DOI: 10.36347/sasjm.2021.v07i01.005

Pages: 15-25

Spexin (SPX) is a neuropeptide hormone or adipokine secreted from adipose tissue an endocrine organ and that undergoes post-translational modification of α-amidation at C-terminal. Neuronal signal stimulation causes release of SPX into synapse where it binds to G-protein coupled receptors which involve in signal transduction. SPX co-evolved with galanin/Kisspeptin family. It is 14 amino acids containing mature peptide and its sequence was highly conserved in vertebrates and non-vertebrates. SPX C12ORF39 gene and mRNA were widely expressed in central nervous system and peripheral nervous system in goldfish, rodents and humans. Cognate receptors of SPX are GalR2/GalR3 involves in regulating food intake, body weight and energy homeostasis through neuroendocrine functions. Current research suggested that SPX also regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. Adipose tissue secretes adipocytokines which plays pivotal role in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, storage, food intake, energy expenditure. Down regulation of SPX gene and its concentration in serum was associated with obesity which further leads to components of metabolic syndrome such as T2DM, HTN and CVDs. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is affecting the general population and has been higher risk of developing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Severity of this syndrome leads to decreased quality of life in humans. Clear explanation of intracellular signalling pathways and its receptors would help to develop novel therapeutic interventions and drug design for disorders like obesity and T2DM. In this review we focus to provide an updates about SPX and its physiological role in metabolic syndrome.