Kisspeptin

Description

Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide that is encoded by the kiss1/ kiss2 gene in vertebrates. Kisspeptin neurons are mainly localized in the hypothalamus, and there is a growing body of evidence to support their essentiality and importance for reproduction in mammals.

Occurrence

Kisspeptin, which is found in chocolate, is the hormone in the brain which kickstarts puberty.

Clinical Use

Mutation of the KISS1 gene or neurokinin B (TAC3) gene (an autocrine/paracrine neurotransmitter of arcuate kisspeptin neuron activities) causes idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. GnRH application to patients with this disorder resulted in the partial recovery of their fertility, similar to cases in rodent and primate studies.

Side Effects

It has been suggested that Kisspeptin may mediate effects on several cell types with the HPG axis. In vitro studies have shown that Kisspeptin can mediate vasoconstriction and inhibit angiogenesis, and it has been reported that Kisspeptin stimulates glucose-induced insulin secretion in animal studies. However, Kisspeptin was well tolerated, with no side effects or adverse events reported. In addition, Kisspeptin had no significant clinical effects on blood pressure or heart rate[1-2].

References

[1] Edouard G Mills. “Effects of Kisspeptin on Sexual Brain Processing and Penile Tumescence in Men With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA Network Open 6 2 (2023): e2254313.
[2] Calley, J. and W. Dhillo. “Effects of the Hormone Kisspeptin on Reproductive Hormone Release in Humans.” 2014. 0.