Kisspeptin Levels Research Articles

Hindlimb unloading-induced reproductive suppression via Downregulation of hypothalamic Kiss-1 expression in adult male rats

BackgroundSpaceflights-induced microgravity can alter various physiological processes in human’s body including the functional status of the reproductive system. Rodent model of tail-suspension hindlimb unloading is extensively used to stimulate the organs responses to the microgravity condition. This study explores the potential effects of hindlimb unloading on testicular functions and spermatogenesis in adult male rats and the underlying mechanism/s.MethodsTwenty Sprague-Dawley rats were allotted into two groups: normally loaded group (control; all arms were in touch with the grid floor) and hindlimb unloaded group (HU; only the forearms were in contact with the grid floor).ResultsFollowing 30 days of exposure, the HU group saw a decline in body weight, testicular and epidydimal weights, and all semen parameters. The circulating concentrations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone significantly decreased, while levels of kisspeptin, corticosterone, inhibin, prolactin and estradiol (E2) increased in the HU group. Intratesticular levels of 5α-reductase enzyme and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were suppressed, while the levels of aromatase and kisspeptin were significantly elevated in the HU group. Hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kiss1) mRNA expression levels were downregulated while its receptors (Kiss1R) were upregulated in the HU group. On the contrary, the mRNA expression levels of testicular Kiss1 were upregulated while Kiss1R were downregulated. The pituitary mRNA expression levels of FSHβ and LHβ decreased in the HU group. The levels of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were elevated while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations declined in the testes of HU group. The testes of the HU rats showed positive immunostaining of caspase-3, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Bcl2.ConclusionsAltogether, these results revealed an inhibitory effect of hindlimb unloading on kisspeptin signaling in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis with impaired spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.

Short-term changes and correlations of plasma spexin, kisspeptin, and galanin levels after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

To determine the circulating levels of spexin, kisspeptin, galanin, and the correlations between these peptides after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The plasma levels of the spexin, kisspeptin, and galanin and metabolic parameters (body mass index, weight loss, % excess weight loss, body fat, fasting glucose, HbA1C, and cholesterol levels) were measured (baseline, 1month, and 3months) and correlated in thirty adult individuals with obesity (22 female and 8 male) after LSG. The body mass index (BMI), body fat, fasting glucose, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and % EWL (excess weight loss) increased at 3months after surgery. The plasma spexin levels increased at 3months, kisspeptin levels increased at 1month and stabilized afterward, and galanin levels decreased at 3months after LSG. Significant correlations were found between metabolic parameters with spexin, kisspeptin, and galanin. In addition, spexin and kisspeptin were negatively correlated with galanin, while spexin was positively correlated with kisspeptin. The biochemical data reveal evidence that LSG causes an increase in the levels of spexin, and kisspeptin and a decrease in galanin levels. Our findings, therefore, suggest a possible interaction between these novel peptides, which have potential roles in obesity and glucose metabolism.

Effect of electroacupuncture on the kisspeptin system in a pubertal rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

To explore the effects and mechanism of action of electroacupuncture (EA) in a rat model of pubertal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Female offspring of Sprague-Dawley rats receiving dihydrotestosterone (DHT) during pregnancy (days 16-19), as a model of prenatal androgenization, were divided randomly into three groups: model group (M), EA group, and sham acupuncture (SA) group (n = 8 each). A normal (N) group comprising female offspring of healthy pregnant rats not receiving DHT (n = 8) was added. EA was administered at CV6 and bilateral SP6/ST36 with 2 Hz frequency and 2 mA intensity. SA consisted of superficial needling at different locations without electrical stimulation. EA improved the disturbed estrous cycles, while it could not be concluded that SA was effective in this respect. EA improved ovarian morphology including the number of corpora lutea and area of the ovary, whereas SA did not. However, both EA and SA attenuated the increased luteinizing hormone and decreased estradiol and gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels in the serum of PCOS model rats. Levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and progesterone did not significantly differ between groups. EA and SA alleviated the upregulation of kisspeptin protein and mRNA levels in the hypothalamus and kisspeptin protein level in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). No differences were found between groups in protein or mRNA expression of dynorphin (DYN) or neurokinin B (NKB) in the hypothalamus. Co-expression of kisspeptin, NKB, and DYN were observed in ARC. The GnRH level in the median eminence decreased and could be rescued by EA and SA. Intriguingly, kisspeptin levels in the granulosa cells of the ovary decreased in the model group and could be rescued by EA but not SA. Levels of kisspeptin, NKB, and DYN protein and mRNA in the ovary did not differ between any groups. Both EA and SA appeared to improve symptoms of PCOS at puberty by modulating the kisspeptin system in the hypothalamus. EA also had an effect on ovarian kisspeptin expression and a more comprehensive effect with respect to improving PCOS at puberty than SA.

