Chemerin inhibits IGF-1-induced progesterone and estradiol secretion in human granulosa cells.

BACKGROUND Chemerin is a novel adipokine involved in the regulation of adipocyte development, inflammation and metabolic functions. To date, no role of this adipokine in reproductive functions has been described. In the present study, we identified chemerin and its receptor, CMKLR1 (chemokine-like receptor 1), in primary human granulosa cells (hGCs) and in a human ovarian granulosa-like tumour cell line (KGN). We also investigated the effects of recombinant human chemerin (rhChem) on steroid production and on various signalling pathways. METHODS AND RESULTS By RT-PCR immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry, we showed that chemerin and CMKLR1 are expressed in hGCs and KGN cells. By ELISA, we also found chemerin in human follicular fluid and we observed that in 8 of 10 women the chemerin level was at least 2-fold higher in follicular fluid than in plasma. rhChem (10 or 100 ng/ml) significantly decreased insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (10(-8) M)-induced secretion of progesterone and estradiol (as determined by radioimmunoassay) but did not affect basal-or FSH (10(-8) M)-induced steroid secretion in hGCs and KGN cells. In parallel, it also decreased IGF-1-induced p450 aromatase protein levels without affecting the protein levels of other factors involved in steroidogenesis (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and p450 side-chain cleavage enzyme) in hGCs cells. All these changes were associated with a decrease in the IGF-1-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IGF-1 receptor beta subunit and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (MAPK ERK1/2) and Akt. In hGCs and KGN cells, rhChem also decreased IGF-1-induced thymidine incorporation. Finally, we showed that rhChem rapidly activates MAPK ERK1/2, MAPK P38 and Akt phosphorylation and more slowly AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation under basal conditions (no IGF-1 or FSH) in primary hGC cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, chemerin and its receptor (CMKLR1) are present and active in hGCs. Chemerin reduces IGF-1-induced steroidogenesis and cell proliferation through a decrease in the activation of IGF-1R signalling pathways in primary hGCs.