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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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Chaube R, Sharma S, Joy K. Kisspeptin modulation of nonapeptide and cytochrome P450 aromatase mRNA expression in the brain and ovary of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: in vivo and in vitro studies. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2023; 49:1489-1509. [PMID: 37966680 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-023-01270-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
In Heteropneustes fossilis, kisspeptins (Kiss) and nonapeptides (NPs; vasotocin, Vt; isotocin, Itb; Val8-isotocin, Ita) stimulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and estrogen feedback modulates the expression of these systems. In this study, functional interactions among these regulatory systems were demonstrated in the brain and ovary at the mRNA expression level. Human KISS1 (hKISS1) and H. fossilis Kiss2 (HfKiss2) produced biphasic effects on brain and ovarian vt, itb and ita expression at 24 h post injection: low and median doses produced inhibition, no change or mild stimulation, and the highest dose consistently stimulated the mRNA levels. The Kiss peptides produced an upregulation of NP mRNA expression at 24 h incubation of brain and ovarian slices by increasing the concentration of hKISS1 and HfKiss2. The kiss peptides stimulated brain cyp19a1b and ovary cyp19a1a expression, both in vivo and in vitro. Peptide234, a Kiss1 receptor antagonist, inhibited basal mRNA expression of the NPs, cyp19a1b and cyp19a1a, which was prevented by the Kiss peptides, both in vivo and in vitro. In all the experiments, HfKiss2 was more effective than hKISS1 in modulating mRNA expression. The results suggest that the NP and E2 systems are functional targets of Kiss peptides and interact with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha Chaube
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Sandhya Sharma
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
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Stress, kisspeptin, and functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 67:102288. [PMID: 36103784 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea in women of reproductive age. FHA is predominantly caused by stress, decreased caloric intake, excessive exercise, or a combination thereof. These physical, psychological, and metabolic stressors cause aberration in the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and subsequently impair function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. Various neurotransmitters acting in the central nervous system are involved in control of the HPO axis and of these, kisspeptin is one of the most important. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), also inhibits the pulsatile secretion of GnRH and also acts as an intermediary between stress factors and the reproductive system. One of the main ongoing concerns in patients with FHA is chronic hypoestrogenism, a condition, which is associated with sexual dysfunction and infertility. It may also lead to osteoporosis, and predispose to neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Treatment of FHA requires the elimination of causative factors, however, making the necessary lifestyle changes is not always easy to initiate and maintain. Broadening our knowledge of the complex neural mechanisms regulating reproductive function in which kisspeptin plays a key role can help in the development of new treatment options such as the potential of kisspeptin receptor agonists for patients with FHA.
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Coutinho EA, Esparza LA, Hudson AD, Rizo N, Steffen P, Kauffman AS. Conditional Deletion of KOR (Oprk1) in Kisspeptin Cells Does Not Alter LH Pulses, Puberty, or Fertility in Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6763672. [PMID: 36260530 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Classic pharmacological studies suggested that endogenous dynorphin-KOR signaling is important for reproductive neuroendocrine regulation. With the seminal discovery of an interconnected network of hypothalamic arcuate neurons co-expressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin (KNDy neurons), the KNDy hypothesis was developed to explain how gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses are generated. Key to this hypothesis is dynorphin released from KNDy neurons acting in a paracrine manner on other KNDy neurons via kappa opioid receptor (KOR) signaling to terminate neural "pulse" events. While in vitro evidence supports this aspect of the KNDy hypothesis, a direct in vivo test of the necessity of KOR signaling in kisspeptin neurons for proper LH secretion has been lacking. We therefore conditionally knocked out KOR selectively from kisspeptin neurons of male and female mice and tested numerous reproductive measures, including in vivo LH pulse secretion. Surprisingly, despite validating successful knockout of KOR in kisspeptin neurons, we found no significant effect of kisspeptin cell-specific deletion of KOR on any measure of puberty, LH pulse parameters, LH surges, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, estrous cycles, or fertility. These outcomes suggest that the KNDy hypothesis, while sufficient normally, may not be the only neural mechanism for sculpting GnRH and LH pulses, supported by recent findings in humans and mice. Thus, besides normally acting via KOR in KNDy neurons, endogenous dynorphin and other opioids may, under some conditions, regulate LH and FSH secretion via KOR in non-kisspeptin cells or perhaps via non-KOR pathways. The current models for GnRH and LH pulse generation should be expanded to consider such alternate mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulalia A Coutinho
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lourdes A Esparza
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexandra D Hudson
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nathanael Rizo
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Paige Steffen
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Ziarniak K, Yang T, Boycott C, Beetch M, Sassek M, Grzeda E, Ma Y, Sliwowska JH, Stefanska B. DNA hypermethylation of Kiss1r promoter and reduction of hepatic Kiss1r in female rats with type 2 diabetes. Epigenetics 2022; 17:2332-2346. [PMID: 36094166 PMCID: PMC9665141 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2119120] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin, produced from the brain and peripheral tissues, may constitute an important link in metabolic regulation in response to external cues, such as diet. The kisspeptin system is well described in the brain. However, its function and regulation in the peripheral tissues, especially in relation to metabolic disease and sex differences, remain to be elucidated. As Kiss1 and Kiss1r, encoding for kisspeptin and kisspeptin receptors, respectively, are altered by overnutrition/fasting and regulated by DNA methylation during puberty and cancer, epigenetic mechanisms in metabolic disorders are highly probable. In the present study, we experimentally induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in female Wistar rats using high-fat diet/streptozocin. We analysed expression and DNA methylation of Kiss1 and Kiss1r in the peripheral tissues, using quantitative-reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and pyrosequencing. We discovered differential expression of Kiss1 and Kiss1r in peripheral organs in DM2 females, as compared with healthy controls, and the profile differed from patterns reported earlier in males. DM2 in females was linked to the increased Kiss1 mRNA in the liver and increased Kiss1r mRNA in the liver and adipose tissue. However, Kiss1r promoter was hypermethylated in the liver, suggesting gene silencing. Indeed, the increase in DNA methylation of Kiss1r promoter was accompanied by a reduction in Kiss1r protein, implying epigenetic or translational gene repression. Our results deliver novel evidence for tissue-specific differences in Kiss1 and Kiss1r expression in peripheral organs in DM2 females and suggest DNA methylation as a player in regulation of the hepatic kisspeptin system in DM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Ziarniak
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland.,Molecular and Cell Biology Unit, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tony Yang
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cayla Boycott
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Megan Beetch
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maciej Sassek
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Biostructure, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Emilia Grzeda