Evaluation of Kisspeptin levels in prepubertal obese and overweight children: sexual dimorphism and modulation of antioxidant levels.

Kisspeptin, neuropeptide involved in puberty beginning and regulation of pituitary-gonadal axis, has been shown to stimulate antioxidant defenses in murine models. Its levels are greater in females than males and also in obese prepubertal girls. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate sex-related differences in prepubertal obese patients and the relationships of Kisspeptin with metabolic/hormonal parameters. We studied Kisspeptin concentrations in 54 children (22 males and 32 females, Tanner stage 1), 5-12 ys, classified according to Cole's criteria into 17 overweight and 37 obese; 25 normal-weight children, aged 6-12 years, were studied as controls. We evaluated metabolic (glucose and insulin levels after oral glucose load, total- LDL- HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid) and hormonal (fT3, fT4, TSH, IGF-1, leptin) parameters. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was evaluated by spectrophotometric method, using the system H202-metmyoglobin-ABTS. Kisspeptin levels were measured by RIA. We did not find significant differences between obese and normal-weight children, but obese males presented significantly lower levels than females. Kisspeptin did not correlate with BMI, HOMA-IR, Insulin peak levels and TAC; a significant correlation was found between Kisspeptin and fT3 (r2=0.25; p=0.003) in the obese group; leptin levels, significantly greater in obese vs. overweight and control children, significantly correlated with TAC (r2=0.39; p=0.03). These data suggest that both hormones could modulate antioxidants, Kisspeptin indirectly via influence on thyroid hormones, and Leptin by a direct effect. This mechanism seems to be sex-related, not attributable to peripheral steroid levels. Further studies can clarify the complex interrelationship between central and peripheral Kisspeptin secretion and oxidative stress in children obesity.

İlk Trimester Düşükleri İçin Öngörücü Biyobelirteçler Olarak Kisspeptin ve Hematolojik Parametreler

ObjectiveSpontaneous abortion is the most common complication of early pregnancy, affecting up to 20% of recognized pregnancies. Kisspeptin is predominantly released by placental syncytiotrophoblasts, and regulates their placental invasion into the uterine matrices. We aimed to establish an association of serum kisspeptin levels with pregnancy outcomes during the early gestational stage of the first trimester.MethodIn this prospective study, 90 pregnant women in their 7 to 8 6/7 gestational weeks were classified into three groups: (i) The control group, consisting of healthy pregnant women (n=30), (ii) the threatened abortion group (n=30), and (iii) the spontaneous abortion group (n=30). The maternal serum samples were analyzed for complete blood count parameters and kisspeptin levels.ResultsThere was no statistical difference regarding body mass index (BMI) and gestational age (p=0.370). Regarding detailed obstetric notations, including gravida, parity, abortion, and living children, socioeconomic levels, and employment rates, all study groups were comparable (p>0.05, for all). No significant association was found regarding the biochemical parameters of complete blood count, including neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet concentrations, as well as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios (PLR) (p>0.05, for all). The median serum kisspeptin levels of the study groups did not differ between the groups (p=0.153). Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between serum kisspeptin levels and other study parameters in any study groups (p>0.05, for all)ConclusionWe found no statistically significant relationship between serum kisspeptin concentrations and pregnancy outcomes in the early gestational stage of the first trimester, and serum kisspeptin concentrations did not seem to be a reliable marker to distinguish abortion status from viable pregnancy.

Season influence on serum kisspeptin level and its association with hormonal levels and semen kinematics of buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis).

