Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2022, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (1): 52-56.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20210325

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Advances in RFRP-3 Regulates Reproduction in the Female Mammal

LI Yang, YANG Hong-yan()   

  1. Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
  • Received:2021-07-21 Published:2022-01-15 Online:2022-02-17
  • Contact: YANG Hong-yan E-mail:hongyanyang@gzucm.edu.cn

Abstract:

Reproduction of female mammals is regulated by a complex network of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis integrated with peripheral and central stimulators. RFamide-related peptide 3 (RFRP-3), a kind of mammalian hypothalamic neuropeptide, is a inhibitor of HPO axis in the mammalian hypothalamus. RFRP-3 plays major physiological roles by binding to its specific receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 147 (GPR147). It can synergistically affect mating behavior and reproductive activities of mammals with other neuropeptides. In addition, RFRP-3 can regulate hypothalamus energy homeostasis signal. However, there is no consensus on the main determinants of endogenous role of RFRP-3 in metabolic homeostasis and reproductive activity in female mammals. In this paper, we review the effects of RFRP-3 on energy balance, stress regulation and reproductive function in female mammals, in order to provide new insights into the mechanisms and therapeutic interventions of reproductive and metabolic diseases.

Key words: Neuropeptides, Gonadotropins,pituitary, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, Gonadal steroid hormones, Reproductive, Stress,physiological, Energy metabolism, RFamide-related peptide 3