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Yuexi Ma
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanna H Sliwowska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Barbara Stefanska
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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López-Ojeda W, Hurley RA. Kisspeptin in the Limbic System: New Insights Into Its Neuromodulatory Roles. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 34:190-195. [PMID: 35921618 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20220087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wilfredo López-Ojeda
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Research and Academic Affairs Service Line, W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, N.C. (López-Ojeda, Hurley); Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (López-Ojeda, Hurley) and Radiology (Hurley), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (Hurley)
| | - Robin A Hurley
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Research and Academic Affairs Service Line, W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, N.C. (López-Ojeda, Hurley); Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (López-Ojeda, Hurley) and Radiology (Hurley), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (Hurley)
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Akad M, Socolov R, Furnică C, Covali R, Stan CD, Crauciuc E, Pavaleanu I. Kisspeptin Variations in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-A Prospective Case Control Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58060776. [PMID: 35744039 PMCID: PMC9227115 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58060776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Kisspeptin, also named metastin, showed important roles in initiating the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and is an essential factor in the development of polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS). Several research studies noticed associations between kisspeptin levels and patients with anovulatory cycles due to PCOS with an increased LH/FSH ratio. The aim of our study was to bring scientific evidence regarding the correlation between high kisspeptin and luteinizing hormone values in subfertile women due to PCOS. Materials and Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted in “Elena Doamna” Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology between 4 January 2021 and 1 March 2022. All patients agreed to participate in our study, had ages between 18 and 45 years old, and had a body mass index between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2. The study group consisted of subfertile patients with PCOS and menstrual disturbances, including amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. The control group consisted of healthy patients with ovulatory cycles and no other reproductive or endocrinology pathologies. During the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle, patients had blood samples taken with the dosage of kisspeptin, LH, FSH, estradiol, insulin, glycemic levels, testosterone, and prolactin. Pelvic ultrasounds and clinical examinations were performed as well. Results: Significant differences were observed in kisspeptin, LH, FSH, and estradiol levels between patients with PCOS and the control group. After the univariate analysis, PCOS was significantly associated with increased kisspeptin, increased LH, and decreased FSH. There was no significant association between PCOS, estradiol, prolactin, and insulin. Conclusions: kisspeptin serum values are higher in subfertile PCOS patients, supporting the hypothesis that an over-stimulation of the KISS1 system might cause the hyper-stimulation of the HPG-axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Akad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania; (M.A.); (C.F.); (R.C.); (C.D.S.); (E.C.); (I.P.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Pharmacy “Elena Doamna”, 700398 Iași, Romania
| | - Răzvan Socolov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania; (M.A.); (C.F.); (R.C.); (C.D.S.); (E.C.); (I.P.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Pharmacy “Elena Doamna”, 700398 Iași, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-07-2272-8514
| | - Cristina Furnică
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania; (M.A.); (C.F.); (R.C.); (C.D.S.); (E.C.); (I.P.)
| | - Roxana Covali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania; (M.A.); (C.F.); (R.C.); (C.D.S.); (E.C.); (I.P.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Pharmacy “Elena Doamna”, 700398 Iași, Romania
| | - Catalina Daniela Stan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania; (M.A.); (C.F.); (R.C.); (C.D.S.); (E.C.); (I.P.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Pharmacy “Elena Doamna”, 700398 Iași, Romania
| | - Eduard Crauciuc
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania; (M.A.); (C.F.); (R.C.); (C.D.S.); (E.C.); (I.P.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Pharmacy “Elena Doamna”, 700398 Iași, Romania
| | - Ioana Pavaleanu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania; (M.A.); (C.F.); (R.C.); (C.D.S.); (E.C.); (I.P.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Pharmacy “Elena Doamna”, 700398 Iași, Romania
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López-Ojeda W, Hurley RA. Cranial Nerve Zero (CN 0): Multiple Names and Often Discounted yet Clinically Significant. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 34:A4-99. [PMID: 35491548 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.22010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wilfredo López-Ojeda
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Research and Academic Affairs Service Line, W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, N.C. (López-Ojeda, Hurley); Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (López-Ojeda, Hurley) and Radiology (Hurley), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (Hurley)
| | - Robin A Hurley
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Research and Academic Affairs Service Line, W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, N.C. (López-Ojeda, Hurley); Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (López-Ojeda, Hurley) and Radiology (Hurley), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (Hurley)
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Campbell RE, Coolen LM, Hoffman GE, Hrabovszky E. Highlights of neuroanatomical discoveries of the mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone system. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13115. [PMID: 35502534 PMCID: PMC9232911 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13115] [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: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The anatomy and morphology of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons makes them both a joy and a challenge to investigate. They are a highly unique population of neurons given their developmental migration into the brain from the olfactory placode, their relatively small number, their largely scattered distribution within the rostral forebrain, and, in some species, their highly varied individual anatomical characteristics. These unique features have posed technological hurdles to overcome and promoted fertile ground for the establishment and use of creative approaches. Historical and more contemporary discoveries defining GnRH neuron anatomy remain critical in shaping and challenging our views of GnRH neuron function in the regulation of reproductive function. We begin this review with a historical overview of anatomical discoveries and developing methodologies that have shaped our understanding of the reproductive axis. We then highlight significant discoveries across specific groups of mammalian species to address some of the important comparative aspects of GnRH neuroanatomy. Lastly, we touch on unresolved questions and opportunities for future neuroanatomical research on this fascinating and important population of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Campbell
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Lique M. Coolen
- Department of Biological SciencesKent State UniversityKentOhioUSA
| | | | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive NeurobiologyInstitute of Experimental MedicineBudapestHungary
