PHY3181 Lecture 17: Nutrition + Reproduction
Document Summary
Infertility is observed in both anorexia and obesity states of under and overnutrition. Obesity is one of the root causes of infertility in women. Critical weight theory: critical mass required for puberty and maintenance of reproductive function. Decreasing age of menarche with improved nutrition of current generation. Link between fat mass and reproductive function. Without leptin just eat relentlessly and become morbidly obese = potent satiety hormone. Coded by ob gene + secreted with circadian rhythm by adipocytes: secreted by adipose tissue in proportion to fat mass circulating concentrations correlate to fat mass stores, receptors at both hypothalamic-pituitary level + ovary. Leptin receptors found in areas of hypothalamus associated with eating behavior + energy balance. Overnutrition = negative energy balance: leptin in wat signals to the brain, this signaling is above target level of body fat mass, acts to promote expenditure > intake.