Kisspeptin
An upstream regulator of the reproductive axis studied for fertility, hypothalamic amenorrhea, and sexual arousal pathways.
In plain English
Kisspeptin is a hypothalamic peptide that sits at the top of the reproductive hormone cascade, stimulating GnRH neurons to release gonadotropins. In research at Imperial College London and elsewhere, kisspeptin has been studied as a potential trigger for ovulation in IVF (avoiding the OHSS risk of hCG), as a treatment for hypothalamic amenorrhea, and for its effects on sexual brain pathways in both men and women. Early-phase trials are favorable but kisspeptin is not yet FDA-approved.
What it is
Kisspeptin refers to a family of peptides encoded by the KISS1 gene. Common research forms include kisspeptin-54 and kisspeptin-10.
Mechanism (summary)
Kisspeptin activates the GPR54 (KISS1R) receptor on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus, driving release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and downstream LH and FSH from the pituitary.
Why people research it
- Ovulation trigger in IVF (alternative to hCG)
- Hypothalamic amenorrhea
- Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
- Sexual brain processing and arousal
Human evidence
Phase 2 trials in IVF show kisspeptin-54 effectively triggers oocyte maturation with potentially lower OHSS risk than hCG. Trials in hypothalamic amenorrhea show restoration of pulsatile gonadotropin secretion. Imaging studies show modulation of sexual brain regions in men and women.
Animal / lab evidence
Animal data established kisspeptin as the master regulator of the reproductive axis.
Key studies
Each summary explains the design, what was found, and what it doesn't prove.
In IVF, kisspeptin successfully triggered eggs to mature with apparently lower risk of a dangerous overstimulation syndrome.
On a brain scan, kisspeptin increased activity in sexual and bonding-related brain areas in young men.
History
Identified as a tumor metastasis suppressor in the 1990s. Its role in reproduction was elucidated in the early 2000s after the discovery that GPR54 mutations cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
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