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PASSARELLI A, LETTIERI A, DEMIRCI TN, MAGNI P. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-secreting neuron development and function: an update. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2022; 47:58-69. [DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.22.03683-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Rønnekleiv OK, Qiu J, Kelly MJ. Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Neurons and the Control of Homeostasis. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqab253. [PMID: 34953135 PMCID: PMC8758343 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons provide indispensable excitatory transmission to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons for the coordinated release of gonadotropins, estrous cyclicity, and ovulation. But maintaining reproductive functions is metabolically demanding so there must be a coordination with multiple homeostatic functions, and it is apparent that Kiss1 neurons play that role. There are 2 distinct populations of hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons, namely arcuate nucleus (Kiss1ARH) neurons and anteroventral periventricular and periventricular nucleus (Kiss1AVPV/PeN) neurons in rodents, both of which excite GnRH neurons via kisspeptin release but are differentially regulated by ovarian steroids. Estradiol (E2) increases the expression of kisspeptin in Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons but decreases its expression in Kiss1ARH neurons. Also, Kiss1ARH neurons coexpress glutamate and Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons coexpress gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), both of which are upregulated by E2 in females. Also, Kiss1ARH neurons express critical metabolic hormone receptors, and these neurons are excited by insulin and leptin during the fed state. Moreover, Kiss1ARH neurons project to and excite the anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin neurons but inhibit the orexigenic neuropeptide Y/Agouti-related peptide neurons, highlighting their role in regulating feeding behavior. Kiss1ARH and Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons also project to the preautonomic paraventricular nucleus (satiety) neurons and the dorsomedial nucleus (energy expenditure) neurons to differentially regulate their function via glutamate and GABA release, respectively. Therefore, this review will address not only how Kiss1 neurons govern GnRH release, but how they control other homeostatic functions through their peptidergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic connections, providing further evidence that Kiss1 neurons are the key neurons coordinating energy states with reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oline K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jian Qiu
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
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Xie Q, Kang Y, Zhang C, Xie Y, Wang C, Liu J, Yu C, Zhao H, Huang D. The Role of Kisspeptin in the Control of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis and Reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:925206. [PMID: 35837314 PMCID: PMC9273750 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.925206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of kisspeptin as a critical central regulatory factor of GnRH release has given people a novel understanding of the neuroendocrine regulation in human reproduction. Kisspeptin activates the signaling pathway by binding to its receptor kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) to promote GnRH secretion, thereby regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) axis. Recent studies have shown that kisspeptin neurons located in arcuate nucleus (ARC) co-express neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin (Dyn). Such neurons are called KNDy neurons. KNDy neurons participate in the positive and negative feedback of estrogen to GnRH secretion. In addition, kisspeptin is a key factor in the initiation of puberty, and also regulates the processes of female follicle development, oocyte maturation, and ovulation through the HPG axis. In male reproduction, kisspeptin also plays an important role, getting involved in the regulation of Leydig cells, spermatogenesis, sperm functions and reproductive behaviors. Mutations in the KISS1 gene or disorders of the kisspeptin/KISS1R system may lead to clinical symptoms such as idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (iHH), central precocious puberty (CPP) and female infertility. Understanding the influence of kisspeptin on the reproductive axis and related mechanisms will help the future application of kisspeptin in disease diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we critically appraise the role of kisspeptin in the HPG axis, including its signaling pathways, negative and positive feedback mechanisms, and its control on female and male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinying Xie
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yafei Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenlu Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Xie
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuxiong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiqian Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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13
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Pedreira CC, Maya J, Misra M. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: Impact on bone and neuropsychiatric outcomes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:953180. [PMID: 35937789 PMCID: PMC9355702 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.953180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a state of reversible hypogonadism common in adolescents and young women that can be triggered by energy deficit or emotional stress or a combination of these factors. Energy deficit may be a consequence of (i) reduced caloric intake, as seen in patients with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, or (ii) excessive exercise, when caloric intake is insufficient to meet the needs of energy expenditure. In these conditions of energy deficit, suppression of the hypothalamic secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (with resulting hypoestrogenism) as well as other changes in hypothalamic-pituitary function may occur as an adaptive response to limited energy availability. Many of these adaptive changes, however, are deleterious to reproductive, skeletal, and neuropsychiatric health. Particularly, normoestrogenemia is critical for normal bone accrual during adolescence, and hypoestrogenemia during this time may lead to deficits in peak bone mass acquisition with longstanding effects on skeletal health. The adolescent years are also a time of neurological changes that impact cognitive function, and anxiety and depression present more frequently during this time. Normal estrogen status is essential for optimal cognitive function (particularly verbal memory and executive function) and may impact emotion and mood. Early recognition of women at high risk of developing hypothalamic amenorrhea and its timely management with a multidisciplinary team are crucial to prevent the severe and long-term effects of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Carvalho Pedreira
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes of Bahia State, Salvador, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Clarissa Carvalho Pedreira,
| | - Jacqueline Maya
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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14
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Hypothalamic kisspeptin and kisspeptin receptors: Species variation in reproduction and reproductive behaviours. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 64:100951. [PMID: 34757093 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin, encoded by the KISS1 gene, was first discovered as a potential metastasis suppressor gene. The prepro-kisspeptin precursor is cleaved into shorter mature bioactive peptides of varying sizes that bind to the G protein-coupled receptor GPR54 (=KISS1R). Over the last two decades, multiple types of Kiss and KissR genes have been discovered in mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrate species, but they are remarkably absent in birds. Kiss neuronal populations are distributed mainly in the hypothalamus. The KissRs are widely distributed in the brain, including the hypothalamic and non-hypothalamic regions, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and habenula. The role of KISS1-KISS1R in humans and Kiss1-Kiss1R in rodents is associated with puberty, gonadal maturation, and the reproductive axis. However, recent gene deletion studies in zebrafish and medaka have provided controversial results, suggesting that the reproductive role of kiss is dispensable. This review highlights the evolutionary history, localisation, and significance of Kiss-KissR in reproduction and reproductive behaviours in mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates.