Kisspeptin has an important role in the stimulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in term of pubertal development, release of reproductive and metabolic hormones and ultimately affecting the fertility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum kisspeptin level and its correlation with semen quality and selected hormones in buffalo bulls during the summer and spring seasons. Semen and blood samples from eight Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls (age: 9.21 ± 1.02 years) were collected. Semen was analysed using computer-assisted semen analysis. Serum concentrations of kisspeptin, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4) and insulin like growth factor (IGF-1) were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Kisspeptin was neither affected by seasons and nor correlated with semen parameters and hormones. Higher levels of GnRH, LH, cortisol, IGF-1, total motility (TM), average path velocity (VAP), straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and linearity (LIN) were recorded in summer compared to spring. Correlations of GnRH versusIGF-1 and LH, LH versus IGF-1 and cortisol, FSH versus T4 and testosterone, testosterone versus T3 and T4 and T3 versus T4 were observed. The GnRH and IGF-1 were positively associated with TM, VAP, VSL, VCL and LIN. The LH was correlated with VSL, straightness and LIN. In conclusion, GnRH, LH, and IGF-1 correlations with semen parameters can be used to indicate semen quality. The buffalo bulls are well-adapted and can give quality semen in the summer season.

Is There An Association Between Kisspeptin Levels And Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

Objective: To find out the relationship of maternal serum levels of kisspeptin with gestational diabetes mellitus status.Study Design: A total of 158 pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation were divided into two groups according to gestational diabetes mellitus status: (i) Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (gestational diabetes mellitus group, n=76) and (ii) Healthy pregnant women (control group, n=82). Maternal serum concentrations of kisspeptin, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance were assessed.Results: In both groups, there were no difference in terms of age and gestational age (p=0.058 and p=0.820, respectively). The median of body mass indices of both groups at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation were statistically similar (p=0.062). The serum concentrations of kisspeptin did not demonstrate significant differences between the gestational diabetes mellitus and control groups (p=0.28). There was a significant difference in terms of serum level of insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance between the gestational diabetes mellitus and control groups (p<0.001).Conclusion: No differences were found in serum kisspeptin levels between pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women. Further prospective studies will be essential to elucidate the contribution of kisspeptin to gestational diabetes mellitus.

Roles of kisspeptin in IVF/ICSI-treated infertile women and in human granulosa cells.

Kisspeptin, a crucial central regulator of reproduction, has been used as a trigger in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. This study aimed to investigate the roles of kisspeptin in IVF treatment in infertile females (n = 30); and in steroidogenesis in human granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN). In the human study, blood was collected at three time points including (1) the beginning of gonadotropin stimulation (Phase I), (2) around eight days after gonadotropin stimulation (Phase II), and (3) on the day of ovum pick-up (Phase III). Follicular fluid (FF) was collected at Phase III. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was measured 15 days after embryo transfer and fetal heart beats were determined around 42 days of menstrual cycle to classify the subjects into successful and unsuccessful groups. FF kisspeptin levels were higher in successful compared with unsuccessful subjects (P < 0.01). Kisspeptin levels were significantly higher in FF than in serum in successful subjects (P < 0.05) but were comparable in unsuccessful subjects. Serum kisspeptin was comparable among three phases in the successful group but its levels in Phase III were significantly lower compared with Phase I in the unsuccessful group (P < 0.01). Serum kisspeptin in Phase II/III had positive correlations with serum E2 in Phases II and III and the outcomes of IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment including serum hCG levels. For the cell experiment (n = 3), kisspeptin treatment in the presence of FSH together with IGF-1 enhanced CYP19A1 (aromatase) mRNA expression compared with control. FSH alone increased aromatase concentrations in the supernatant compared with control and kisspeptin at the dose of 10-2 mmol/L with FSH enhanced aromatase concentrations in the supernatant compared with FSH alone (P < 0.001 all). In conclusion, kisspeptin enhanced aromatase expression and secretion and was associated with positive outcomes of IVF/ICSI treatment. Further studies regarding supplementation of kisspeptin could reveal its beneficial effects on IVF/ICSI treatment.

