[Chemerin: a pro-inflammatory adipokine involved in the reproduction function?]

Abstract

Chemerin is a pro-inflammatory adipokine secreted and expressed predominantly by adipocytes. Chemerin is initially involved in the regulation of the immune system, the adipogenesis and the energy metabolism. However, several recent studies show that this adipokine and its receptors are present in the gonads. In vitro, chemerin reduces steroidogenesis in ovarian and testicular cells in rodents and humans. Chemerin and its receptors are also present in the placenta. Chemerin plays an important role in the regulation of fetal and maternal metabolism, fetal growth and metabolic homeostasis during pregnancy. This review describes the role of chemerin in metabolism and reproduction.