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15
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Arcuate and Preoptic Kisspeptin Neurons Exhibit Differential Projections to Hypothalamic Nuclei and Exert Opposite Postsynaptic Effects on Hypothalamic Paraventricular and Dorsomedial Nuclei in the Female Mouse. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0093-21.2021. [PMID: 34281980 PMCID: PMC8354717 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0093-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons provide indispensable excitatory input to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, which is important for the coordinated release of gonadotropins, estrous cyclicity and ovulation. However, Kiss1 neurons also send projections to many other brain regions within and outside the hypothalamus. Two different populations of Kiss1 neurons, one in the arcuate nucleus (Kiss1ARH) and another in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and periventricular nucleus (PeN; Kiss1AVPV/PeN) of the hypothalamus are differentially regulated by ovarian steroids, and are believed to form direct contacts with GnRH neurons as well as other neurons. To investigate the projection fields from Kiss1AVPV/PeN and Kiss1ARH neurons in female mice, we used anterograde projection analysis, and channelrhodopsin-assisted circuit mapping (CRACM) to explore their functional input to select target neurons within the paraventricular (PVH) and dorsomedial (DMH) hypothalamus, key preautonomic nuclei. Cre-dependent viral (AAV1-DIO-ChR2 mCherry) vectors were injected into the brain to label the two Kiss1 neuronal populations. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) for mCherry and neuropeptides combined with confocal microscopy was used to determine the projection-fields of both Kiss1 neuronal groups. Whole-cell electrophysiology and optogenetics were used to elucidate the functional input to the PVH and DMH. Our analysis revealed many common but also several clearly separate projection fields between the two different populations of Kiss1 neurons. In addition, optogenetic stimulation of Kiss1 projections to PVH prodynorphin, Vglut2 and DMH CART-expressing neurons, revealed excitatory glutamatergic input from Kiss1ARH neurons and inhibitory GABAergic input from Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons. Therefore, these steroid-sensitive Kiss1 neuronal groups can differentially control the excitability of target neurons to coordinate autonomic functions with reproduction.
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16
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Morrison AE, Fleming S, Levy MJ. A review of the pathophysiology of functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea in women subject to psychological stress, disordered eating, excessive exercise or a combination of these factors. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 95:229-238. [PMID: 33345352 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) is a common form of secondary amenorrhoea without an identifiable structural cause. Suppression of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility results in reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, with subsequent reduction in oestradiol, anovulation and cessation of menstruation. GnRH pulsatility suppression is a recognized complication of psychological stress, disordered eating, low body weight, excessive exercise or a combination of these factors. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF FHA Individuals with FHA demonstrate low energy availability (EA), body fat percentage and energy expenditure. Documented adipocytokine changes notably, raised adiponectin, ghrelin, PYY, and decreased leptin, are associated with GnRH suppression. Other endocrine responses seen in this low EA state include low insulin levels, low total T3, increased basal cortisol levels and a reduced response to corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) administration. FHA is associated with raised growth hormone (GH) and low insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), suggesting relative GH resistance. Kisspeptins are a group of polypeptides, recently discovered to play a major role in the regulation of the reproductive axis through influencing GnRH release. KNDy (kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin) act on GnRH neurons and a multitude of factors result in their release. IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE TREATMENT Management of FHA is imperative to prevent adverse outcomes in bone density, cardiovascular risk profile, psychological well-being and fertility. Outwith modification of nutritional intake and exercise, limited therapeutic strategies are currently available for women with FHA. Advancements in the understanding of the pathophysiological basis of this under-recognized and under-treated clinical entity will aid management and may result in the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Morrison
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Suzannah Fleming
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Miles J Levy
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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17
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Huisman C, Kim YA, Jeon S, Shin B, Choi J, Lim SJ, Youn SM, Park Y, K C M, Kim S, Lee SK, Lee S, Lee JW. The histone H3-lysine 4-methyltransferase Mll4 regulates the development of growth hormone-releasing hormone-producing neurons in the mouse hypothalamus. Nat Commun 2021; 12:256. [PMID: 33431871 PMCID: PMC7801453 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20511-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, inactivating mutations in MLL4, which encodes a histone H3-lysine 4-methyltransferase, lead to Kabuki syndrome (KS). While dwarfism is a cardinal feature of KS, the underlying etiology remains unclear. Here we report that Mll4 regulates the development of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)-producing neurons in the mouse hypothalamus. Our two Mll4 mutant mouse models exhibit dwarfism phenotype and impairment of the developmental programs for GHRH-neurons. Our ChIP-seq analysis reveals that, in the developing mouse hypothalamus, Mll4 interacts with the transcription factor Nrf1 to trigger the expression of GHRH-neuronal genes. Interestingly, the deficiency of Mll4 results in a marked reduction of histone marks of active transcription, while treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor AR-42 rescues the histone mark signature and restores GHRH-neuronal production in Mll4 mutant mice. Our results suggest that the developmental dysregulation of Mll4-directed epigenetic control of transcription plays a role in the development of GHRH-neurons and dwarfism phenotype in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Huisman
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Young A Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 142604, USA
| | - Bongjin Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 142604, USA
| | - Jeonghoon Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Su Jeong Lim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Min Youn
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Younjung Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 142604, USA
| | - Medha K C
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 142604, USA
| | - Sangsoo Kim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Kyung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 142604, USA
| | - Seunghee Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jae W Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 142604, USA.