Modern concept of neuroendocrine and epigenetic regulation of the onset of puberty and sexual development. Translational studies on the role of the KISS/KISS1R system

Background . Kisspeptin system plays a fundamental role in the neuroendocrine control of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, initiation of puberty and fertility. These observations suggest that kisspeptin system is a potential novel therapeutic and diagnostic approach for treating children with delayed puberty and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and is currently a focus of translational research. Objective . Estimation of the functional activity of the kisspeptin system and its role in the genesis of delayed puberty. Design and methods . The experimental part of the study included 53 male Wistar rats. The clinical part of the study included 75 somatically healthy boys. The expression levels of kisspeptin receptors KISS1R in central androgen dependent tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemical method. Kisspeptin receptor levels and serum levels of kisspeptin were assessed by ELISA. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were evaluated by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Results . A negative regulatory feedback was established between the concentration of kisspeptin and plasma testosterone both in the experimental and clinical parts of the study. Hypotestosteronemia leads to a significant decrease in the number of kisspeptin receptors in androgen-dependent tissues. Low testosterone levels cause degenerative-dystrophic changes in the neurons of the medial arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, which undergo partial regression during testosterone therapy. The level of kisspeptin significantly increases in individuals with delayed puberty. Serum kisspeptin levels exceeding 16.9 pg/ml is a reliable predictor of delayed puberty. Conclusion . Obtained results indicate the importance of translating them into clinical practice in order to substantiate novel diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the management of central forms of delayed puberty.

Serum Kisspeptin and AMH Levels Are Good References for Precocious Puberty Progression.

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of kisspeptin and AMH in children with PT or CPP or controls to provide a reference for diagnosis and prognosis. Methods 38 Chinese children with central precocious puberty (CPP), 38 Chinese children with premature thelarche (PT), and 75 controls were recruited. Results In CPP girls, AMH levels decreased significantly compared to control girls at T2 stage. Compared with the PT and control groups, AMH is the lowest in girls in the CPP group at T3 stage. Kisspeptin decreased significantly in girls in the PT group and increased significantly in girls in the control group from T2 stage to T3 stage. At T3 stage, kisspeptin was significantly higher in girls in the CPP and control groups than in the PT group. In the control group, kisspeptin was significantly higher in boys than in girls at T2 stage. AMH and height were negatively correlated in the girls group. Conclusions Kisspeptin and AMH have a unique significance in the auxiliary diagnosis, the differential diagnosis, the treatment, and prognosis of sexual puberty disorder.

Serum Kisspeptin and Its Relation to Metabolic Parameters and Glucose Metabolism in Prepubertal and Pubertal Obese Children.

Objective Kisspeptin, a puberty control neuropeptide, has been discovered to have an additional role in metabolism and glucose homeostasis regulation. This study aimed to determine the association of serum kisspeptin with metabolic parameters and glucose metabolism in obese children. Design, Patients and Measurements. A cross-sectional study of 270 obese children was conducted. All children underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and had serum kisspeptin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile measurements. Body fat mass was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Serum kisspeptin levels of both prepubertal and pubertal children with two HbA1c ranges, <5.7% (normal range) and 5.7–6.4% (prediabetes range), were analyzed and correlated with metabolic parameters and glucose metabolism status. Results The median (IQR) serum kisspeptin level of only pubertal (not prepubertal) children with prediabetes HbA1c was higher than those with normal HbA1c (53.2 (33.9, 69.8) and 37.8 (29.6, 67.5) pg/mL; p = 0.015, respectively). There were no differences in serum kisspeptin levels among children with different glucose metabolism status. During pubertal progression, serum kisspeptin reached the highest level at Tanner stage II only in obese boys. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between serum kisspeptin and HbA1c after adjusting for puberty (β = 12.87; p = 0.001). No correlations between serum kisspeptin and insulin sensitivity indices, insulin secretion indices, lipid profile, blood glucose, as well as percentage of body fat were demonstrated. Conclusions Serum kisspeptin levels in pubertal obese children with prediabetes HbA1c were greater than those with normal HbA1c. Serum kisspeptin was positively associated with HbA1c, but not with glucose metabolism status.

