Evaluating the potential utility of kisspeptin to treat reproductive disorders.

The kisspeptins, encoded by the KISS1 gene, are a group of newly discovered peptides, which have been found to play an important regulatory role in human reproduction. Loss of function mutations of kisspeptin or the kisspeptin receptor have been shown to cause pubertal failure; whereas activating mutations cause precocious puberty. Central and peripheral administration of kisspeptin to mammals stimulates gonadotrophin secretion via gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation. Similar observations have been reported in human studies as well as an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatility. Kisspeptin is now known to be associated with brain sexual differentiation, sexual dimorphism, pubertal initiation and sex steroids feedback loops, which will be discussed in this review. Metabolic state, stress, and other neuropeptides such as neurokinin B (NKB) are associated with changes in kisspeptin's stimulatory action. The conclusions from kisspeptin studies so far have led to the consideration of potential therapeutic applications, which will be discussed. Increasing our understanding of kisspeptin may aid our knowledge and management of infertility, contraception and hormone sensitive conditions.