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Chae-Kim J, Flannagan K, Hill K, Hill MJ. Challenges in handling multiple comparisons in reproductive research. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:909-913. [PMID: 38342373 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Chae-Kim
- Program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynecology, National Institutes of Health, NICHD, Bethesda, Maryland; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Kayla Hill
- Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Micah J Hill
- Program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynecology, National Institutes of Health, NICHD, Bethesda, Maryland; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
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2
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McIlwraith EK, Loganathan N, Mak KWY, He W, Belsham DD. Phoenixin knockout mice show no impairment in fertility or differences in metabolic response to a high-fat diet, but exhibit behavioral differences in an open field test. J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13398. [PMID: 38733120 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Phoenixin (PNX) is a conserved secreted peptide that was identified 10 years ago with numerous studies published on its pleiotropic functions. PNX is associated with estrous cycle length, protection from a high-fat diet, and reduction of anxiety behavior. However, no study had yet evaluated the impact of deleting PNX in the whole animal. We sought to evaluate a mouse model lacking the PNX parent gene, small integral membrane protein 20 (Smim20), and the resulting effect on reproduction, energy homeostasis, and anxiety. We found that the Smim20 knockout mice had normal fertility and estrous cycle lengths. Consistent with normal fertility, the hypothalamii of the knockout mice showed no changes in the levels of reproduction-related genes, but the male mice had some changes in energy homeostasis-related genes, such as melanocortin receptor 4 (Mc4r). When placed on a high-fat diet, the wildtype and knockout mice responded similarly, but the male heterozygous mice gained slightly less weight. When placed in an open field test box, the female knockout mice traveled less distance in the outer zone, indicating alterations in anxiety or locomotor behavior. In summary, the homozygous knockout of PNX did not alter fertility and modestly alters a few neuroendocrine genes in response to a high-fat diet, especially in the female mice. However, it altered the behavior of mice in an open field test. PNX therefore may not be crucial for reproductive function or weight, however, we cannot rule out possible compensatory mechanisms in the knockout model. Understanding the role of PNX in physiology may ultimately lead to an enhanced understanding of neuroendocrine mechanisms involving this enigmatic peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K McIlwraith
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neruja Loganathan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberly W Y Mak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenyuan He
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Denise D Belsham
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Sliwowska JH, Woods NE, Alzahrani AR, Paspali E, Tate RJ, Ferro VA. Kisspeptin a potential therapeutic target in treatment of both metabolic and reproductive dysfunction. J Diabetes 2024; 16:e13541. [PMID: 38599822 PMCID: PMC11006622 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins (KPs) are proteins that were first recognized to have antimetastatic action. Later, the critical role of this peptide in the regulation of reproduction was proved. In recent years, evidence has been accumulated supporting a role for KPs in regulating metabolic processes in a sexual dimorphic manner. It has been proposed that KPs regulate metabolism both indirectly via gonadal hormones and/or directly via the kisspeptin receptor in the brain, brown adipose tissue, and pancreas. The aim of the review is to provide both experimental and clinical evidence indicating that KPs are peptides linking metabolism and reproduction. We propose that KPs could be used as a potential target to treat both metabolic and reproductive abnormalities. Thus, we focus on the consequences of disruptions in KPs and their receptors in metabolic conditions such as diabetes, undernutrition, obesity, and reproductive disorders (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and polycystic ovary syndrome). Data from both animal models and human subjects indicate that alterations in KPs in the case of metabolic imbalance lead also to disruptions in reproductive functions. Changes both in the hypothalamic and peripheral KP systems in animal models of the aforementioned disorders are discussed. Finally, an overview of current clinical studies involving KP in fertility and metabolism show fewer studies on metabolism (15%) and only one to date on both. Presented data indicate a dynamic and emerging field of KP studies as possible therapeutic targets in treatments of both reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Helena Sliwowska
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Nicola Elizabeth Woods
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Abdullah Rzgallah Alzahrani
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elpiniki Paspali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rothwelle Joseph Tate
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Valerie Anne Ferro
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Anderson RA. Kisspeptin and neurokinin B neuroendocrine pathways in the control of human ovulation. J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13371. [PMID: 38404024 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The roles of initially kisspeptin and subsequently neurokinin B pathways in the regulation of human reproduction through the control of GnRH secretion were first identified 20 years ago, as essential for the onset of puberty in both boys and girls. Within that short time we already now have the first licence for clinical use for a neurokinin antagonist in a related indication, for menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Between these two markers of the start and end of the reproductive lifespan, it is clear that these pathways underlie many of the aspects of the hypothalamic regulation of reproduction which had hitherto been enigmatic. In this review, we describe the data currently available from studies designed to elucidate the roles of kisspeptin and neurokinin B in human ovarian function, specifically the regulation of follicle development leading up to ovulation, and in the control of the mid-cycle GnRH/LH surge that triggers ovulation. These studies, undertaken with only very limited pharmacological tools, provide evidence that the neurokinin B pathway is important in controlling the hypothalamic contribution to the precise gonadotropic drive to the ovary that is necessary for mono-ovulation, whereas the switch from negative to positive estrogenic feedback results in kisspeptin-mediated increased GnRH secretion. Potential therapeutic opportunities in conditions characterised by disordered hypothalamic/pituitary function, polycystic ovary syndrome, and functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea, and in the induced LH surge that is a necessary part of IVF treatment are discussed.
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Patel B, Koysombat K, Mills EG, Tsoutsouki J, Comninos AN, Abbara A, Dhillo WS. The Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Kisspeptin and Neurokinin B. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:30-68. [PMID: 37467734 PMCID: PMC10765167 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP) and neurokinin B (NKB) are neuropeptides that govern the reproductive endocrine axis through regulating hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal activity and pulsatile GnRH secretion. Their critical role in reproductive health was first identified after inactivating variants in genes encoding for KP or NKB signaling were shown to result in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and a failure of pubertal development. Over the past 2 decades since their discovery, a wealth of evidence from both basic and translational research has laid the foundation for potential therapeutic applications. Beyond KP's function in the hypothalamus, it is also expressed in the placenta, liver, pancreas, adipose tissue, bone, and limbic regions, giving rise to several avenues of research for use in the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy, metabolic, liver, bone, and behavioral disorders. The role played by NKB in stimulating the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center to mediate menopausal hot flashes has led to the development of medications that antagonize its action as a novel nonsteroidal therapeutic agent for this indication. Furthermore, the ability of NKB antagonism to partially suppress (but not abolish) the reproductive endocrine axis has supported its potential use for the treatment of various reproductive disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. This review will provide a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the preclinical and clinical data that have paved the way for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic applications of KP and NKB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijal Patel
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Kanyada Koysombat
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Edouard G Mills
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Jovanna Tsoutsouki
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
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Abbara A, Ufer M, Voors-Pette C, Berman L, Ezzati M, Wu R, Lee TY, Ferreira JCA, Migoya E, Dhillo WS. Endocrine profile of the kisspeptin receptor agonist MVT-602 in healthy premenopausal women with and without ovarian stimulation: results from 2 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical tricals. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:95-106. [PMID: 37925096 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kisspeptin is an essential regulator of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone release and is required for physiological ovulation. Native kisspeptin-54 can induce oocyte maturation during in vitro fertilization treatment, including in women who are at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. MVT-602 is a potent kisspeptin receptor agonist with prospective utility to treat anovulatory disorders by triggering oocyte maturation and ovulation during medically assisted reproduction (MAR). Currently, the endocrine profile of MVT-602 during ovarian stimulation is unreported. OBJECTIVE To determine the endocrine profile of MVT-602 in the follicular phase of healthy premenopausal women (phase-1 trial), and after minimal ovarian stimulation to more closely reflect the endocrine milieu encountered during MAR (phase-2a trial). DESIGN Two randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-finding trials. SETTING Clinical trials unit. PATIENTS Healthy women aged 18-35 years, either without (phase-1; n = 24), or with ovarian stimulation (phase-2a; n = 75). INTERVENTIONS Phase-1: single subcutaneous dose of MVT-602 (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 μg) or placebo, (n = 6 per dose). Phase-2a: single subcutaneous dose of MVT-602 (0.1, 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 μg; n = 16-17 per dose), triptorelin 0.2 mg (n = 5; active comparator), or placebo (n = 5). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Phase-1: safety/tolerability; pharmacokinetics; and pharmacodynamics (luteinizing hormone [LH] and other reproductive hormones). Phase-2a: safety/tolerability; pharmacokinetics; pharmacodynamics (LH and other reproductive hormones); and time to ovulation assessed by transvaginal ultrasound. RESULTS In both the trials, MVT-602 was safe and well tolerated across the entire dose range. It was rapidly absorbed and eliminated, with a mean elimination half-life of 1.3-2.2 hours. In the phase-2a trial, LH concentrations increased dose dependently; mean maximum change from baseline of 82.4 IU/L at 24.8 hours was observed after administration of 3 μg MVT-602 and remained >15 IU/L for 33 hours. Time to ovulation after drug administration was 3.3-3.9 days (MVT-602), 3.4 days (triptorelin), and 5.5 days (placebo). Ovulation occurred within 5 days of administration in 100% (3 μg), 88% (1 μg), 82% (0.3 μg), and 75% (0.1 μg), of women after MVT-602, 100% after triptorelin and 60% after placebo. CONCLUSIONS MVT-602 induces LH concentrations of similar amplitude and duration as the physiological midcycle LH surge with potential utility for induction of oocyte maturation and ovulation during MAR. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER EUDRA-CT: 2017-003812-38, 2018-001379-20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Ufer
- Myovant Sciences GmbH, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Max Ezzati
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, California
| | - Rui Wu
- Myovant Sciences Ltd., Brisbane, California
| | | | | | | | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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Dong J, Rees DA. Polycystic ovary syndrome: pathophysiology and therapeutic opportunities. BMJ MEDICINE 2023; 2:e000548. [PMID: 37859784 PMCID: PMC10583117 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2023-000548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterised by excessive levels of androgens and ovulatory dysfunction, and is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Polycystic ovary syndrome arises as a result of polygenic susceptibility in combination with environmental influences that might include epigenetic alterations and in utero programming. In addition to the well recognised clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction, women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes, pregnancy complications, and cardiometabolic disease. Unlicensed treatments have limited efficacy, mostly because drug development has been hampered by an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiological processes. Advances in genetics, metabolomics, and adipocyte biology have improved our understanding of key changes in neuroendocrine, enteroendocrine, and steroidogenic pathways, including increased gonadotrophin releasing hormone pulsatility, androgen excess, insulin resistance, and changes in the gut microbiome. Many patients with polycystic ovary syndrome have high levels of 11-oxygenated androgens, with high androgenic potency, that might mediate metabolic risk. These advances have prompted the development of new treatments, including those that target the neurokinin-kisspeptin axis upstream of gonadotrophin releasing hormone, with the potential to lessen adverse clinical sequelae and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Dong
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - D Aled Rees
