Comparative Analysis of Kisspeptin Levels and KISS1 Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Correlation with the Luteinizing Hormone-Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Ratio and PCOS-Associated Variables.

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic disorders affecting women of fertile age. Its etiology is multifactorial and presumed to have a genetic basis along with environmental factors. Kisspeptins are peptide products produced from the KISS1 gene, which control the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and play a crucial role in human reproduction and puberty.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to estimate the serum levels of kisspeptin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), and to investigate polymorphism in the KISS1 gene among women with PCOS and healthy controls. Furthermore, the study evaluated the association between kisspeptin and various hormonal, anthropometric, and endocrine parameters.

METHODS

Two hundred women (100 with PCOS and 100 healthy controls) were enrolled in the study. Serum levels of kisspeptin, FSH, and LH were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). DNA was extracted, and genotyping for KISS1 was done by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

RESULTS

Kisspeptin and LH waist-hip ratio (WHR) levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients when compared to the healthy control group (p value < 0.0001). Kisspeptin level was positively correlated with serum LH level (r = 0.92) and LH/FSH ratio (r = 0.45). The frequency of the CC genotype was higher in the PCOS group (p-value < 0.05). One novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, rs3924587 C>T) was detected.

Conclusion

Kisspeptin, LH, and the LH:FSH ratio were higher in patients with PCOS compared to healthy controls. KISS1 polymorphism was found to have a significant impact on various metabolic and endocrine parameters.