THE KISSPEPTIN SYSTEM AND HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Kisspeptin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene that regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. It controls the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). In the hypothalamus, it is expressed in two areas: the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Kisspeptin has been detected in both the central nervous system and peripheral plasma. Kisspeptin regulates the secretion of gonadotrophins and plays essential roles as a gatekeeper for the onset of puberty, in the regulation of sex steroid-mediated feedback mechanisms, and in the control of adult fertility. Peripheral kisspeptin is present in several organs and plays an important role in the reproductive system. It mediates the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of gonadotrophins on maintaining normal reproductive function. Abnormal Kisspeptin/Kisspeptin 1 Receptor system has been reported with certain forms of infertility, suggesting Kisspeptin as a potential therapeutic target in different reproductive disorders. The major field of research on the advantages of Kisspeptin is its role in the treatment of reproductive disorders such as PCOS and Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (IHH). These are generally treated with different hormones, and treatment efficacy may increase with the addition of Kisspeptin. In this review, we focus on the role of kisspeptin in the human reproductive system