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18
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Schalla MA, Stengel A. Central mechanisms of kisspeptin-induced inhibition of food intake. Peptides 2021; 135:170475. [PMID: 33359824 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martha A Schalla
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Stengel
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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19
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Rumpler É, Skrapits K, Takács S, Göcz B, Trinh SH, Rácz G, Matolcsy A, Kozma Z, Ciofi P, Dhillo WS, Hrabovszky E. Characterization of Kisspeptin Neurons in the Human Rostral Hypothalamus. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:249-262. [PMID: 32299085 DOI: 10.1159/000507891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kisspeptin (KP) neurons in the rostral periventricular region of the 3rd ventricle (RP3V) of female rodents mediate positive estrogen feedback to gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and, thus, play a fundamental role in the mid-cycle luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. The RP3V is sexually dimorphic, and male rodents with lower KP cell numbers are unable to mount estrogen-induced LH surges. OBJECTIVE To find and characterize the homologous KP neurons in the human brain, we studied formalin-fixed post-mortem hypothalami. METHODS Immunohistochemical techniques were used. RESULTS The distribution of KP neurons in the rostral hypothalamus overlapped with distinct subdivisions of the paraventricular nucleus. The cell numbers decreased after menopause, indicating that estrogens positively regulate KP gene expression in the rostral hypothalamus in humans, similarly to several other species. Young adult women and men had similar cell numbers, as opposed to rodents reported to have more KP neurons in the RP3V of females. Human KP neurons differed from the homologous rodent cells as well, in that they were devoid of enkephalins, galanin and tyrosine hydroxylase. Further, they did not contain known KP neuron markers of the human infundibular nucleus, neurokinin B, substance P and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, while they received afferent input from these KP neurons. CONCLUSIONS The identification and positive estrogenic regulation of KP neurons in the human rostral hypothalamus challenge the long-held view that positive estrogen feedback may be restricted to the mediobasal part of the hypothalamus in primates and point to the need of further anatomical, molecular and functional studies of rostral hypothalamic KP neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Rumpler
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Skrapits
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Takács
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Göcz
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sarolta H Trinh
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Rácz
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Matolcsy
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Kozma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary,
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20
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Tolle V, Ramoz N, Epelbaum J. Is there a hypothalamic basis for anorexia nervosa? HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 181:405-424. [PMID: 34238474 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820683-6.00030-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus has long been known to control food intake and energy metabolism through a complex network of primary and secondary neurons and glial cells. Anorexia nervosa being a complex disorder characterized by abnormal feeding behavior and food aversion, it is thus quite surprising that not much is known concerning potential hypothalamic modifications in this disorder. In this chapter, we review the recent advances in the fields of genetics, epigenetics, structural and functional imaging, and brain connectivity, as well as neuroendocrine findings and emerging animal models, which have begun to unravel the importance of hypothalamic adaptive processes to our understanding of the pathology of eating disorders.
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21
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Hrabovszky E, Takács S, Rumpler É, Skrapits K. The human hypothalamic kisspeptin system: Functional neuroanatomy and clinical perspectives. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 180:275-296. [PMID: 34225935 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820107-7.00017-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, kisspeptin neurons are the key components of the hypothalamic neuronal networks that regulate the onset of puberty, account for the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and mediate negative and positive estrogen feedback signals to GnRH neurons. Being directly connected anatomically and functionally to the hypophysiotropic GnRH system, the major kisspeptin cell groups of the preoptic area/rostral hypothalamus and the arcuate (or infundibular) nucleus, respectively, are ideally positioned to serve as key nodes which integrate various types of environmental, endocrine, and metabolic signals that can influence fertility. This chapter provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on the anatomy, functions, and plasticity of brain kisspeptin systems based on the wide literature available from different laboratory and domestic species. Then, the species-specific features of human hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons are described, covering their topography, morphology, unique neuropeptide content, plasticity, and connectivity to hypophysiotropic GnRH neurons. Some newly emerging roles of central kisspeptin signaling in behavior and finally, clinical perspectives, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Szabolcs Takács
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Rumpler
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Skrapits
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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22
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Dudás B, Merchenthaler I. Morphology and distribution of hypothalamic peptidergic systems. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 179:67-85. [PMID: 34225984 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819975-6.00002-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides participate in the regulation of numerous hypothalamic functions that are aimed for sustaining the homeostasis of the organism. These neuropeptides can act in two different levels. They can influence the release of hormones from the adenohypophysis via the portal circulation; in addition, they can act as neurotransmitters/neuromodulators modulating the functioning of numerous hypothalamic neurotransmitter systems. Indeed, most of these peptidergic systems form a complex network in the infundibular and periventricular nuclei of the human hypothalamus, communicating with each other by synaptic connections that may control fundamental physiologic functions. In the present chapter, we provide an overview of the distribution of neuropeptides in the human hypothalamus using immunohistochemistry and high-resolution, three-dimensional mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertalan Dudás
- Neuroendocrine Organization Laboratory, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, United States; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - István Merchenthaler
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health and of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
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23
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Korf HW, Møller M. Arcuate nucleus, median eminence, and hypophysial pars tuberalis. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 180:227-251. [PMID: 34225932 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820107-7.00015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The arcuate nucleus (ARC) is located in the mediobasal hypothalamus and forms a morphological and functional entity with the median eminence (ME), the ARC-ME. The ARC comprises several distinct types of neurons controlling prolactin release, food intake, and metabolism as well as reproduction and onset of puberty. The ME lacks a blood-brain barrier and provides an entry for peripheral signals (nutrients, leptin, ghrelin). ARC neurons are adjacent to the wall of the third ventricle. This facilitates the exchange of signals from and to the cerebrospinal fluid. The ventricular wall is composed of tanycytes that serve different functions. Axons of ARC neurons contribute to the tuberoinfundibular tract terminating in the ME on the hypophysial portal vessels (HPV) and establish one of the neurohumoral links between the hypothalamus and the pituitary. ARC neurons are reciprocally connected with several other hypothalamic nuclei, the brainstem, and reward pathways. The hypophysial pars tuberalis (PT) is attached to the ME and the HPV. The PT, an important interface of the neuroendocrine system, is mandatory for the control of seasonal functions. This contribution provides an update of our knowledge about the ARC-ME complex and the PT which, inter alia, is needed to understand the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horst-Werner Korf
