#363 : Kisspeptins and Human Reproduction: New Challenges in the Management of Couple Infertility

Abstract

Background and Aims: Human reproduction is strictly controlled by a complex neurohormonal system including the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) production, which stimulates anterior pituitary gonadotropes secretion and thereby gonadal function. Now, it is well known that GnRH neurons are regulated by Kisspeptins, a family of neuropeptides encoded by the Kiss1 gene and produced mainly in the arcuate and periventricular nuclei of the third ventricle in the hypothalamus. This review aims to provide an updated view in the physiological effects of kisspeptins in male and female reproduction and to highlight future research challenges in therapeutic alternatives for the management of couple infertility. Method: A non-systematic review of the literature was performed by screening PubMed up to April 2023 using the search terms including “Kisspeptin”, “gonadotropin-releasing hormone”, “male infertility”, “female infertility”, “sperm”, “oocyte”, and “Assisted Reproductive Technology”. Results: Many reports suggested the importance of kisspeptins in various aspects of male and female reproduction, from sexual differentiation and puberty onset to adult regulation of gonadotropin secretion and the metabolic control of fertility. Kisspeptin is involved in oocyte development, quality of semen, steroidogenesis in both the ovaries and testes, sexual desires and pregnancy. Recently, a potential clinical relevance of kisspeptins was noted with emerging interests in applied medicine. Some investigations are being carried out to develop these neuromodulators as a diagnostic marker in male and female infertility. Kisspeptin analogs could constitute a new therapeutic strategy based on hormonal manipulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Conclusion: Further clinical trials are needed to provide the required evidence for the use of kisspeptin to trigger reproductive axis, gonadic functions and gametes differentiation guiding future clinical practice in couple infertility.