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Abdelkareem AO, Iews MS, Ait-Allah AS, Rasheed SM, Helmy YA, Habte R, Abdelhafez FF, Bedaiwy MA. Immunohistochemistry of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Integrin αVβ3 in Mouse Endometrium Following Kisspeptin-54 Ovulation Trigger. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:3084-3091. [PMID: 37126206 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01243-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP) is a group of hypothalamic neuropeptides encoded by KISS-1 gene. KP-54, a 54-amino-acid peptide, helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and plays a potential role in implantation. C57BL/6 J female mice were superovulated via intraperitoneal injection of 5 International Units (IU) pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (day 1). Forty-eight hours later, mice (5/group) were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (group A), 5 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) (group B), or 3 nmol KP-54 (group C). On day 7, mice were euthanized and uteri excised to create paraformaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded sections that were immunostained for the implantation markers: leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and integrin αVβ3 (ITG αVβ3). Slides were scored for intensity of staining in endometrial glandular epithelium (GE) and stromal cells (SCs) via histoscore (H-score). Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney U test for pairwise comparisons. LIF expression was significantly higher in GE and SCs of mice triggered with KP-54 compared to placebo (P = .009 for both), but only higher than hCG trigger group in SCs (P = .009). Meanwhile, ITG αVβ3 expression was significantly higher in SCs of mice triggered with KP-54 compared to placebo (P = .028). In conclusion, using KP-54 as an ovulation trigger resulted in higher expression of the implantation markers LIF and ITG αVβ3 in mice endometrium compared to hCG or placebo. This suggests a potential role for KP-54 trigger in improving embryo implantation in clinical IVF. However, further studies are needed to correlate these results with clinical implantation rates and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr O Abdelkareem
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud S Iews
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Abdou S Ait-Allah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Salah M Rasheed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Yasser A Helmy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ruth Habte
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Faten F Abdelhafez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Palomba S, Costanzi F, Nelson SM, Besharat A, Caserta D, Humaidan P. Beyond the Umbrella: A Systematic Review of the Interventions for the Prevention of and Reduction in the Incidence and Severity of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in Patients Who Undergo In Vitro Fertilization Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14185. [PMID: 37762488 PMCID: PMC10531768 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is the main severe complication of ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. The aim of the current study was to identify the interventions for the prevention of and reduction in the incidence and severity of OHSS in patients who undergo IVF not included in systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and assess and grade their efficacy and evidence base. The best available evidence for each specific intervention was identified, analyzed in terms of safety/efficacy ratio and risk of bias, and graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) hierarchy of evidence. A total of 15 interventions to prevent OHSS were included in the final analysis. In the IVF population not at a high risk for OHSS, follitropin delta for ovarian stimulation may reduce the incidence of early OHSS and/or preventive interventions for early OHSS. In high-risk patients, inositol pretreatment, ovulation triggering with low doses of urinary hCG, and the luteal phase administration of a GnRH antagonist may reduce OHSS risk. In conclusion, even if not supported by systematic reviews with homogeneity of the RCTs, several treatments/strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of OHSS have been shown to be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palomba
- Unit of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Flavia Costanzi
- Unit of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Scott M. Nelson
- School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK;
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK
- The Fertility Partnership, Oxford OX4 2HW, UK
| | - Aris Besharat
- Unit of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Donatella Caserta
- Unit of Gynecology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
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Palomba S, Costanzi F, Nelson SM, Caserta D, Humaidan P. Interventions to prevent or reduce the incidence and severity of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a systematic umbrella review of the best clinical evidence. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:67. [PMID: 37480081 PMCID: PMC10360244 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01113-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially life-threating iatrogenic complication of the early luteal phase and/or early pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The aim of the current study was to identify the most effective methods for preventing of and reducing the incidence and severity of OHSS in IVF patients. A systematic review of systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with meta-analysis was used to assess each potential intervention (PROSPERO website, CRD 268626) and only studies with the highest quality were included in the qualitative analysis. Primary outcomes included prevention and reduction of OHSS incidence and severity. Secondary outcomes were maternal death, incidence of hospital admission, days of hospitalization, and reproductive outcomes, such as incidence of live-births, clinical pregnancies, pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriages, and oocytes retrieved. A total of specific interventions related to OHSS were analyzed in 28 systematic reviews of RCTs with meta-analyses. The quality assessment of the included studies was high, moderate, and low for 23, 2, and 3 studies, respectively. The certainty of evidence (CoE) for interventions was reported for 37 specific situations/populations and resulted high, moderate, and low-to-very low for one, 5, and 26 cases, respectively, while it was not reported in 5 cases. Considering the effective interventions without deleterious reproductive effects, GnRH-ant co-treatment (36 RCTs; OR 0.61, 95% C 0.51 to 0.72, n = 7,944; I2 = 31%) and GnRH agonist triggering (8 RCTs; OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.47, n = 989; I2 = 42%) emerged as the most effective interventions for preventing OHSS with a moderate CoE, even though elective embryo cryopreservation exhibited a low CoE. Furthermore, the use of mild ovarian stimulation (9 RCTs; RR 0.26, CI 0.14 to 0.49, n = 1,925; I2 = 0%), and dopaminergic agonists (10 RCTs; OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.44, n = 1,202; I2 = 13%) coadministration proved effective and safe with a moderate CoE. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that only a few interventions currently can be considered effective to reduce the incidence of OHSS and its severity with high/moderate CoE despite the numerous published studies on the topic. Further well-designed RCTs are needed, particularly for GnRH-a down-regulated IVF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palomba
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, via di Grottarossa, n. 1035/1039, Rome, 00189, Italy.
| | - Flavia Costanzi
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, via di Grottarossa, n. 1035/1039, Rome, 00189, Italy
| | - Scott M Nelson
- School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, UK
- TFP, Oxford Fertility, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Donatella Caserta
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, via di Grottarossa, n. 1035/1039, Rome, 00189, Italy
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Faculty of Health, Skive Regional Hospital, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Sharma L, Bisht GS. Short Antimicrobial Peptides: Therapeutic Potential and Recent Advancements. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:3005-3017. [PMID: 38018196 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128248959231102114334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
There has been a lot of interest in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potential next-generation antibiotics. They are components of the innate immune system. AMPs have broad-spectrum action and are less prone to resistance development. They show potential applications in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and the food industry. However, despite the good activity and safety profiles, AMPs have had difficulty finding success in the clinic due to their various limitations, such as production cost, proteolytic susceptibility, and oral bioavailability. To overcome these flaws, a number of solutions have been devised, one of which is developing short antimicrobial peptides. Short antimicrobial peptides do have an advantage over longer peptides as they are more stable and do not collapse during absorption. They have generated a lot of interest because of their evolutionary success and advantageous properties, such as low molecular weight, selective targets, cell or organelles with minimal toxicity, and enormous therapeutic potential. This article provides an overview of the development of short antimicrobial peptides with an emphasis on those with ≤ 30 amino acid residues as a potential therapeutic agent to fight drug-resistant microorganisms. It also emphasizes their applications in many fields and discusses their current state in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalita Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gopal Singh Bisht
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Himachal Pradesh, India
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12
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Koysombat K, Abbara A, Dhillo WS. Current pharmacotherapy and future directions for neuroendocrine causes of female infertility. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:37-47. [PMID: 35413212 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2064217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infertility is recognized as a major global health issue, often associated with significant psychological distress for affected couples. Causes of female infertility include endocrine conditions leading to oligo/anovulation, in addition to structural causes such as tubal, uterine, or peritoneal disorders. Pharmacological treatments, targeting pathways in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, can improve rates of ovulation, conception, pregnancy, and birth. Some existing therapeutic options are hindered by limited efficacy or by a non-physiological mechanism, which can risk excessive stimulation and treatment-related adverse effects. Therefore, there is a continued need for novel therapies to improve care for patients suffering with infertility. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors focus on endocrine causes of oligo/anovulation in women and on advances in assisted reproductive technology. Current pharmacological treatments and putative future therapeutic avenues in development to aid fertility in women are outlined. EXPERT OPINION A deeper understanding of the reproductive neuroendocrine network governing hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone release can offer novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of female subfertility, leading to improved clinical outcomes, less invasive routes of administration, and decreased treatment-related side-effects. The ultimate aim of development in female subfertility is to offer therapeutic interventions that are effective, reproducible, associated with minimal risks, and have an acceptable route of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanyada Koysombat
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
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13
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Acosta-Martínez M. Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis Disorders Impacting Fertility in Both Sexes and the Potential of Kisspeptin-Based Therapies to Treat Them. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 282:259-288. [PMID: 37439848 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Impaired function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis can lead to a vast array of reproductive disorders some of which are inherited or acquired, but many are of unknown etiology. Among the clinical consequences of HPG impairment, infertility is quite common. According to the latest report from the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of infertility during a person's lifetime is a staggering 17.5% which translate into 1 out of every 6 people experiencing it. In both sexes, infertility is associated with adverse health events, and if unresolved, infertility can cause substantial psychological stress, social stigmatization, and economic strain. Even though significant advances have been made in the management and treatment of infertility, low or variable efficacy of treatments and medication adverse effects still pose a significant problem. However, the discovery that in humans inactivating mutations in the gene encoding the kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1R) results in pubertal failure and infertility has expanded our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the neuroendocrine control of reproduction, opening up potential new therapies for the treatment of infertility disorders. In this chapter we provide an overview of common infertility disorders affecting men and women, their recommended treatments, and the potential of kisspeptin-based pharmacotherapies to treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricedes Acosta-Martínez
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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14
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Tsoutsouki J, Abbara A, Dhillo W. Novel therapeutic avenues for kisspeptin. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 67:102319. [PMID: 36413854 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that acts via the hypothalamus to stimulate hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion and downstream gonadotrophin release. In health, kisspeptin induces normal puberty and modulates ovulation in healthy women. Hypothalamic kisspeptin expression is reduced in several functional reproductive disorders; thus, treating such conditions with kisspeptin is conceptually attractive. Recent studies have demonstrated that kisspeptin can induce a more physiological degree of oocyte maturation during in vitro fertilisation treatment that can reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome seen with human chorionic gonadotrophin. Furthermore, chronic use of kisspeptin could potentially restore reproductive health in females with hypothalamic amenorrhoea, treat hyposexual drive disorder in otherwise healthy males and has potential indications in polycystic ovary syndrome, osteoporosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Finally, kisspeptin analogues could potentially overcome some of the pharmacological challenges associated with the natural forms of kisspeptin such as short duration of action and development of tachyphylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovanna Tsoutsouki
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 ONN, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 ONN, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 ONN, United Kingdom.
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15
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Bilister Egilmez C, Koyu A, Azak Pazarlar B, Keselik E, Oz Oyar E, Kurus M. Effects of intracerebroventricular and intravenous administration of Kisspeptin-54 and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in rats with ovarian hyperstimulation. Neuropeptides 2022; 96:102298. [PMID: 36367482 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2022.102298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aim to determine the effect of local and systemic administration of kisspeptin-54 on ovarian hyperstimulation. METHODS Immature female rats were used. In order to generate the ovarian hyperstimulation model, 50 IU PMSG was administered for 4 consecutive days and a single dose of 25 IU hCG was administered to all groups except for the sham group. To synchronize the sham group, a single dose of 10 IU PMSG followed by 10 IU hCG (48 h later) was applied. Kisspeptin-54 and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists were administered 48 h after hCG injection. While intracerebroventricular injection is performed with stereotaxic surgery, Intravenous administration was from the tail vein. Ovarian weights were measured. FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone hormones were detected in serum by ELISA. VEGFa, IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1 immunohistochemical staining was performed on the ovaries and hypothalamus and their optical densities were determined with Image J. Kiss1R mRNA expression was determined by qRT-PCR. RESULTS Ovarian weights increased significantly in the OHSS group and the systemic GnRH agonist group. The optical densities of VEGFa, IL-1β, TNF- α and MCP-1 immunoreactivity showed us that both local and systemic applied kisspeptin-54 attenuates the level of investigated inflammation parameters in the ovaries. Moreover, local administration of kisspeptin-54 has been shown to enhance the level of Kiss1R mRNA in both the ovaries and the hypothalamus. CONCLUSION(S) Local and systemic administration of Kisspeptin-54 as a post-treatment reduces inflammation parameters in the ovaries. These findings promote the potential use of kisspeptin-54 on OHSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu Bilister Egilmez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Koyu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Burcu Azak Pazarlar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Erdi Keselik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Eser Oz Oyar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Meltem Kurus
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
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16
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Mills EG, Dhillo WS. Invited review: Translating kisspeptin and neurokinin B biology into new therapies for reproductive health. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13201. [PMID: 36262016 PMCID: PMC9788075 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive neuropeptide kisspeptin has emerged as the master regulator of mammalian reproduction due to its key roles in the initiation of puberty and the control of fertility. Alongside the tachykinin neurokinin B and the endogenous opioid dynorphin, these peptides are central to the hormonal control of reproduction. Building on the expanding body of experimental animal models, interest has flourished with human studies revealing that kisspeptin administration stimulates physiological reproductive hormone secretion in both healthy men and women, as well as patients with common reproductive disorders. In addition, emerging therapeutic roles based on neurokinin B for the management of menopausal flushing, endometriosis and uterine fibroids are increasingly recognised. In this review, we focus on kisspeptin and neurokinin B and their potential application as novel clinical strategies for the management of reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G. Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative MedicineImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Department of EndocrinologyImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Waljit S. Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative MedicineImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Department of EndocrinologyImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
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17
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Masumi S, Lee EB, Dilower I, Upadhyaya S, Chakravarthi VP, Fields PE, Rumi MAK. The role of Kisspeptin signaling in Oocyte maturation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:917464. [PMID: 36072937 PMCID: PMC9441556 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.917464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins (KPs) secreted from the hypothalamic KP neurons act on KP receptors (KPRs) in gonadotropin (GPN) releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons to produce GnRH. GnRH acts on pituitary gonadotrophs to induce secretion of GPNs, namely follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are essential for ovarian follicle development, oocyte maturation and ovulation. Thus, hypothalamic KPs regulate oocyte maturation indirectly through GPNs. KPs and KPRs are also expressed in the ovarian follicles across species. Recent studies demonstrated that intraovarian KPs also act directly on the KPRs expressed in oocytes to promote oocyte maturation and ovulation. In this review article, we have summarized published reports on the role of hypothalamic and ovarian KP-signaling in oocyte maturation. Gonadal steroid hormones regulate KP secretion from hypothalamic KP neurons, which in turn induces GPN secretion from the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) axis. On the other hand, GPNs secreted from the HP axis act on the granulosa cells (GCs) and upregulate the expression of ovarian KPs. While KPs are expressed predominantly in the GCs, the KPRs are in the oocytes. Expression of KPs in the ovaries increases with the progression of the estrous cycle and peaks during the preovulatory GPN surge. Intrafollicular KP levels in the ovaries rise with the advancement of developmental stages. Moreover, loss of KPRs in oocytes in mice leads to failure of oocyte maturation and ovulation similar to that of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). These findings suggest that GC-derived KPs may act on the KPRs in oocytes during their preovulatory maturation. In addition to the intraovarian role of KP-signaling in oocyte maturation, in vivo, a direct role of KP has been identified during in vitro maturation of sheep, porcine, and rat oocytes. KP-stimulation of rat oocytes, in vitro, resulted in Ca2+ release and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2. In vitro treatment of rat or porcine oocytes with KPs upregulated messenger RNA levels of the factors that favor oocyte maturation. In clinical trials, human KP-54 has also been administered successfully to patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for increasing oocyte maturation. Exogenous KPs can induce GPN secretion from hypothalamus; however, the possibility of direct KP action on the oocytes cannot be excluded. Understanding the direct in vivo and in vitro roles of KP-signaling in oocyte maturation will help in developing novel KP-based ARTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - M. A. Karim Rumi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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18
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Garg A, Patel B, Abbara A, Dhillo WS. Treatments targeting neuroendocrine dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 97:156-164. [PMID: 35262967 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is the leading cause of anovulatory subfertility. Increased gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility in the hypothalamus results in preferential luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion from the pituitary gland, leading to ovarian hyperandrogenism and oligo/anovulation. The resultant hyperandrogenism reduces negative feedback from sex steroids such as oestradiol and progesterone to the hypothalamus, and thus perpetuates the increase in GnRH pulsatility. GnRH neurons do not have receptors for oestrogen, progesterone, or androgens, and thus the disrupted feedback is hypothesized to occur via upstream neurons. Likely candidates for these upstream regulators of GnRH neuronal pulsatility are Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B (NKB), and Dynorphin neurons (termed KNDy neurons). Growing insight into the neuroendocrine dysfunction underpinning the heightened GnRH pulsatility seen in PCOS has led to research on the use of pharmaceutical agents that specifically target the activity of these KNDy neurons to attenuate symptoms of PCOS. This review aims to highlight the neuroendocrine abnormalities that lead to increased GnRH pulsatility in PCOS, and outline data on recent therapeutic advancements that could potentially be used to treat PCOS. Emerging evidence has investigated the use of neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) antagonists as a method of reducing GnRH pulsatility and alleviating features of PCOS such as hyperandrogenism. We also consider other potential mechanisms by which increased GnRH pulsatility is controlled, which could form the basis of future avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Garg
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bijal Patel
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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19
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Kisspeptin Modulation of Reproductive Function. ENDOCRINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines3030029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin is a peptide expressed mainly in the infundibular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Kisspeptin plays a crucial role in the regulation of reproductive functions. It is regarded as the most important factor responsible for the control of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, the onset of puberty, and the regulation of menstruation and fertility. Kisspeptin activity influences numerous processes such as steroidogenesis, follicular maturation, ovulation, and ovarian senescence. The identification of kisspeptin receptor mutations that cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism has initiated studies on the role of kisspeptin in puberty. Pathologies affecting the neurons secreting kisspeptin play a major role in the development of PCOS, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, and perimenopausal vasomotor symptoms. Kisspeptin analogs (both agonists and antagonists), therefore, may be beneficial as therapy in those afflicted with such pathologies. The aim of this review is to summarize the influence of kisspeptin in the physiology and pathology of the reproductive system in humans, as well as its potential use in therapy.
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20
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Hu KL, Chen Z, Li X, Cai E, Yang H, Chen Y, Wang C, Ju L, Deng W, Mu L. Advances in clinical applications of kisspeptin-GnRH pathway in female reproduction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:81. [PMID: 35606759 PMCID: PMC9125910 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00953-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kisspeptin is the leading upstream regulator of pulsatile and surge Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone secretion (GnRH) in the hypothalamus, which acts as the key governor of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis. MAIN TEXT Exogenous kisspeptin or its receptor agonist can stimulate GnRH release and subsequent physiological gonadotropin secretion in humans. Based on the role of kisspeptin in the hypothalamus, a broad application of kisspeptin and its receptor agonist has been recently uncovered in humans, including central control of ovulation, oocyte maturation (particularly in women at a high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), test for GnRH neuronal function, and gatekeepers of puberty onset. In addition, the kisspeptin analogs, such as TAK-448, showed promising agonistic activity in healthy women as well as in women with hypothalamic amenorrhoea or polycystic ovary syndrome. CONCLUSION More clinical trials should focus on the therapeutic effect of kisspeptin, its receptor agonist and antagonist in women with reproductive disorders, such as hypothalamic amenorrhoea, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lun Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, No.49 Huayuan North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China, 100191
- Zhejiang MedicalTech Therapeutics Company, No.665 Yumeng Road, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325200
| | - Zimiao Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325000
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- Zhejiang MedicalTech Therapeutics Company, No.665 Yumeng Road, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325200
| | - Enci Cai
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325000
| | - Yi Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325000
| | - Congying Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325000
| | - Liping Ju
- Zhejiang MedicalTech Therapeutics Company, No.665 Yumeng Road, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325200
| | - Wenhai Deng
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325006.
| | - Liangshan Mu
- Zhejiang MedicalTech Therapeutics Company, No.665 Yumeng Road, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China, 325200.
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21
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Seminara SB, Topaloglu AK. Review of human genetic and clinical studies directly relevant to GnRH signalling. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13080. [PMID: 34970798 PMCID: PMC9299506 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
GnRH is the pivotal hormone in controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis in humans and other mammalian species. GnRH function is influenced by a multitude of known and still unknown environmental and genetic factors. Molecular genetic studies on human families with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism over the past two decades have been instrumental in delineating the kisspeptin and neurokinin B signalling, which integrally modulates GnRH release from the hypothalamus. The identification of kisspeptin and neurokinin B ligand-receptor gene pair mutations in patients with absent puberty have paved the way to a greater understanding of the central regulation of the HPG cascade. In this article, we aim to review the literature on the genetic and clinical aspects of GnRH and its receptor, as well as the two ligand-receptor sets directly pertinent to the function of GnRH hormone signalling, kisspeptin/ kisspeptin receptor and NKB/NK3R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B. Seminara
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A. Kemal Topaloglu
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
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22
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Okafor IA, Okpara UD, Ibeabuchi KC. The Reproductive Functions of the Human Brain Regions: A Systematic Review. J Hum Reprod Sci 2022; 15:102-111. [PMID: 35928473 PMCID: PMC9345277 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_18_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction remains a vital characteristic of living things necessary for survival and continuity. Specific brain regions and structures are responsible for regulating the different aspects of human reproduction. This study systematically reviewed the brain regions that play structural, hormonal and physiological roles in controlling the various aspects of human reproduction from puberty, sexual function, gametogenesis, childbirth and fertility to infertility to inform advancement in research and therapeutic interventions in human reproductive disorders. A systematic literature search of online databases (MEDLINE, Europe PMC and Google Scholar) was made using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for observational and cross-sectional studies providing evidence for the role(s) of the brain region in human reproduction from the year 2011-2021. Out of 141 articles found, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, including six cross-sectional and nine randomised controlled trials. The study acknowledged the roles of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and pineal gland, widely known for regulating the human reproductive system in a gender-based approach while highlighting essential gaps and opportunities for future research. This review provides a 10-year update and overview of the role of different brain regions in human reproduction and will stimulate future research in human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izuchukwu Azuka Okafor
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Reproductive Health Sciences Program, Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences Institute (Including Health and Agriculture), PAULESI, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ugochukwu Damian Okpara
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu OjukwuUniversity, Uli Campus, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley Chinemerem Ibeabuchi
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Nursing Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Complex, Ihiala, Anambra State, Nigeria
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23
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Neuroendocrine Determinants of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053089. [PMID: 35270780 PMCID: PMC8910170 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women and a major cause of anovulatory infertility. A diagnosis of PCOS is established based the presence of two out of three clinical symptoms, which are criteria accepted by the ESHRE/ASRM (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is responsible for the release of luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone from the pituitary and contributes a leading role in controlling reproductive function in humans. The goal of this review is to present the current knowledge on neuroendocrine determinations of PCOS. The role of such neurohormones as GnRH, and neuropeptides kisspeptin, neurokinin B, phoenixin-14, and galanin is discussed in this aspect. Additionally, different neurotransmitters (gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine) can also be involved in neuroendocrine etiopathogenesis of PCOS. Studies have shown a persistent rapid GnRH pulse frequency in women with PCOS present during the whole ovulatory cycle. Other studies have proved that patients with PCOS are characterized by higher serum kisspeptin levels. The observations of elevated serum kisspeptin levels in PCOS correspond with the hypothesis that overactivity in the kisspeptin system is responsible for hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis overactivity. In turn, this causes menstrual disorders, hyperandrogenemia and hyperandrogenism. Moreover, abnormal regulation of Neurokinin B (NKB) is also suspected of contributing to PCOS development, while NKB antagonists are used in the treatment of PCOS leading to reduction in Luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration and total testosterone concentration. GnRH secretion is regulated not only by kisspeptin and neurokinin B, but also by other neurohormones, such as phoenixin-14, galanin, and Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), that have favorable effects in counteracting the progress of PCOS. A similar process is associated with the neurotransmitters such as GABA, glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine, as well as the opioid system, which may interfere with secretion of GnRH, and therefore, influence the development and severity of symptoms in PCOS patients. Additional studies are required to explain entire, real mechanisms responsible for PCOS neuroendocrine background.
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Abbara A, Patel B, Parekh I, Garg A, Jayasena CN, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission between 1996-2020 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1060173. [PMID: 36589797 PMCID: PMC9797661 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1060173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a life-threatening iatrogenic complication of In vitro fertilisation (IVF). This study aimed to quantify rates of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission and assess whether trends have changed between 1996-2020 commensurate with the introduction of safer IVF practices. METHODS Data regarding Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission across England, Wales and Northern Ireland was gathered retrospectively from the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC) database. 38,957 female patients aged between 18-55 years were admitted to ICU for OHSS or related conditions between 1996-2020. The primary outcome was the rate of OHSS requiring ICU admission expressed as a proportion of the number of fresh IVF cycles conducted in that year according to Human Fertility and Embryology Authority (HFEA) records. Baseline characteristics (for example, age, ethnicity, BMI), biochemical parameters (such as renal function, serum electrolytes), length of ICU stay and duration and need for organ support, were also compared between ICU patients with 'confirmed OHSS' and those 'without OHSS'. RESULTS There were 238 cases of 'confirmed OHSS' requiring ICU admission recorded between 1996-2020. Rates of OHSS requiring ICU admission declined over the study period (P=0.006); the annual rate of severe OHSS requiring intensive care admission halved when comparing those occurring between 1996-2007 and 2008-2020 (OR=0.37, 95% CI 0.37-0.45; P<0.0001). Patients spent a mean of 3.5 days in the ICU, with 86.3% of patients with 'confirmed OHSS' requiring at least 2 days of higher level (i.e., level 2 or 3) care. Patients with 'confirmed OHSS' required a shorter duration of renal, advanced cardiovascular, and advanced respiratory support than patients 'without OHSS' (P<0.0001 for all comparisons). There was no significant difference in BMI or ethnicity between those with 'confirmed OHSS' and those 'without OHSS', however women with 'confirmed OHSS' were younger (34 versus 41 years old, p<0.0001). DISCUSSION Although absolute rates of OHSS requiring ICU admission recorded in this study are likely to represent a significant underestimate of all clinically significant OHSS, rates of OHSS requiring ICU admission have decreased since 1996 in concordance with the introduction of modern IVF practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bijal Patel
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isha Parekh
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Akanksha Garg
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Channa N. Jayasena
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N. Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S. Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Waljit S. Dhillo,
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Sharma B, Koysombat K, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS, Abbara A. Use of kisspeptin to trigger oocyte maturation during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:972137. [PMID: 36147569 PMCID: PMC9485455 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.972137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major global health issue and is associated with significant psychological distress for afflicted couples. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) utilises supra-physiological doses of stimulatory hormones to induce the growth of multiple ovarian follicles to enable surgical retrieval of several oocytes for subsequent fertilisation and implantation into the maternal endometrium. The supra-physiological degree of ovarian stimulation can lead to potential risks during IVF treatment, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancy. The choice of oocyte maturation trigger, such as human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), can impact both the efficacy of IVF treatment with a bearing on luteal phase hormonal dynamics and thus the degree of luteal phase support required to maintain optimal pregnancy rates, as well as on safety of treatment with particular respect to the risk of OHSS. Kisspeptin regulates gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) release and is therefore a key regulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Kisspeptin has been shown to be requisite for the occurrence of the physiological ovulatory luteinising hormone (LH) surge. In this review, we discuss the potential use of kisspeptin as a novel trigger of oocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavna Sharma
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kanyada Koysombat
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N. Comninos
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S. Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Ali Abbara,
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Cintra RG, Wajnsztejn R, Trevisan CM, Zaia V, Laganà AS, Bianco B, Montagna E. Kisspeptin Levels in Girls with Precocious Puberty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Horm Res Paediatr 2021; 93:589-598. [PMID: 33887744 DOI: 10.1159/000515660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Kisspeptin (KP) is a key player in the regulation of the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which increases the secretion of gonadotropin during puberty to establish reproductive function and regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Premature activation of GnRH secretion leads to idiopathic/central gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty (CPP). We aimed to compare the blood KP concentrations in girls with CPP and healthy controls. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and SciELO. Random-effects model and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used. Heterogeneity was assessed through I2. Meta-regression considered patient age, KP fraction, and analytical method for KP measurement. RESULTS The 11 studies included comprised 316 CPP patients and 251 controls. Higher KP levels in the CPP group were found (SMD 1.53; CI 95% = 0.56-2.51). Subgroup analysis revealed association with patient age (p = 0.048), indicating a positive correlation between elevation in KP concentration and age in CPP group. A group of patients with precocious thelarche (PT) from 5 of the included studies comprising 121 patients showed higher levels of KP (1.10; -0.25-2.45: CI 95%) and high heterogeneity (I2 = 91%). The CPP/PT ratio for KP level indicates KP 36% higher on CPP than PT patients. CONCLUSIONS A consistent difference in KP levels between girls with CPP and controls was identified. While there are important limitations in KP assays which argue against its use as a diagnostic tool, the KP levels in CPP versus control and PT children are consistent with the predicted mechanisms and pathophysiology of CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Guerra Cintra
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC/Centro Universitário Saúde ABC, Santo André, Brazil.,Department of Neurosciences, Discipline of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC/Centro Universitário Saúde ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Rubens Wajnsztejn
- Department of Neurosciences, Discipline of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC/Centro Universitário Saúde ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Camila Martins Trevisan
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC/Centro Universitário Saúde ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Victor Zaia
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC/Centro Universitário Saúde ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Filippo Del Ponte" Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Bianca Bianco
- Department of Collective Health, Discipline of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Populational Genetics, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC/Centro Universitário Saúde ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Erik Montagna
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC/Centro Universitário Saúde ABC, Santo André, Brazil
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de Paula DG, Bohlen TM, Zampieri TT, Mansano NS, Vieira HR, Gusmao DO, Wasinski F, Donato J, Frazao R. Distinct effects of growth hormone deficiency and disruption of hypothalamic kisspeptin system on reproduction of male mice. Life Sci 2021; 285:119970. [PMID: 34562435 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is a common cause of late sexual maturation and fertility issues. To determine whether GH-induced effects on reproduction are associated with alterations in hypothalamic kisspeptin system, we studied the male reproduction in two distinct GH deficiency mouse models. In the first model, mice present GH deficiency secondary to arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) lesions induced by posnatal monosodium glutamate (MSG) injections. MSG-induced ARH lesions led to significant reductions in hypothalamic Ghrh mRNA expression and consequently growth. Hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA expression and Kiss1-expressing cells in the ARH were disrupted in the MSG-treated mice. In contrast, kisspeptin immunoreactivity remained preserved in the anteroventral periventricular and rostral periventricular nuclei (AVPV/PeN) of MSG-treated mice. Importantly, ARH lesions caused late sexual maturation and infertility in male mice. In our second mouse model, we studied animals profound GH deficiency due to a loss-of-function mutation in the Ghrhr gene (Ghrhrlit/lit mice). Interestingly, although Ghrhrlit/lit mice exhibited late puberty onset, hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA expression and hypothalamic kisspeptin fiber density were normal in Ghrhrlit/lit mice. Despite presenting dwarfism, the majority of Ghrhrlit/lit male mice were fertile. These findings suggest that spontaneous GH deficiency during development does not compromise the kisspeptin system. Furthermore, ARH Kiss1-expressing neurons are required for fertility, while AVPV/PeN kisspeptin expression is sufficient to allow maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella G de Paula
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tabata M Bohlen
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais Tessari Zampieri
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Naira S Mansano
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Henrique R Vieira
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela O Gusmao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Frederick Wasinski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata Frazao
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Levi-Setti PE, Di Segni N, Gargasole C, Ronchetti C, Cirillo F. Ovarian Hyperstimulation: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management. Semin Reprod Med 2021; 39:170-179. [PMID: 34644798 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a severe complication of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). Pathogenesis of the disease is based on massive transudation of protein-rich fluid from the vascular compartment into the peritoneal, pleural and pericardial spaces, with a variable picture of clinical manifestations depending on its severity. Nowadays OHSS can easily be avoided by several prevention methods, ranging from identification of high-risk patients, choice of a correct protocol stimulation, trigger with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or, finally, the freeze-all strategy. When OHSS occurs, it can usually be managed as outpatient care. Only if severe/critical cases are diagnosed hospitalization is necessary for appropriate rehydration, monitoring of fluid balance and eventual drainage of ascitic fluid. One of the most dangerous complications of OHSS is venous thromboembolism (VTE). Thromboprophylaxis has shown to be cost effective and widely used, while there are controversies regarding the usage of low dose aspirin (LDA) as a preventive measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Di Segni
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Gargasole
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Ronchetti
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Cirillo
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center, Milan, Italy
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29
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Birinci H, Vatansever HS, Yüncü M. Effect of kisspeptin-54 on ovarian levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in an experimental model of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:799-809. [PMID: 34610858 DOI: 10.1071/rd21140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of kisspeptin-54 on ovarian morphology and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) levels in an ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rat model, which is a possible complication of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. For this purpose, immature female Sprague-Dawley rats (25days old, 30-40g) were randomly divided into five groups (control, sham, OHSS model, short-term kisspeptin-54 administered OHSS model and long-term kisspeptin-54 administered OHSS model). Serum LH and FSH levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR were performed for VEGF, PEDF, PKA and PKC in ovaries and granulosa cells, respectively. It was observed that there was dilatation in fallopian tubes and an abnormal increase in ovarian weight and volume in the OHSS group, and these morphologies decreased with kisspeptin-54 treatment. After the administration of kisspeptin-54 in the OHSS group, VEGF, PKA and PKC levels reduced and PEDF levels increased in both mRNA and protein levels. It was determined that in the OHSS model, VEGF increased as PEDF decreased, and kisspeptin-54 reduced the effects of OHSS. It was determined that long-term kisspeptin-54 treatment was more effective than short-term administration. It is considered that kisspeptin-54 is an agent that protects ovarian reserve and oocyte maturation in women at risk of OHSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hülya Birinci
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Hafize Seda Vatansever
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology-Embryology, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey; and DESAM Research Institute, Near East University, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Yüncü
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Zhang Y, Guo X, Guo L, Chang HM, Shu J, Leung PCK. Outcomes comparison of IVF/ICSI among different trigger methods for final oocyte maturation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21696. [PMID: 34085322 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100406r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During the in vitro fertilization treatment, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is routinely used as a substitute for the natural endogenous LH surge during the final stage of oocyte maturation. However, it does not provide the FSH surge observed in the mid-cycle of the natural cycle. To date, whether the FSH surge can improve oocyte quality and pregnancy outcomes remains unknown. Randomized controlled trials comparing the following four trigger methods to conventional hCG were examined: GnRH agonist (GnRHa), kisspeptin, GnRHa plus hCG (dual trigger), and FSH plus hCG (FSH co-trigger). The results showed that the use of dual triggers was associated with a significantly higher number of retrieved cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) (weighted mean difference [WMD] 1.625, 95% CI 0.684-2.565), retrieved mature oocytes (WMD 0.986, 95% CI 0.426-1.545) and fertilized (2PN) oocytes (WMD 0.792, 95% CI 0.083-1.501), compared with the use of hCG. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of pregnancy rate. The FSH co-trigger resulted in significantly higher rates of 2PN oocytes retrieved than the hCG trigger (WMD 0.077, 95% CI 0.028-0.126). Notably, the risk of OHSS did not differ among the three treatment groups compared to that of the hCG group. This review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD 42020194201).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Xiaoyan Guo
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linjiang Guo
- Public Policy Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jing Shu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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31
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Clinical Potential of Kisspeptin in Reproductive Health. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:807-823. [PMID: 34210598 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptins are a family of hypothalamic neuropeptides that are essential for the regulation of reproductive physiology. Their importance in reproductive health became apparent in 2003, when loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding the kisspeptin receptor were reported to result in isolated congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). It has since been ascertained that hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons regulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion to thus stimulate the remainder of the reproductive endocrine axis. In this review, we discuss genetic variants that affect kisspeptin receptor signaling, summarize data on KISS1R agonists, and posit possible clinical uses of native and synthetic kisspeptin receptor agonists for the investigation and treatment of reproductive disorders.
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Skorupskaite K, George JT, Veldhuis JD, Millar RP, Anderson RA. Kisspeptin and neurokinin B interactions in modulating gonadotropin secretion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1421-1431. [PMID: 32510130 PMCID: PMC7316500 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the role of the hypothalamic neuropeptide neurokinin B (NKB) and its interaction with kisspeptin on GnRH/LH secretion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER Administration of neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist (NK3Ra) for 7 days reduced LH and FSH secretion and LH pulse frequency in women with PCOS, whilst the stimulatory LH response to kisspeptin-10 was maintained. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PCOS is characterized by abnormal GnRH/LH secretion. NKB and kisspeptin are master regulators of GnRH/LH secretion, but their role in PCOS is unclear. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The NK3Ra MLE4901, 40 mg orally twice a day, was administered to women with PCOS for 7 days (n = 8) (vs no treatment, n = 7). On the last day of NK3Ra administration or the equivalent day in those not treated, women were randomized to 7-h kisspeptin-10 (4 µg/kg/h i.v.) or vehicle infusion. This was repeated with the alternate infusion in a subsequent cycle. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Subjects were women with PCOS, studied in a Clinical Research Facility. Reproductive hormones were measured before and after NK3Ra administration. On the last day of NK3Ra administration (or the equivalent cycle day in untreated women), all women attended for an 8-h frequent blood sampling to allow analysis of the pulsatile LH secretion. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE NK3Ra reduced LH secretion (4.0 ± 0.4 vs 6.5 ± 0.8 IU/l, P < 0.05) and pulse frequency (0.5 ± 0.1 vs 0.8 ± 0.1 pulses/h, P < 0.05); FSH secretion was also reduced (2.0 ± 0.3 vs 2.5 ± 0.4 IU/l, P < 0.05). Without NK3Ra pre-treatment, kisspeptin-10 increased LH secretion (5.2 ± 0.5 to 7.8 ± 1.0 IU/L, P < 0.05), with a positive relationship to oestradiol concentrations (r2 = 0.59, P < 0.05). After NK3Ra administration, the LH response to kisspeptin-10 was preserved (vehicle 3.5 ± 0.3 vs 9.0 ± 2.2 IU/l with kisspeptin-10, P < 0.05), but the positive correlation with oestradiol concentrations was abolished (r2 = 0.07, ns. after NK3Ra). FSH secretion was increased by kisspeptin-10 after NK3Ra treatment, but not without NK3Ra treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study did not explore the dose relationship of the effect of NK3R antagonism. The impact of obesity or other aspects of the variability of the PCOS phenotype was not studied due to the small number of subjects. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data demonstrate the interactive regulation of GnRH/LH secretion by NKB and kisspeptin in PCOS, and that the NKB system mediates aspects of oestrogenic feedback. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Wellcome Trust through Scottish Translational Medicine and Therapeutics Initiative (102419/Z/13/A) and MRC grants (G0701682 to R.P.M. and R.A.A.) and MR/N022556/1 to the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health. This work was performed within the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility. J.T.G. has undertaken consultancy work for AstraZeneca and Takeda Pharmaceuticals and is an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim. R.P.M. has consulted for Ogeda and was CEO of Peptocrine. R.A.A. has undertaken consultancy work for Merck, Ferring, NeRRe Therapeutics and Sojournix Inc. J.D.V. and K.S. have nothing to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Skorupskaite
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Jyothis T George
- Warwick Medical School, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.,Boehringer Ingelheim, Bracknell RG12 8YS, UK
| | - Johannes D Veldhuis
- Endocrine Research Unit, Center for Translational Science Activities, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Robert P Millar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, 0028 Pretoria, South Africa.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, 7925 Observatory, South Africa
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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33
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Golla JP, Golla SK, Shelling AN. Science of superstimulation. Fertil Steril 2021; 114:504-505. [PMID: 32912611 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Prakash Golla
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Veterans Affairs Connecticut Health Care System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Srujana Kola Golla
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Andrew N Shelling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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34
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Kordbacheh S, Kasko AM. Peptide and protein engineering by modification of backbone and sidechain functional groups. POLYM INT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pi.6208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Kordbacheh
- Department of Bioengineering University of California Los Angeles CA USA
| | - Andrea M Kasko
- Department of Bioengineering University of California Los Angeles CA USA
- California Nanosystems Institute Los Angeles CA USA
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35
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Pasado presente y futuro de la estimulación ovárica en el tratamiento de la infertilidad. REVISTA MÉDICA CLÍNICA LAS CONDES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmclc.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Abbara A, Eng PC, Phylactou M, Clarke SA, Richardson R, Sykes CM, Phumsatitpong C, Mills E, Modi M, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Papadopoulou D, Purugganan K, Jayasena CN, Webber L, Salim R, Owen B, Bech P, Comninos AN, McArdle CA, Voliotis M, Tsaneva-Atanasova K, Moenter S, Hanyaloglu A, Dhillo WS. Kisspeptin receptor agonist has therapeutic potential for female reproductive disorders. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:6739-6753. [PMID: 33196464 DOI: 10.1172/jci139681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDKisspeptin is a key regulator of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and is essential for reproductive health. A specific kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) agonist could significantly expand the potential clinical utility of therapeutics targeting the kisspeptin pathway. Herein, we investigate the effects of a KISS1R agonist, MVT-602, in healthy women and in women with reproductive disorders.METHODSWe conducted in vivo and in vitro studies to characterize the action of MVT-602 in comparison with native kisspeptin-54 (KP54). We determined the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of MVT-602 (doses 0.01 and 0.03 nmol/kg) versus KP54 (9.6 nmol/kg) in the follicular phase of healthy women (n = 9), and in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS; n = 6) or hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA; n = 6). Further, we investigated their effects on KISS1R-mediated inositol monophosphate (IP1) and Ca2+ signaling in cell lines and on action potential firing of GnRH neurons in brain slices.RESULTSIn healthy women, the amplitude of luteinizing hormone (LH) rise was similar to that after KP54, but peaked later (21.4 vs. 4.7 hours; P = 0.0002), with correspondingly increased AUC of LH exposure (169.0 vs. 38.5 IU∙h/L; P = 0.0058). LH increases following MVT-602 were similar in PCOS and healthy women, but advanced in HA (P = 0.004). In keeping with the clinical data, MVT-602 induced more potent signaling of KISS1R-mediated IP1 accumulation and a longer duration of GnRH neuron firing than KP54 (115 vs. 55 minutes; P = 0.0012).CONCLUSIONTaken together, these clinical and mechanistic data identify MVT-602 as having considerable therapeutic potential for the treatment of female reproductive disorders.TRIAL REGISTRATIONInternational Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) Registry, ISRCTN21681316.FUNDINGNational Institute for Health Research and NIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pei Chia Eng
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Phylactou
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie A Clarke
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Richardson
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlene M Sykes
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Edouard Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manish Modi
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Debbie Papadopoulou
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Channa N Jayasena
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Webber
- St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bryn Owen
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Bech
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Craig A McArdle
- Department of Translational Medicine, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
- Department of Mathematics and Living Systems Institute, and.,EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Moenter
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, and.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Aylin Hanyaloglu
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Wu HM, Chang HM, Leung PCK. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications in female reproduction. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 60:100876. [PMID: 33045257 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Extra-hypothalamic GnRH and extra-pituitary GnRH receptors exist in multiple human reproductive tissues, including the ovary, endometrium and myometrium. Recently, new analogs (agonists and antagonists) and modes of GnRH have been developed for clinical application during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Additionally, the analogs and upstream regulators of GnRH suppress gonadotropin secretion and regulate the functions of the reproductive axis. GnRH signaling is primarily involved in the direct control of female reproduction. The cellular mechanisms and action of the GnRH/GnRH receptor system have been clinically applied for the treatment of reproductive disorders and have widely been introduced in ART. New GnRH analogs, such as long-acting GnRH analogs and oral nonpeptide GnRH antagonists, are being continuously developed for clinical application. The identification of the upstream regulators of GnRH, such as kisspeptin and neurokinin B, provides promising potential to develop these upstream regulator-related analogs to control the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Ming Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3V5, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3V5, Canada.
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Abbara A, Eng PC, Phylactou M, Clarke SA, Mills E, Chia G, Yang L, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Smith N, Jayasena CN, Comninos AN, Anand-Ivell R, Rademaker J, Xu C, Quinton R, Pitteloud N, Dhillo WS. Kisspeptin-54 Accurately Identifies Hypothalamic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neuronal Dysfunction in Men with Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:1176-1186. [PMID: 33227799 DOI: 10.1159/000513248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is hypogonadism due to either hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction. While gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) can directly test pituitary function, no specific test of hypothalamic function exists. Kisspeptin-54 (KP54) is a neuropeptide that directly stimulates hypothalamic GnRH release and thus could be used to specifically interrogate hypothalamic function. Congenital HH (CHH) is typically due to variants in genes that control hypothalamic GnRH neuronal migration or function. Thus, we investigated whether KP54 could accurately identify hypothalamic dysfunction in men with CHH. METHODS Men with CHH (n = 21) and healthy eugonadal men (n = 21) received an intravenous bolus of either GnRH (100 μg) or KP54 (6.4 nmol/kg), on 2 occasions, and were monitored for 6 h after administration of each neuropeptide. RESULTS Maximal luteinizing hormone (LH) rise after KP54 was significantly greater in healthy men (12.5 iU/L) than in men with CHH (0.4 iU/L; p < 0.0001). KP54 more accurately differentiated CHH men from healthy men than GnRH (area under receiver operating characteristic curve KP54: 1.0, 95% CI 1.0-1.0; GnRH: 0.88, 95% CI 0.76-0.99). Indeed, all CHH men had an LH rise <2.0 iU/L following KP54, whereas all healthy men had an LH rise >4.0 iU/L. Anosmic men with CHH (i.e., Kallmann syndrome) had even lower LH rises after KP54 than did normosmic men with CHH (p = 0.017). Likewise, men identified to have pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in CHH genes had even lower LH rises after KP54 than other men with CHH (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION KP54 fully discriminated men with CHH from healthy men. Thus, KP54 could be used to specifically interrogate hypothalamic GnRH neuronal function in patients with CHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abbara
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pei Chia Eng
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Phylactou
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie A Clarke
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edouard Mills
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Germaine Chia
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Yang
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Smith
- Kallmann Syndrome Patient Support Group, London, United Kingdom
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jesse Rademaker
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cheng Xu
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Richard Quinton
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,
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Qin L, Sitticharoon C, Petyim S, Keadkraichaiwat I, Sririwichitchai R, Maikeaw P, Churintaraphan M, Sripong C. Roles of kisspeptin in IVF/ICSI-treated infertile women and in human granulosa cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 246:996-1010. [PMID: 33327782 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220981006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixian Qin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chantacha Sitticharoon
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Somsin Petyim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Issarawan Keadkraichaiwat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Rungnapa Sririwichitchai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Pailin Maikeaw
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Malika Churintaraphan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chanakarn Sripong
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
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McIlwraith EK, Belsham DD. Hypothalamic reproductive neurons communicate through signal transduction to control reproduction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110971. [PMID: 32750397 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the hypothalamus coordinate fertility and puberty. In order to achieve successful reproductive capacity, they receive signals from the periphery and from other hypothalamic neurons that coordinate energy homeostasis. Hormones, such as estradiol, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin, act directly or indirectly on GnRH and its associated reproductive neurons. Nutrients like glucose and fatty acids can also affect reproductive neurons to signal nutrient availability. Additionally, acute and chronic inflammation is reported to detrimentally affect GnRH and kisspeptin expression. All of these cues activate signal transduction pathways within neurons that lead to the changes in GnRH neuronal function. The signalling pathways can also be dysregulated by endocrine disrupting chemicals, which impair fertility by misappropriating common signalling pathways. The complex mechanisms controlling the levels of GnRH during the reproductive cycle rely on a carefully orchestrated set of signal transduction events to regulate the positive and negative feedback arms of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. If these signalling events are dysregulated, this will result is a downregulatory event leading to hypogonadal hypogonadism with decreased or absent fertility. Therefore, an understanding of the mechanisms involved in distinct neuronal signalling could provide an advantage to inform therapeutic interventions for infertility and reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K McIlwraith
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Denise D Belsham
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Rehman R, Zafar A, Ali AA, Baig M, Alam F. Impact of serum and follicular fluid kisspeptin and estradiol on oocyte maturity and endometrial thickness among unexplained infertile females during ICSI. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239142. [PMID: 33112855 PMCID: PMC7593084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To relate serum and follicular fluid (FF) kisspeptin and estradiol levels in different stages of stimulation during Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) with oocyte maturity and endometrial thickness among unexplained infertile females. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Australian Concept Infertility Medical Centre from March 2017 till March 2018. Fifty unexplained infertile females, booked for ICSI, were included in the study. Serum kisspeptin and estradiol were estimated by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay in all four stages; 1: follicular stimulation, 2: ovulation induction, 3: oocyte pickup, and 4: embryo transfer. FF was aspirated during oocyte retrieval (stage 3) for the analysis of KP and estradiol. Pregnancy outcomes were categorized as non-pregnant, preclinical abortion, and clinical pregnancy. Results The age of the study subjects was 32.04 ± 2.29 (Mean±SD) years, with mean BMI of 28.51 ± 4.15 (Mean±SD) kg/m2. Mean serum kisspeptin and estradiol levels increased in all subjects as the stimulation proceeded stages 1–3; however, the mean dropped after retrieval of the oocytes (stage 4). Out of 27 female subjects who completed the cycle, 17 remained non-pregnant, 4 had preclinical abortion, and 6 acquired clinical pregnancy. The FF kisspeptin concentration was significantly higher than serum concentrations and positively correlated with serum and FF estradiol concentrations. FF-kisspeptin correlated with serum kisspeptin in Stage 3 (r = 0.930, p<0.001), maturity of oocyte (r = 0.511, p = 0.006) and endometrial thickness (r = 0.522, p = 0.005). Kisspeptin in stage 3 was also found to correlate with endometrial thickness (r = 0.527, p = 0.005) and with estradiol (r = 0.624, p = 0.001) independently. Conclusion Increase in serum and FF-kisspeptin and estradiol levels from stages 1 to 3, resulted in an optimum endometrial thickness, probability of fertilization of oocytes and chances of clinical pregnancy in Assisted Reproductive Techniques /ICSI cycles of unexplained infertile females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehana Rehman
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Amara Zafar
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Mukhtiar Baig
- Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faiza Alam
- Department of Physiology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
- * E-mail:
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Romero-Ruiz A, Skorupskaite K, Gaytan F, Torres E, Perdices-Lopez C, Mannaerts BM, Qi S, Leon S, Manfredi-Lozano M, Lopez-Rodriguez C, Avendaño MS, Sanchez-Garrido MA, Vazquez MJ, Pinilla L, van Duin M, Kohout TA, Anderson RA, Tena-Sempere M. Kisspeptin treatment induces gonadotropic responses and rescues ovulation in a subset of preclinical models and women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:2495-2512. [PMID: 31820802 PMCID: PMC6936723 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can kisspeptin treatment induce gonadotrophin responses and ovulation in preclinical models and anovulatory women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER Kisspeptin administration in some anovulatory preclinical models and women with PCOS can stimulate reproductive hormone secretion and ovulation, albeit with incomplete efficacy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PCOS is a prevalent, heterogeneous endocrine disorder, characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism and deregulated gonadotrophin secretion, in need of improved therapeutic options. Kisspeptins (encoded by Kiss1) are master regulators of the reproductive axis, acting mainly at GnRH neurons, with kisspeptins being an essential drive for gonadotrophin-driven ovarian follicular maturation and ovulation. Altered Kiss1 expression has been found in rodent models of PCOS, although the eventual pathophysiological role of kisspeptins in PCOS remains unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Gonadotrophin and ovarian/ovulatory responses to kisspeptin-54 (KP-54) were evaluated in three preclinical models of PCOS, generated by androgen exposures at different developmental windows, and a pilot exploratory cohort of anovulatory women with PCOS. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Three models of PCOS were generated by exposure of female rats to androgens at different periods of development: PNA (prenatal androgenization; N = 20), NeNA (neonatal androgenization; N = 20) and PWA (post-weaning androgenization; N = 20). At adulthood (postnatal day 100), rats were subjected to daily treatments with a bolus of KP-54 (100 μg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle for 11 days (N = 10 per model and treatment). On Days 1, 4, 7 and 11, LH and FSH responses were assessed at different time-points within 4 h after KP-54 injection, while ovarian responses, in terms of follicular maturation and ovulation, were measured at the end of the treatment. In addition, hormonal (gonadotrophin, estrogen and inhibin B) and ovulatory responses to repeated KP-54 administration, at doses of 6.4-12.8 nmol/kg, s.c. bd for 21 days, were evaluated in a pilot cohort of anovulatory women (N = 12) diagnosed with PCOS, according to the Rotterdam criteria. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Deregulated reproductive indices were detected in all PCOS models: PNA, NeNA and PWA. Yet, anovulation was observed only in NeNA and PWA rats. However, while anovulatory NeNA rats displayed significant LH and FSH responses to KP-54 (P < 0.05), which rescued ovulation, PWA rats showed blunted LH secretion after repeated KP-54 injection and failed to ovulate. In women with PCOS, KP-54 resulted in a small rise in LH (P < 0.05), with an equivalent elevation in serum estradiol levels (P < 0.05). Two women showed growth of a dominant follicle with subsequent ovulation, one woman displayed follicle growth but not ovulation and desensitization was observed in another patient. No follicular response was detected in the other women. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While three different preclinical PCOS models were used in order to capture the heterogeneity of clinical presentations of the syndrome, it must be noted that rat models recapitulate many but not all the features of this condition. Additionally, our pilot study was intended as proof of principle, and the number of participants is low, but the convergent findings in preclinical and clinical studies reinforce the validity of our conclusions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our first-in-rodent and -human studies demonstrate that KP-54 administration in anovulatory preclinical models and women with PCOS can stimulate reproductive hormone secretion and ovulation, albeit with incomplete efficacy. As our rat models likely reflect the diversity of PCOS phenotypes, our results argue for the need of personalized management of anovulatory dysfunction in women with PCOS, some of whom may benefit from kisspeptin-based treatments. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by research agreements between Ferring Research Institute and the Universities of Cordoba and Edinburgh. K.S. was supported by the Wellcome Trust Scottish Translational Medicine and Therapeutics Initiative (STMTI). Some of this work was undertaken in the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health which is funded by the MRC Centre grant MR/N022556/1. M.T.-S. is a member of CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, which is an initiative of Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Dr Mannaerts is an employee of Ferring International PharmaScience Center (Copenhagen, Denmark), and Drs Qi, van Duin and Kohout are employees of the Ferring Research Institute (San Diego, USA). Dr Anderson and Dr Tena-Sempere were recipients of a grant support from the Ferring Research Institute, and Dr Anderson has undertaken consultancy work and received speaker fees outside this study from Merck, IBSA, Roche Diagnostics, NeRRe Therapeutics and Sojournix Inc. Dr Skorupskaite was supported by the Wellcome Trust through the Scottish Translational Medicine and Therapeutics Initiative 102419/Z/13/A. The other authors have no competing interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Romero-Ruiz
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - K Skorupskaite
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - F Gaytan
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - E Torres
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - C Perdices-Lopez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - B M Mannaerts
- Ferring International PharmaScience Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Qi
- Ferring Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - S Leon
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - M Manfredi-Lozano
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - C Lopez-Rodriguez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - M S Avendaño
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - M A Sanchez-Garrido
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - M J Vazquez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - L Pinilla
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - M van Duin
- Ferring Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - T A Kohout
- Ferring Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - R A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Tena-Sempere
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology & Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC)/Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.,FiDiPro Program, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
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Camargo-Mattos D, García U, Camargo-Diaz F, Ortiz G, Madrazo I, Lopez-Bayghen E. Initial ovarian sensitivity index predicts embryo quality and pregnancy potential in the first days of controlled ovarian stimulation. J Ovarian Res 2020; 13:94. [PMID: 32807228 PMCID: PMC7433193 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-020-00688-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine if a modified ovarian sensitivity index (MOSI), based on initial follicular measurements and the initial follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) dose, can predict the production of high-quality embryos for successful implantation during in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS This study consisted of two phases: 1) a retrospective study and 2) a prospective observational study. For the first phase, 363 patients charts were reviewed, of which 283 had embryos transferred. All women underwent a standardized antagonist-based IVF protocol. At the first follow-up (Day 3/4), the number and size of the follicles were determined. MOSI was calculated as ln (number follicles (≥6 mm) × 1000 / FSH initial dose). Afterward, the number and quality of the ova, embryo development, and the number and quality of the blastocysts were determined. Embryo implantation was confirmed by β-hCG. For the second phase, 337 IVF cycles were followed to determine MOSI's accuracy. RESULTS MOSI could predict the production of ≥4 high-quality embryos by Day 2 (AUC = 0.69, 95%CI:0.63-0.75), ≥2 blastocysts (AUC = 0.74, 95%CI:0.68-0.79), and ≥ 35% rate of blastocyst formation (AUC = 0.65, 95%CI:0.58-0.72). Using linear regression, MOSI was highly associated with the number of ova captured (β = 5.15), MII oocytes (β = 4.31), embryos produced (β = 2.90), high-quality embryos (β = 0.98), and the blastocyst formation rate (β = 0.06, p < 0.01). Using logistic regression, MOSI was highly associated with achieving ≥4 high-quality embryos (odds ratio = 2.80, 95%CI:1.90-4.13), ≥2 blastocysts (odds ratio = 3.40, 95%CI:2.33-4.95), and ≥ 35% blastocysts formation rate (odds ratio = 1.96, 95%CI:1.31-2.92). This effect was independent of age, BMI, and antral follicle count. For implantation, MOSI was significantly associated with successful implantation (odds ratio = 1.79, 95%CI:1.25-2.57). For the prospective study, MOSI was highly accurate at predicting ≥6 high-quality embryos on Day 2 (accuracy = 68.5%), ≥6 blastocysts (accuracy = 68.0%), and a blastocyst formation rate of ≥35% (accuracy = 61.4%). CONCLUSION MOSI was highly correlated with key IVF parameters that are associated with achieved pregnancy. Using this index with antagonist cycles, clinicians may opt to stop an IVF cycle, under the assumption that the cycle will fail to produce good blastocysts, preventing wasting the patient's resources and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Camargo-Mattos
- Clinical Research, Instituto de Infertilidad y Genética México SC, Ingenes, México City, Mexico
| | - Uziel García
- Clinical Research, Instituto de Infertilidad y Genética México SC, Ingenes, México City, Mexico
| | - Felipe Camargo-Diaz
- Clinical Research, Instituto de Infertilidad y Genética México SC, Ingenes, México City, Mexico
| | - Ginna Ortiz
- Clinical Research, Instituto de Infertilidad y Genética México SC, Ingenes, México City, Mexico
| | - Ivan Madrazo
- Clinical Research, Instituto de Infertilidad y Genética México SC, Ingenes, México City, Mexico
| | - Esther Lopez-Bayghen
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Avenida Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, México City, Mexico.
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Ruohonen ST, Poutanen M, Tena-Sempere M. Role of kisspeptins in the control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis: old dogmas and new challenges. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:465-474. [PMID: 32771258 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In humans and other mammals, a hallmark of female reproductive function is the capacity to episodically release fertilizable oocytes under the precise control of a cascade of hormonal regulators that interplay in a cyclic manner within the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. Although the basic elements of this neurohormonal system were disclosed several decades before, a major breakthrough in our understanding of how the HPO axis is controlled during the lifespan came in the first decade of the 21st century, when the reproductive dimension of kisspeptins was disclosed by seminal studies documenting that genetic inactivation of the kisspeptin pathway is linked to central hypogonadism and infertility. Kisspeptins are a family of peptides, encoded by the Kiss1 gene, that operate via the surface receptor, Gpr54 (also called Kiss1r), to regulate virtually all aspects of reproduction in both sexes. The primary site of action of kisspeptins is the hypothalamus, where Kiss1 neurons engage in the precise control of the pulsatile release of GnRH to modulate gonadotropin secretion and, thereby, ovarian function. Nonetheless, additional sites of action of kisspeptins within the HPO axis, including the pituitary and the ovary, have been proposed; yet, the physiologic relevance of such extrahypothalamic actions of kisspeptins is still a matter of debate. In this review, we summarize the current consensus knowledge and open questions on the sites of action, physiologic roles, and eventual therapeutic implications of kisspeptins in the control of the female reproductive axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi T Ruohonen
- Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Turku, Finland
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Turku, Finland; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba and Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Córdoba, Spain.
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45
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Szeliga A, Podfigurna A, Bala G, Meczekalski B. Kisspeptin and neurokinin B analogs use in gynecological endocrinology: where do we stand? J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:555-561. [PMID: 31838714 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01160-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have found that kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin neurons (KNDy neurons) in the infundibular nucleus play a crucial role in the reproductive axis. Analogs, both agonists and antagonists, of kisspeptin and neurokinin B (NKB) are particularly important in explaining the physiological role of KNDy in the reproductive axis in animals. The use of kisspeptin and NKB analogs has helped elucidate the regulators of the hypothalamic reproductive axis. PURPOSE This review describes therapeutic uses of Kiss-1 and NKB agonists, most obviously the use of kisspeptin agonists in the treatment for infertility and the induction of ovulation. Kisspeptin antagonists may have potential clinical applications in patients suffering from diseases associated with enhanced LH pulse frequency, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or menopause. The inhibition of pubertal development using Kiss antagonists may be used as a therapeutic option in precocious puberty. Kisspeptin antagonists have been found capable of inhibiting ovulation and have been proposed as novel contraceptives. Hypothalamic amenorrhea and delayed puberty are conditions in which normalization of LH secretion may potentially be achieved by treatment with both kisspeptin and NKB agonists. NKB antagonists are used to treat vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women, providing rapid relief of symptoms while supplanting the need for exogenous estrogen exposure. CONCLUSIONS There is a wide spectrum of therapeutic uses of Kiss-1 and NKB agonists, including the management of infertility, treatment for PCOS, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea or postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms, as well as contraceptive issues. Nevertheless, further research is needed before kisspeptin and NKB analogs are fully incorporated in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Szeliga
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-535, Poznan, Poland
| | - A Podfigurna
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-535, Poznan, Poland
| | - G Bala
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-535, Poznan, Poland
| | - B Meczekalski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-535, Poznan, Poland.
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Abbara A, Hunjan T, Ho VNA, Clarke SA, Comninos AN, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Ho TM, Trew GH, Hramyka A, Kelsey T, Salim R, Humaidan P, Vuong LN, Dhillo WS. Endocrine Requirements for Oocyte Maturation Following hCG, GnRH Agonist, and Kisspeptin During IVF Treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:537205. [PMID: 33123084 PMCID: PMC7573298 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.537205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The maturation of oocytes to acquire competence for fertilization is critical to the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. It requires LH-like exposure, provided by either human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), or gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). More recently, the hypothalamic stimulator, kisspeptin, was used to mature oocytes. Herein, we examine the relationship between the endocrine changes following these agents and oocyte maturation. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Prospectively collected hormonal data from 499 research IVF cycles triggered with either hCG, GnRHa, or kisspeptin were evaluated. RESULTS HCG-levels (121 iU/L) peaked at 24 h following hCG, whereas LH-levels peaked at ~4 h following GnRHa (140 iU/L), or kisspeptin (41 iU/L). HCG-levels were negatively associated with body-weight, whereas LH rises following GnRHa and kisspeptin were positively predicted by pre-trigger LH values. The odds of achieving the median mature oocyte yield for each trigger were increased by hCG/LH level. Progesterone rise during oocyte maturation occurred precipitously following each trigger and strongly predicted the number of mature oocytes retrieved. Progesterone rise was positively associated with the hCG-level following hCG trigger, but negatively with LH rise following all three triggers. The rise in progesterone per mature oocyte at 12 h was greater following GnRHa than following hCG or kisspeptin triggers. CONCLUSION The endocrine response during oocyte maturation significantly differed by each trigger. Counter-intuitively, progesterone rise during oocyte maturation was negatively associated with LH rise, even when accounting for the number of mature oocytes retrieved. These data expand our understanding of the endocrine changes during oocyte maturation and inform the design of future precision-triggering protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tia Hunjan
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vu N. A. Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Sophie A. Clarke
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N. Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tuong M. Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Geoffrey H. Trew
- In vitro Fertilization Unit, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Artsiom Hramyka
- School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Kelsey
- School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Rehan Salim
- In vitro Fertilization Unit, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital and Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lan N. Vuong
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Waljit S. Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Waljit S. Dhillo,
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47
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Bódis J, Sulyok E, Kőszegi T, Prémusz V, Várnagy Á, Koppán M. Serum and follicular fluid levels of serotonin, kisspeptin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization: an observational study : Neurohormones in patients receiving IVF. J Int Med Res 2019; 48:300060519879330. [PMID: 31868047 PMCID: PMC7604995 DOI: 10.1177/0300060519879330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effect of interactions between serotonin (5-HT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and kisspeptin on the reproductive potential in women receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS Paired serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples were obtained from 30 consecutive patients receiving IVF. Primary and secondary outcome measures were the rate of chemical/clinical pregnancy and the number of mature oocytes and embryos, respectively. Serum and FF 5-HT, BDNF, kisspeptin, and platelet-activating factor (PAF) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS In response to ovarian hyperstimulation, serum 5-HT and kisspeptin levels significantly increased, whereas serum BDNF and PAF levels remained unchanged. These factors were detected in FF, but they were unrelated to serum levels. FF 5-HT and BDNF levels were positively correlated. Serum kisspeptin levels were negatively correlated with FF BDNF and serum and FF PAF levels. Women who were pregnant had significantly lower FF BDNF levels compared with women who were not pregnant (21.96±12.75 vs 47.63±52.90 µg/mL). Multivariate stepwise linear regression and logistic regression analyses showed that only 5-HT and kisspeptin improved IVF outcome. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates a role of serotoninergic mechanisms in success of IVF, but the contribution of interacting neuropeptides requires additional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Bódis
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Endre Sulyok
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kőszegi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viktória Prémusz
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Várnagy
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Koppán
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Thakre N, Homburg R. A review of IVF in PCOS patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2019; 14:315-319. [PMID: 31242780 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2019.1631797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrinopathy affecting women in the reproductive age group. The prevalence may vary from 8.7% to 17% depending on the clinical criteria used. PCOS women having IVF presents multiple challenges ranging from a poor to an exaggerated response, poor egg to follicle ratio, poor fertilisation, poor blastocyst conversion and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Ovarian stimulation should be planned with attention paid to the AMH, antral follicle count and LH in particular. The dose of the stimulating gonadotrophin should be planned to achieve an optimal response during a GnRH antagonist cycle. Areas covered: We obtained evidence from chapters, case studies, practice committee reports, randomised controlled trials, Cochrane and systematic reviews. Expert opinion: IVF for PCOS is challenging. We have reached an understanding of careful low dose stimulation of ovaries considering AMH and antral follicle count. PCOS women should have the GnRH agonist trigger and freezing of embryos. Segmentation of an IVF cycle in PCOS woman makes it safer and has better outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Thakre
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Roy Homburg
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital Foundation Trust , London , UK
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Santos-Ribeiro S, Mackens S, Racca A, Blockeel C. Towards complication-free assisted reproduction technology. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 33:9-19. [PMID: 30473208 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has vastly improved over the last 40 years, from a frequently unsuccessful and complicated procedure requiring hospital admission and routine laparoscopy to a fairly simple outpatient technique with relatively high success rates. However, it is important to stress that ART is not without risk and medical complications may still occur. The incidence of most of these ART-related complications is associated with how women undergo ovarian stimulation. For this reason, physicians should be aware that a carefully thought-out ovarian stimulation protocol and cycle monitoring are of paramount importance to maximise the success of the treatment while avoiding potentially life-threating complications to occur in this frequently otherwise healthy patient population. This review discusses the rationale and evolution of ovarian stimulation strategies over the years and the current developments towards finding a balance between the retrieval of a sufficient number of oocytes and ART-related complication prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shari Mackens
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium.
| | - Annalisa Racca
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium; Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy.
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, Zagreb 10000, Croatia.
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50
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Owens LA, Abbara A, Lerner A, O'floinn S, Christopoulos G, Khanjani S, Islam R, Hardy K, Hanyaloglu AC, Lavery SA, Dhillo WS, Franks S. The direct and indirect effects of kisspeptin-54 on granulosa lutein cell function. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:292-302. [PMID: 29206944 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the in vivo and in vitro actions of kisspeptin-54 on the expression of genes involved in ovarian reproductive function, steroidogenesis and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in granulosa lutein (GL) cells when compared with traditional triggers of oocyte maturation? SUMMARY ANSWER The use of kisspeptin-54 as an oocyte maturation trigger augmented expression of genes involved in ovarian steroidogenesis in human GL cells including, FSH receptor (FSHR), LH/hCG receptor (LHCGR), steroid acute regulatory protein (STAR), aromatase, estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ESR1, ESR2), 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (3BHSD2) and inhibin A (INHBA), when compared to traditional maturation triggers, but did not alter markers of OHSS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY hCG is the most widely used trigger of oocyte maturation, but is associated with an increased risk of OHSS. The use of GnRH agonists to trigger oocyte maturation is a safer alternative to hCG. More recently, kisspeptin-54 has emerged as a novel therapeutic option that safely triggers oocyte maturation even in women at high risk of OHSS. Kisspeptin indirectly stimulates gonadotropin secretion by acting on hypothalamic GnRH neurons. Kisspeptin and its receptor are also expressed in the human ovary, but there is limited data on the direct action of kisspeptin on the ovary. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION Forty-eight women undergoing IVF treatment for infertility consented to kisspeptin-54 triggering and/or granulosa cell collection and were included in the study. Twelve women received hCG, 12 received GnRH agonist and 24 received kisspeptin-54 to trigger oocyte maturation. In the kisspeptin-54 group, 12 received one injection of kisseptin-54 (9.6 nmol/kg) and 12 received two injections of kisspeptin-54 at a 10 h interval (9.6 nmol/kg × 2). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Follicular fluid was aspirated and pooled from follicles during the retrieval of oocytes for IVF/ICSI. GL cells were isolated and either RNA extracted immediately or cultured in vitro ± kisspeptin or hCG. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE GL cells from women who had received kisspeptin-54 had a 14-fold and 8-fold higher gene expression of FSHR and a 2-fold (ns) and 2.5-fold (P < 0.05) higher expression of LHCGR than GL cells from women who had received hCG or GnRH agonist, respectively. CYP19A1 expression was 3.6-fold (P < 0.05) and 4.5-fold (P < 0.05) higher, STAR expression was 3.4-fold (P < 0.01) and 1.8-fold (P < 0.05) higher, HSD3B2 expression was 7.5- (P < 0.01) and 2.5-fold higher (P < 0.05), INHBA was 2.5-fold (P < 0.01) and 2.5-fold (P < 0.01) higher in GL cells from women who had received kisspeptin-54 than hCG or GnRHa, respectively. ESR1 (P < 0.05) and ESR2 (P < 0.05) both showed 3-fold higher expression in cells from kisspeptin treated than GnRHa treated women. Markers of vascular permeability and oocyte growth factors were unchanged (VEGFA, SERPINF1, CDH5, amphiregulin, epiregulin). Gene expression of kisspeptin receptor was unchanged. Whereas treating GL cells in vitro with hCG induced steroidogenic gene expression, kisspeptin-54 had no significant direct effects on either OHSS genes or steroidogenic genes. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Most women in the study had PCOS, which may limit applicability to other patient groups. For the analysis of the in vitro effects of kisspeptin-54, it is important to note that GL cells had already been exposed in vivo to an alternate maturation trigger. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The profile of serum gonadotropins seen with kisspeptin administration compared to other triggers more closely resemble that of the natural cycle as compared with hCG. Thus, kisspeptin could potentially permit an ovarian environment augmented for steroidogenesis, in particular progesterone synthesis, which is required for embryo implantation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Dr Owens is supported by an Imperial College London PhD Scholarship. Dr Abbara is supported by an National Institute of Health Research Academic Clinical Lectureship. The authors do not have any conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01667406.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Owens
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - A Abbara
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - A Lerner
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - S O'floinn
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - G Christopoulos
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - S Khanjani
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - R Islam
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - K Hardy
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - A C Hanyaloglu
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - S A Lavery
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - W S Dhillo
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - S Franks
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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