- Center for Anatomy and Brain Research, Institute for Anatomy, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Morten Møller
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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24
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Yang L, Demetriou L, Wall MB, Mills EG, Zargaran D, Sykes M, Prague JK, Abbara A, Owen BM, Bassett PA, Rabiner EA, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS. Kisspeptin enhances brain responses to olfactory and visual cues of attraction in men. JCI Insight 2020; 5:133633. [PMID: 32051344 PMCID: PMC7098781 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.133633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful reproduction is a fundamental physiological process that relies on the integration of sensory cues of attraction with appropriate emotions and behaviors and the reproductive axis. However, the factors responsible for this integration remain largely unexplored. Using functional neuroimaging, hormonal, and psychometric analyses, we demonstrate that the reproductive hormone kisspeptin enhances brain activity in response to olfactory and visual cues of attraction in men. Furthermore, the brain regions enhanced by kisspeptin correspond to areas within the olfactory and limbic systems that govern sexual behavior and perception of beauty as well as overlap with its endogenous expression pattern. Of key functional and behavioral significance, we observed that kisspeptin was most effective in men with lower sexual quality-of-life scores. As such, our results reveal a previously undescribed attraction pathway in humans activated by kisspeptin and identify kisspeptin signaling as a new therapeutic target for related reproductive and psychosexual disorders. Kisspeptin enhances brain processing in response to olfactory and visual cues of attraction and is most effective in men with lower sexual quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Yang
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Lysia Demetriou
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.,Invicro, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew B Wall
- Invicro, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.,Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Edouard Ga Mills
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - David Zargaran
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Sykes
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Julia K Prague
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Bryn M Owen
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Eugenii A Rabiner
- Invicro, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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25
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Voliotis M, Li XF, De Burgh R, Lass G, Lightman SL, O'Byrne KT, Tsaneva-Atanasova K. The Origin of GnRH Pulse Generation: An Integrative Mathematical-Experimental Approach. J Neurosci 2019; 39:9738-9747. [PMID: 31645462 PMCID: PMC6891054 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0828-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility critically depends on the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator, a neural construct comprised of hypothalamic neurons coexpressing kisspeptin, neurokoinin-B and dynorphin. Here, using mathematical modeling and in vivo optogenetics we reveal for the first time how this neural construct initiates and sustains the appropriate ultradian frequency essential for reproduction. Prompted by mathematical modeling, we show experimentally using female estrous mice that robust pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone, a proxy for GnRH, emerges abruptly as we increase the basal activity of the neuronal network using continuous low-frequency optogenetic stimulation. Further increase in basal activity markedly increases pulse frequency and eventually leads to pulse termination. Additional model predictions that pulsatile dynamics emerge from nonlinear positive and negative feedback interactions mediated through neurokinin-B and dynorphin signaling respectively are confirmed neuropharmacologically. Our results shed light on the long-elusive GnRH pulse generator offering new horizons for reproductive health and wellbeing.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator controls the pulsatile secretion of the gonadotropic hormones LH and FSH and is critical for fertility. The hypothalamic arcuate kisspeptin neurons are thought to represent the GnRH pulse generator, since their oscillatory activity is coincident with LH pulses in the blood; a proxy for GnRH pulses. However, the mechanisms underlying GnRH pulse generation remain elusive. We developed a mathematical model of the kisspeptin neuronal network and confirmed its predictions experimentally, showing how LH secretion is frequency-modulated as we increase the basal activity of the arcuate kisspeptin neurons in vivo using continuous optogenetic stimulation. Our model provides a quantitative framework for understanding the reproductive neuroendocrine system and opens new horizons for fertility regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaritis Voliotis
- Department of Mathematics and Living Systems Institute, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, United Kingdom,
- The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QJ, United Kingdom
| | - Xiao Feng Li
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom, and
| | - Ross De Burgh
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom, and
| | - Geffen Lass
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom, and
| | - Stafford L Lightman
- Henry Wellcome Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin T O'Byrne
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom, and
| | - Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
- Department of Mathematics and Living Systems Institute, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, United Kingdom,
- The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QJ, United Kingdom
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Leptin actions through the nitrergic system to modulate the hypothalamic expression of the kiss1 mRNA in the female rat. Brain Res 2019; 1728:146574. [PMID: 31790683 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the main controller of the reproductive axis and stimulates the synthesis and secretion of gonadotrophins. Estrogen is the main peripheral factor controlling GnRH secretion, and this action is mainly mediated by the transsynaptic pathway through nitric oxide, kisspeptin, leptin, among other factors. Kisspeptin is the most potent factor known to induce GnRH release. Nitric oxide and leptin also promote GnRH release; however, neurons expressing GnRH do not express the leptin receptor (OB-R). Leptin seems to modulate the expression of genes and proteins involved in the kisspeptin system. However, few kisspeptin-synthesizing cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and few cells, if any, in the preoptic area (POA) express OB-R; this indicates an indirect mechanism of leptin action on kisspeptin. Nitric oxide is an important intermediate in the actions of leptin in the central nervous system. Thus, this work aimed to verify the numbers of nNOS cells were activated by leptin in different hypothalamic areas; the modulatory effects of the nitrergic system on the kisspeptin system; and the indirect regulatory effect of leptin on the kisspeptin system via nitric oxide. Ovariectomized rats were treated with estrogen or a vehicle and received an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of a nitric oxide donor, leptin or neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) enzyme inhibitor. Thirty minutes after the injection, the animals were decapitated. Leptin acts directly on nitrergic neurons in different hypothalamic regions, and the effects on the ventral premammillary nucleus (PMV) and ventral dorsomedial hypothalamus (vDMH) are enhanced. The use of a nitric oxide donor or the administration of leptin stimulates the expression of the kisspeptin mRNA in the ARC of animals with or without estrogenic action; however, these changes are not observed in the POA. In addition, the action of leptin on the expression of the kisspeptin mRNA in the ARC is blocked by a nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor. We concluded that the effects of leptin on the central nervous system are at least partially mediated by the nitrergic system. Also, nitric oxide acts on the kisspeptin system by modulating the expression of the kisspeptin mRNA, and leptin at least partially modulates the kisspeptin system through the nitrergic system, particularly in the ARC.
