The myokine irisin: localization and effects in swine late medium and large antral ovarian follicle

Irisin is mainly synthesized by skeletal muscle tissue, where it is believed to be responsible for the benefits of exercise on metabolism and cardiovascular system. In adipose tissue, its best-known effect is the browning of white adipocytes, resulting in the increase of thermogenesis and energy expenditure. As it has been largely documented that metabolic dysfunctions can frequently be associated with reductions in fertility, the possible involvement of this molecule in the regulation of reproductive processes represents an issue to be addressed. On this basis, the first aim of this work was the evaluation of the presence of irisin in the swine ovary; then, we investigated the expression of the associated molecules FNDC5, PGC-1α, and PPAR-γ. To verify a potential modulatory role both on ovarian function and on redox status, cell growth, steroidogenesis, production of superoxide anion and nitric oxide, the nonenzymatic antioxidant scavengers, were assessed in vitro on granulosa cells treated with increasing concentrations of irisin (50, 100, and 150 ng/mL). The data collected demonstrate the presence of irisin in swine ovarian follicle. Moreover, the highest concentrations tested stimulated metabolic activity and inhibited cell proliferation (P < 0.05); the peptide exerted a biphasic effect on progesterone (P < 0.01) production and, at the highest concentrations, inhibited nitric oxide while stimulated the nonenzymatic antioxidant power (P < 0.05). Superoxide anion and estradiol 17β were unaffected. The demonstration of the local presence of irisin at the ovarian level and the highlighted effects allow us to qualify this molecule as a potential physiological regulator of follicular function. •Irisin could represent a link between the muscles and other body tissues.•We sought to study a peripheral role of irisin in the swine follicles.•We localized irisin in the swine follicles.•We found that irisin affects main granulosa cell functions.•A local physiological function for irisin can be suggested.