Inhibition Of Ghrelin Signaling Improves The Reproductive Phenotype Of Male Ob/ob Mouse

ObjectiveTo investigate whether ghrelin signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of maleinfertility induced by leptin deficiency.MethodsWestern blotting,(quantitative) reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry and in situ end labeling of fragmented DNA.ResultsExpression of growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor1a (GHS-R1α) and itsendogenous ligand ghrelin was both up-regulated in ob/ob testis. Inhibition of ghrelinpathway restored androgen synthesis, reduced germ cell apoptosis and thereby resulted inimproved sperm production in ob/ob mice.ConclusionsGhrelin, as an antagonistic partner of leptin in the endocrinic/paracrine circuit, maybe involved in the pathogenesis of male infertility induced by leptin deficiency.