Influence of the adipose derived hormone resistin on signal transducer and activator of transcription factors, steroidogenesis and proliferation of Leydig cells

ObjectiveTo explore whether resistin, an adipose derived hormone linked to insulin resistance, influence steroidogenic genes expressions and Leydig cells function or not.MethodsVarious Leydig cell lines were exposed to increasing doses of resistin with or without cAMP. Changes were monitored at the protein level for signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factors and steroidogenic components, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1), for progesterone production and cell viability.ResultsResistin had no effect on progesterone production, despite an increase in nuclear translocation of STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 and unexpected synergy with cAMP in the synthesis of STAR and CYP11A1. In addition, exposure to normal levels of resistin (10 ng/mL) seemed to have beneficial effects on Leydig cell function, as it increased cells viability and proliferation.ConclusionsOur results suggest that resistin may function as an endocrine mediator linking metabolism and male reproduction.