Leptin Modulates the Expression of E-Cadherin, -Catenin in Ovary

Obesity is a major health problem worldwide. One of the numerous complications of obesity is infertility. Reports have linked energy balance with adipocyte derived leptin. Studies have shown that administration of leptin reversed infertility, but the exact mechanism by which leptin does this is poorly understood. Recent evidence indicates that E-cadherin and -catenin are expressed in the rat ovary during folliculogenesis, luteal formation and ovulation. E-cadherin and -catenin complex is part of the structural constituent of adherens junction that maintains epithelial integrity and polarity, which enhances cellular proliferation and prevents apoptosis. We hypothesized that systemic leptin modulates the expression of E-cadherin and catenin in dietary- induced obese infertile rats to reverse infertility.