The Role of Kisspeptin in the Onset of Puberty and in the Ovulatory Mechanism: A Mini-review

Abstract The onset of puberty has been a fascinating topic for reproductive endocrinologists for decades; however, its underlying physiological mechanisms have remained elusive until recently. The discovery and understanding of the effects exerted by the peptide hormone kisspeptin have shed light on...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pediatric & adolescent gynecology 2015-10, Vol.28 (5), p.286-291
Main Authors: Cortés, Manuel E., BBiolSc, BEd, PhD, Carrera, Bárbara, BBiolSc, Rioseco, Hernán, MD, Pablo del Río, Juan, BMed, Vigil, Pilar, MD, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Estradiol
Gonadal Steroid Hormones
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
Humans
Kisspeptin
Kisspeptinergic nuclei
Kisspeptins - metabolism
Kisspeptins - physiology
Leptin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ovulation
Ovulation - physiology
Pediatrics
Puberty
Puberty - physiology
Sex dimorphism
Sexual Maturation - physiology
Signal Transduction
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Summary:Abstract The onset of puberty has been a fascinating topic for reproductive endocrinologists for decades; however, its underlying physiological mechanisms have remained elusive until recently. The discovery and understanding of the effects exerted by the peptide hormone kisspeptin have shed light on this research area. This review is aimed to discuss the functions of kisspeptin, with special focus on its role in the onset of puberty and in the ovulatory mechanism. The points under discussion are (1) the characteristics of kisspeptin and its receptor, (2) the relevance of this hormone and its interaction with leptin in the onset of puberty, (3) the role of kisspeptin in the ovulatory mechanism based on its differential expression at hypothalamic nuclei, which is modulated by sex steroid hormones, and (4) the clinical relevance of kisspeptin and its antagonists in new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of various reproductive pathologies. All of this explains the revolution that kisspeptin has caused among researchers working in the field of gynecological endocrinology and reproductive biology.
ISSN:1083-3188
1873-4332
DOI:10.1016/j.jpag.2014.09.017