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Pałasz A, Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor M, Suszka-Świtek A, Bacopoulou F, Dmitrzak-Węglarz M, Dutkiewicz A, Słopień A, Janas-Kozik M, Wilczyński KM, Filipczyk Ł, Bogus K, Rojczyk E, Paszyńska E, Wiaderkiewicz R. Longitudinal study on novel neuropeptides phoenixin, spexin and kisspeptin in adolescent inpatients with anorexia nervosa - association with psychiatric symptoms. Nutr Neurosci 2019; 24:896-906. [PMID: 31736434 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2019.1692494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It is hypothesized that novel neuropeptides such as phoenixin (PNX), spexin (SPX), and kisspeptin (KISS) are involved in the pathogenesis of eating disorders. The study presented here analyzed neuropeptide concentrations during the course of anorexia nervosa (AN) and aimed to correlate those values with anthropometric and psychometric measurements. METHODS A longitudinal study was carried outin 30 AN adolescent patients and 15 age-matched healthy female controls. Selected neuroprotein serum levels were analyzed in malnourished patients (accAN) and following partial weight recovery (norAN), and these values were compared with the control group. RESULTS In accAN patients, decreased serum PNX levels were detected while SPX serum concentrations were lower in the accAN and norAN patients. No differences were observed in KISS concentrations in all studied groups. CONCLUSIONS In malnourished adolescent inpatients with AN, serum PNX and SPX level were decreased. The partial weight recovery normalized PNX concentrations but failed to normalize SPX levels. Therefore these two neuropeptides might be crucial for the etiology and course of the AN. The KISS levels did not change in the course of AN. The PNX levels were associated with some symptoms of eating disorders which may indicate its potential contribution in the regulation of emotions and behaviors in AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marta Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Suszka-Świtek
- Department of Histology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- First Department of Pediatrics, Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Monika Dmitrzak-Węglarz
- Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agata Dutkiewicz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Słopień
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Janas-Kozik
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof M Wilczyński
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Filipczyk
- Department of Histology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogus
- Department of Histology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ewa Rojczyk
- Department of Descriptive and Topographic Anatomy, School of Medicine with Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia Zabrze, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Paszyńska
- Department of Integrated Dentistry, Faculty of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard Wiaderkiewicz
- Department of Histology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Dudek M, Ziarniak K, Cateau ML, Dufourny L, Sliwowska JH. Diabetes Type 2 and Kisspeptin: Central and Peripheral Sex-Specific Actions. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2019; 30:833-843. [PMID: 31699240 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP) plays a major role in the regulation of reproduction governed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. However, recent findings suggest that the KP system is present not only centrally (at the level of the hypothalamus), but also in the peripheral organs crucial for the control of metabolism. The KP system is sexually differentiated in the hypothalamus, and it is of particular interest to study whether sex-specific responses to type 2 diabetes (DM2) exist centrally and peripherally. As collection of data is limited in humans, animal models of DM2 are useful to understand crosstalk between metabolism and reproduction. Sex-specific variations in the KP system reported in animals suggest a need for the development of gender specific therapeutic strategies to treat DM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Dudek
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznan, Poland
| | - Kamil Ziarniak
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marie-Line Cateau
- UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours-IFCE, Centre INRA Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Laurence Dufourny
- UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours-IFCE, Centre INRA Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Joanna Helena Sliwowska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznan, Poland.
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29
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Huisman C, Cho H, Brock O, Lim SJ, Youn SM, Park Y, Kim S, Lee SK, Delogu A, Lee JW. Single cell transcriptome analysis of developing arcuate nucleus neurons uncovers their key developmental regulators. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3696. [PMID: 31420539 PMCID: PMC6697706 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11667-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the crucial physiological processes governed by neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), such as growth, reproduction and energy homeostasis, the developmental pathways and regulators for ARC neurons remain understudied. Our single cell RNA-seq analyses of mouse embryonic ARC revealed many cell type-specific markers for developing ARC neurons. These markers include transcription factors whose expression is enriched in specific neuronal types and often depleted in other closely-related neuronal types, raising the possibility that these transcription factors play important roles in the fate commitment or differentiation of specific ARC neuronal types. We validated this idea with the two transcription factors, Foxp2 enriched for Ghrh-neurons and Sox14 enriched for Kisspeptin-neurons, using Foxp2- and Sox14-deficient mouse models. Taken together, our single cell transcriptome analyses for the developing ARC uncovered a panel of transcription factors that are likely to form a gene regulatory network to orchestrate fate specification and differentiation of ARC neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Huisman
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Hyeyoung Cho
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Olivier Brock
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Su Jeong Lim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Min Youn
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Younjung Park
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Sangsoo Kim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Kyung Lee
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Alessio Delogu
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
| | - Jae W Lee
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
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30
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Saito R, Tanaka K, Nishimura H, Nishimura K, Sonoda S, Ueno H, Motojima Y, Yoshimura M, Maruyama T, Yamamoto Y, Kusuhara K, Ueta Y. Centrally administered kisspeptin suppresses feeding via nesfatin-1 and oxytocin in male rats. Peptides 2019; 112:114-124. [PMID: 30562556 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP), known as a hypothalamic neuropeptide, plays a critical role in the regulation of not only reproduction but also food intake. The anorectic neuropeptides, nesfatin-1 and oxytocin (OXT), are expressed in central nervous system, particulaly in various hypothalamic nuclei, and peripheral tissue. We examined the effects of the intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of KP-10 on feeding and nesfatin-1-immunoreactive (ir) or OXT-ir neurons in the rat hypothalamus, using Fos double immunohistochemistry in male rats. Cumulative food intake was remarkably decreased 0.5-3 h after icv administration of KP-10 (6.0 μg) compared to the vehicle treated and the KP-10 (3.8 μg) treated group. The icv administration of KP-10 significantly increased the number of nesfatin-1-ir neurons expressing Fos in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), arcuate nucleus (ARC), dorsal raphe nucleus, locus coeruleus, and nucleus tractus solitarius. The decreased food intake induced by KP-10 was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with the icv administration of antisense RNA against nucleobindin-2. After icv administration of KP-10, the percentages of OXT-ir neurons expressing FOS were remarkably higher in the SON and PVN than for vehicle treatment. The KP-10-induced anorexia was partially abolished by pretreatment with OXT receptor antagonist (OXTR-A). The percentage of nesfatin-1-ir neurons expressing Fos-ir in the ARC was also decreased by OXTR-A pretreatment. These results indicate that central administration of KP-10 activates nesfatin-1- and OXT neurons, and may play an important role in the suppression of feeding in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiko Saito