Associations of serum kisspeptin levels with metabolic and reproductive parameters in men

Central kisspeptin action is well known in reproductive regulation; however, its peripheral action is not well understood. This study aimed to 1) compare serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) kisspeptin levels between different body mass index (BMI) groups 2) compare the levels of kisspeptin between serum and CSF, and 3) determine correlations between serum or CSF kisspeptin levels with clinical, metabolic, and reproductive parameters. There were 40 male subjects undergoing operations with lumbar puncture anesthesia. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare between the normal (n = 12), overweight (n = 10), and obese groups (n = 17). One lean subject was recruited for correlation analysis. Serum kisspeptin levels were significantly higher in the obese group when compared to the normal weight and overweight groups even after adjusting for age or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.05 all). Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in the obese group when compared to the normal weight and overweight groups (p < 0.05 all). CSF kisspeptin levels were below the minimum detectable concentration for the assay (<0.06 ng/mL). Serum kisspeptin was positively correlated with body weight, BMI, plasma insulin, the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum leptin but was negatively correlated with plasma LH (p < 0.05 all). In conclusion, serum kisspeptin was related to obesity, leptin, insulin, and insulin resistance, while CSF kisspeptin was below the limits of detection. Thus, peripheral kisspeptin might have a role in metabolic regulation.

Epigallocatechin gallate decreases plasma triglyceride, blood pressure, and serum kisspeptin in obese human subjects.

Obesity is one of major risk factors increasing chronic diseases including type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. The effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major active compound in green tea, on reduced obesity and improved metabolic profiles are still controversial. Furthermore, the effects of EGCG on human adipocyte lipolysis and browning of white adipocytes have not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EGCG on obesity, lipolysis, and browning of human white adipocytes. The results showed that, when compared to the baseline values, EGCG significantly decreased fasting plasma triglyceride levels (P < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05), and serum kisspeptin levels (P < 0.05) after 8 weeks of supplement. On the other hand, supplement of EGCG in obese human subjects for 4 or 8 weeks did not decrease body weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, nor total body fat mass or percentage when compared to their baseline values. The study in human adipocytes showed that EGCG did not increase the glycerol release when compared to vehicle, suggesting that it had no lipolytic effect. Furthermore, treatment of EGCG did not enhance uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) mRNA expression in human white adipocytes when compared with treatment of pioglitazone, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) agonist, suggesting that EGCG did not augment the browning effect of PPAR-γ on white adipocytes. This study revealed that EGCG reduced 2 metabolic risk factors which are triglyceride and blood pressure in the human experiment. We also showed a novel evidence that EGCG decreased kisspeptin levels. However, EGCG had no effects on obesity reduction in humans, lipolysis, nor browning of human white adipocytes.

VP59.15: Circulating kisspeptin levels in ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy of unknown location

VP59.15: Circulating kisspeptin levels in ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy of unknown location

Metastatin as a Marker for Hyperandrogenemia in Iraqi Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objective Kisspeptin 1 might reflect increased androgen level in polycystic ovarian syndrome instead of other markers. Study Design. A case control study was performed in Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital from 1st of July 2016 to 1st of July 2017; it involved 87 women divided into two groups: 44 women diagnosed as PCOS, 22 women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and 22 women with BMI < 25 kg/m2, and another 43 women without PCOS, 22 women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and 21 women with BMI < 25 kg/m2. Hormonal, metabolic profiles, and hirsutism scores, as well as serum kisspeptin level, were assessed by using Human Kisspeptin 1(KISS-1) ELISA Kit. The blood samples between days 2 and 5 of menstrual cycle were drawn by an disposable sterile syringe and collected in EDTA containing tubes (as anticoagulant), and the hormonal profile was measured using a biotech ELISA reader. Result Serum level of kisspeptin was significantly higher in PCOS compared to control (322.4 vs. 235.3 ng/L, respectively). There was no significant difference in age, BMI, and parity between control and PCOS; the frequency of hirsutism, acne, elevated LH, and increased free testosterone (fTT) were significantly higher in PCOS compared to control. Kisspeptin shows a direct significant correlation with hirsutism and fTT (r = 0.648, 0.238, respectively). In ROC analysis, kisspeptin had AUC (95% CI) = 0.874 (0.785–0.935) for predicting PCOS. Conclusion Kisspeptin levels might be used as a marker for hyperandrogenemia in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Serum kisspeptin levels correlated with anti-mullerian hormone levels in women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome

Objective: To determine serum kisspeptin and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods This was a prospective, cross-sectional, comparative study that included 70 women with PCOS and 58 non PCOS controls. PCOS patients were diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. Age, body mass index (BMI), number of menstrual cycles per year, and the Ferriman-Gallwey Score were determined for each woman. Serum levels of kisspeptin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), estradiol, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), AMH, fasting glucose and insulin were determined. Results Women with PCOS were younger (p < .001), with higher BMI (p = .027) and glucose values (p < .001); while displaying less number of menstrual cycles per year (p < .001). Although serum kisspeptin levels were similar in both groups, age was negatively (r= −0.33, p = .00018) and serum AMH levels were positively correlated (r = 0.25, p = .0039) with the serum kisspeptin levels in women with the PCOS. After adjusting for age, serum kisspeptin levels were comparable in both groups (p > .05). Serum LH, AMH, DHEA-S and total testosterone glucose, insulin levels and HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in women with PCOS as compared to controls (all p < .05). Conclusions Serum kisspeptin levels were similar in women with and without PCOS but positively correlated with AMH serum levels in PCOS women.

Kisspeptin levels in children and adolescents

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Combined effects of obesity and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on testosterone levels and kisspeptin/GPR54 expression in hypothalamus and testes of male mice.

Background:This study evaluated whether obese male mice exposed to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) showed synergistic effects on testosterone levels and the potential underlying mechanism.Methods:Forty-eight male mice were assigned to six groups for 12-week treatments as follows: normal, DEHP100, diet-induced obesity (DIO), DIO + DEHP30, DIO + DEHP100, and DIO + DEHP300. Serum hormone levels, including testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and leptin, were detected by ELISA. The levels of Ob-R, kisspeptin, and GPR54 protein expression in hypothalamus and testicular tissues were measured by western blot.Results:There were significantly lower levels of serum T and LH, higher levels of serum leptin and Ob-R, and kisspeptin and GPR54 protein expression were reduced in hypothalamus and testicular tissues in the DIO and DEHP groups compared with controls. Moreover, serum T and leptin levels were more severe in the combined DIO and DEHP exposure group than in the single exposure groups. Serum LH levels and GPR54 expression in the testis were significantly decreased in DIO + DEHP300 mice compared with DIO mice (p < 0.05).Conclusion:Obesity- and DEHP-only exposure had adverse effects on testosterone levels in mice, which may be due to high leptin levels and decreased Ob-R, kisspeptin, and GPR54 expression. Obesity combined with DEHP exposure had an additive adverse effect on testosterone levels in mice. One of the potential mechanisms is higher leptin levels and decreased GPR54 expression in the testes.

Serum kisspeptin: New possible biomarker for sexual behaviour and sperm concentration in buffalo bulls.

The study was designed to decipher the inter-relationship between peripheral hormones (kisspeptin and testosterone), sexual behaviour and seminal variables of Murrah buffalo bulls (n=134). In this study, we recorded that 13%, 37%, 40%, 6% and 4% Murrah buffalo bulls had reaction time of <30, 31-60, 61-180, 181-300 and >300s, respectively. Further, it was observed that 4%, 85% and 10% buffalo bulls were sexually aggressive, active and dull, respectively, during semen collection. The courtship behaviour was not found to be desirable for the bulls used for the semen collection. Mean of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and mass motility (0-5 scale) were 3.57ml, 977.11million/ml, 2.7, respectively. Correlation studies revealed that the reaction time was positively correlated with courtship behaviour and body weight, and negatively correlated with sexual aggressiveness and sperm concentration. Serum kisspeptin in buffalo bulls, measured for the first time, was found to 3.8±0.7ng/ml. Serum kisspeptin and testosterone level are negatively correlated to each other and kisspeptin level influenced the sexual behaviour (reaction time, sexual aggressiveness and penile erection) of study bulls. Serum kisspeptin was higher in the buffalo bulls with higher sperm concentration indicating its role in spermatogenesis. In conclusion, for the first time basic information related to sexual behaviour of Murrah buffalo bulls in large population along with its inter-relationship with peripheral hormones (kisspeptin and testosterone) has been documented.

Hormone-microelement homeostasis of boys with obesity and delayed sexual development

The results of examinations of adolescent boys with varying degrees of obesity and delayed sexual development (DSD) showed that the content of hormones (kisspeptin, leptin, testosterone, gonadotropins, etc.) correlated with the level of essential and toxic chemical elements in urine. Correlations between urine concentrations of zinc, selenium and levels of leptin, kisspeptin and testosterone were found. This points to the etiological determinant of microelementosis in the formation of DSD in obesity in boys — possibly the effect of high lead content in urine.