Hyperglycemia and reproduction

What is it about?

The connection between an individual's nutritional state and reproductive function is well-recognized. In this study we hypothesized that the pituitary gland gonadotropes, which control the central regulation of reproduction, are directly sensitive to high levels of circulating glucose levels, and their altered function plays a role in the reduced fertility. We show that in states of hyperglycemia, these cells suffer from taking up an excess of glucose which needs to be broken down, interfering with the other functions of these cells. This effect is maintained over extended periods and results in altered packaging of the DNA in these cells, which weakens the control on gene expression. Most notably, we saw a reduction in the levels of one of the gonadotropin hormones, follicle stimulating hormone, and its levels were not restored even after returning the cells to a normal glucose environment. Moreover, this inhibitory effect was seen also in two mouse models of diabetes, and the circulating levels of FSH were also significantly reduced as compared to the control mice. This explains clinical findings that, even after restoration of optimal blood glucose, fertility often remains adversely affected. However the relative accessibility of the pituitary provides a possible target for treatment, particularly crucial in the young in which hyperglycemia is increasingly common and fertility most relevant.

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