Modulating effect of leptin on basal and follicle stimulating hormone stimulated steroidogenesis in cultured human lutein granulosa cells.
BACKGROUND
In vitro data have shown conflicting results in terms of the effect of leptin on granulosa cells steroidogenesis.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of low and high doses of leptin on basal and FSH-induced steroids secretion by human luteinized granulosa cells in culture.


METHODS
Granulosa cells were obtained from normal women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and were cultured in serum-free conditions for 72 h. A one-way analysis of variance design was set to study the effect of leptin on basal and FSH-induced steroidogenesis.


RESULTS
Leptin affected basal estradiol and progesterone secretion in a dose-related manner. In particular, leptin at low concentrations stimulated the secretion of estradiol (1 and 10 ng/ml) and progesterone (10 ng/ml), while at a high concentration (100 ng/ml) it suppressed the secretion of both steroids. A dose-related effect of leptin on FSH-induced steroidogenesis was not evident, since only the suppressive effect of the high concentration of leptin (100 ng/ml) reached statistical significance for both steroids.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate that leptin affects the secretion of steroids in luteinized granulosa cells in a dose-dependent manner. Although a physiological role for leptin is possible, it is suggested that this protein is a mediator of negative rather than positive influential interactions on ovarian function that may compromise fertility.
Karamouti
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Thessalia, Larissa, Greece.
Kollia
P
P
Kallitsaris
A
A
Vamvakopoulos
N
N
Kollios
G
G
Messinis
I E
IE
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004958:Estradiol / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology; D008184:Luteal Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D013256:Steroids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D004338:Drug Combinations; D020738:Leptin; D013256:Steroids; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone