Endocrine approach in the treatment of obesity: Is there any space for the adiponectin action?

Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipose tissue, exerting many positive effects in the human body. Its action has been widely studied, placing it into the metabolic health beneficial products of the adipose tissue. Nevertheless, adiponectin has been shown to exert some extra beneficial non metabolic actions, as well. Adiponectin levels can be related to reduced incidence of cancer in obese patients. Moreover, adiponectin has been shown to be implicated in the positive fertility outcomes of women. Some new studies have also indicated that adiponectin has a potential effect in the control of appetite, which raises a question, whether adiponectin could be accredited to be useful in the endocrine evaluation of obesity. Could these additional non-metabolic actions prove its helpfulness?

Subclinical elevations of thyroid-stimulating hormone and assisted reproductive technology outcomes.

The prevalence of moderately elevated TSH levels consistent with subclinical hypothyroidism (2.5-4.0 µIU/mL) was 23% in a cohort of 1,231 women pursuing assisted reproductive technologies. Preconception elevated levels of TSH were associated with diminished ovarian reserve but were not associated with adverse assisted reproductive technology or pregnancy outcomes.

The role of adiponectin in reproduction: from polycystic ovary syndrome to assisted reproduction.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the effects of the adipokine adiponectin on the reproductive endocrine system, from the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to the gonads and target tissues of the reproductive system. DESIGN: A Medline computer search was performed to identify relevant articles. SETTING: Research institution. INTERVENTION(S): None. RESULT(S): Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipose tissue that acts to reduce insulin resistance and atherogenic damage, but it also exerts actions in other tissues. Adiponectin mediates its actions in the periphery mainly via two receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. Adiponectin receptors are present in many reproductive tissues, including the central nervous system, ovaries, oviduct, endometrium, and testes. Adiponectin influences gonadotropin release, normal pregnancy, and assisted reproduction outcomes. CONCLUSION(S): Adiponectin, a beneficial adipokine, represents a major link between obesity and reproduction. Higher levels of adiponectin are associated with improved menstrual function and better outcomes in assisted reproductive cycles.

The pathophysiology of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: an unrecognized compartment syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and contrast the pathophysiology of ovarian hyperstimualtion syndrome (OHSS) with known syndromes of increased intraabdominal pressure (IAP), and to explore the relationship of increased IAP with symptom severity in OHSS. DESIGN: Literature review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Correlation of OHSS symptoms with IAP; effects of paracentesis on IAP in patients with OHSS. SETTING: Academic Research Institution. INTERVENTION(S): None. RESULT(S): OHSS involves a rapid accumulation of volume (from 1.5-17 liters) in the peritoneal cavity that can lead to organ dysfunction, including respiratory impairment and oliguria. In published reports of 20 moderate-to-severe OHSS patients in whom IAP was measured, IAP was found to be elevated to a pathologic range. The increased IAP indicates that OHSS may be considered a compartment syndrome and meets criteria for abdominal compartment syndrome in advanced cases. For this reason, management of OHSS should include reduction of pressure by paracentesis to avoid morbidity and syndrome progression. In addition, measurement of IAP may help to classify the stage of OHSS. CONCLUSION(S): IAP was found to be elevated in the few cases of OHSS in which it was measured, substantiating the conclusion that OHSS may be considered a compartment syndrome. An understanding of the pathophysiology of increased intrabdominal pressure is useful in the management of OHSS.