Chemerin affects the cytokine production and the expression of their receptors in the porcine endometrium during early pregnancy and the estrous cycle: an in vitro study.

Interactions between female metabolic status, immune response, and reproductive system functioning are complex and not fully understood. We hypothesized that chemerin, considered a hormonal link between the above-mentioned processes, influences endometrial functions, particularly cytokine secretion and signalling. Using porcine endometrial explants collected during early pregnancy and the estrous cycle, we investigated chemerin effects on the secretion of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), transforming growth factor α (TGFα), and protein abundances of their respective receptors. Our results demonstrate chemerin modulation of cytokine secretion and receptor expression, with effects dependent on the stage of pregnancy and dose of chemerin. Furthermore, chemerin influences the phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinase/Jun-amino-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κβ) in the endometrium. Chemerin multifaceted actions, such as involvement in immune response, cell proliferation, and tissue remodelling seem to be mediated by cytokines, at least in the endometrium. These findings underscore the potential crosstalk between chemerin and hormonal signalling pathways, providing insights into the complex mechanisms underlying early pregnancy establishment and maintenance.