Altered expression of kisspeptin in polycystic ovarian syndrome; can we rely on?

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy that affects women in reproductive age. Although the pathogenesis is still unclear, the abnormal secretion of luteinizing hormone, follicular-stimulating hormone due to the alterations in hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, is demonstrated to be the major cause. Kisspeptin is a hypothalamic peptide under the influence of KISS1 gene. Based on the fact that it affects gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, it is thought to play a role in the development of PCOS. Furthermore, kisspeptin may be determined as a possible biomarker for this syndrome. Due to the complex relationship between kisspeptin and the HPG axis, we aimed to reveal the association of serum kisspeptin level with PCOS in women.
METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective study in Koru Ankara Hospital. A total of 88 women were included in the study. Forty four of them were diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria. Serum kisspeptin measurements were performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.
RESULTS: In the present study, PCOS patients showed statistically significant lower serum kisspeptin levels compared to controls.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Although kisspeptin is thought to play a role in PCOS by irregularly stimulating GnRH neurons, the definite mechanism remains still unclear. Clarifying the underlying role of kisspeptin in PCOS may provide valuable information for the future gene treatments.