related co-morbidities are increasingly recognized in children. Reproduction is an important target of obesity complications, including adverse effects on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in males. Adipocytokines are key players in various complications of obesity.Objective and hypotheses: The aim was to study the potential effects of adipocytokines on Sertoli cell function and possibly link the findings to t...

Background: Obesity in females is often associated with metabolic complications and hyperandrogenism. However, the source of androgens is not entirely clear.Objectives and hypotheses: Our objective was to find out if adipose tissue (AT) is a site of steroid production during childhood and adolescence, and if this source could add to hyperandrogenism in obese females.Methods: Parametrial and inguinal adipose tissue was collected and...

Background: Childhood obesity is a global health problem and co-morbidities develop already during childhood and adolescence. Male obesity impacts negatively on reproductive function. Testosterone is decreased, sperm quality reduced, and the physical and molecular structure of germ cells altered in obese males. However, less is known about the role of prepubertal obesity on future reproductive function. We therefore explored Leydig cell function and reproductive potential in a...

It is generally accepted that androgens produced by fetal Leydig cells (FLC) control proper masculinization of the male external genitalia. Here, we hypothesized that the human genital tubercle (GT) has potential to synthesize androgens independently of FLC at early pregnancy. We observed that human GT of both genders have capacity to synthesize steroids of the Δ4, Δ5 and alternative pathway of DHT synthesis including the androgen itself. The presence of steroids in ...

Background: Insulin-like factor 5 (INSL5), a member of the insulin superfamily, is expressed in the colorectum and hypothalamus. INSL5 levels are elevated by prolonged calorie restriction and declined with feeding, suggesting that it might be an orexigenic hormone.Objectives and hypotheses: Our aim was to explore the relationship between INSL5 and different metabolic parameters in lean and obese subjects and to identify possible links between INSL5 and t...