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tanaka
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Haruki Nishimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Nishimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Satomi Sonoda
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Ueno
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Motojima
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Yoshimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Takashi Maruyama
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yukiyo Yamamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Koichi Kusuhara
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yoichi Ueta
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
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31
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Hu KL, Chang HM, Li R, Yu Y, Qiao J. Regulation of LH secretion by RFRP-3 - From the hypothalamus to the pituitary. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 52:12-21. [PMID: 29608929 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RFamide-related peptides (RFRPs) have long been identified as inhibitors of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis in mammals. However, less progress has been made in the detailed roles of RFRPs in the control of LH secretion. Recent studies have suggested that RFRP-3 neurons in the hypothalamus can regulate the secretion of LH at different levels, including kisspeptin neurons, GnRH neurons, and the pituitary. Additionally, conflicting results regarding the effects of RFRP-3 on these levels exist. In this review, we collect the latest evidence related to the effects of RFRP-3 neurons in regulating LH secretion by acting on kisspeptin neurons, GnRH neurons, and the pituitary and discuss the potential role of the timely reduction of RFRP-3 signaling in the modulation of the preovulatory LH surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lun Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Rong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Jie Qiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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32
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Hrabovszky E, Takács S, Göcz B, Skrapits K. New Perspectives for Anatomical and Molecular Studies of Kisspeptin Neurons in the Aging Human Brain. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 109:230-241. [PMID: 30612127 DOI: 10.1159/000496566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The human infundibular nucleus (corresponding to the rodent arcuate nucleus) serves as an important integration center for neuronal signals and hormones released by peripheral endocrine organs. Kisspeptin (KP)-producing neurons of this anatomical site, many of which also synthesize neurokinin B (NKB), are critically involved in sex hormone signaling to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. In recent years, the basic topography, morphology, neuropeptide content, and connectivity of human KP neurons have been investigated with in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry on postmortem tissues. These studies revealed that human KP neurons differ neurochemically from their rodent counterparts and show robust aging-related plasticity. Earlier immunohistochemical experiments also provided evidence for temporal changes in the hypothalamus of aging men whose NKB and KP neurons undergo hypertrophy, increase in number, exhibit increased neuropeptide mRNA expression and immunoreactivity and give rise to higher numbers of immunoreactive fibers and afferent contacts onto GnRH neurons. Increasing percentages of KP-expressing NKB perikarya, NKB axons, and NKB inputs to GnRH neurons raise the intriguing possibility that a significant subset of NKB neurons begins to cosynthesize KP as aging advances. Although use of postmortem tissues is technically challenging, recently available single-cell anatomical and molecular approaches discussed in this review provide promising new tools to investigate the aging-related anatomical and functional plasticity of the human KP neuronal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary,
| | - Szabolcs Takács
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Göcz
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Skrapits
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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Abstract
Reproduction is fundamental for the survival of all species and requires meticulous synchronisation of a diverse complement of neural, endocrine and related behaviours. The reproductive hormone kisspeptin (encoded by the KISS1/Kiss1 gene) is now a well-established orchestrator of reproductive hormones, acting upstream of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) at the apex of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) reproductive axis. Beyond the hypothalamus, kisspeptin is also expressed in limbic and paralimbic brain regions, which are areas of the neurobiological network implicated in sexual and emotional behaviours. We are now forming a more comprehensive appreciation of extra-hypothalamic kisspeptin signalling and the complex role of kisspeptin as an upstream mediator of reproductive behaviours, including olfactory-driven partner preference, copulatory behaviour, audition, mood and emotion. An increasing body of research from zebrafish to humans has implicated kisspeptin in the integration of reproductive hormones with an overall positive influence on these reproductive behaviours. In this review, we critically appraise the current literature regarding kisspeptin and its control of reproductive behaviour. Collectively, these data significantly enhance our understanding of the integration of reproductive hormones and behaviour and provide the foundation for kisspeptin-based therapies to treat related disorders of body and mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G A Mills
- 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
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
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34
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Neurobiological characteristics underlying metabolic differences between males and females. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:18-32. [PMID: 30194984 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus is the main integrating center for metabolic control. Our understanding of how hypothalamic circuits function to control appetite and energy expenditure has increased dramatically in recent years, due to the rapid rise in the incidence of obesity and the search for effective treatments. Increasing evidence indicates that these treatments will most likely differ between males and females. Indeed, sex differences in metabolism have been demonstrated at various levels, including in two of the most studied neuronal populations involved in metabolic control: the anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin neurons and the orexigenic neuropeptide Y/Agouti-related protein neurons. Here we review what is known to date regarding the sex differences in these two neuronal populations, as well as other neuronal populations involved in metabolic control and glial cells.
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Katulski K, Podfigurna A, Czyzyk A, Meczekalski B, Genazzani AD. Kisspeptin and LH pulsatile temporal coupling in PCOS patients. Endocrine 2018; 61:149-157. [PMID: 29728876 PMCID: PMC5997113 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1609-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the temporal coupling between spontaneous kisspeptin and luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatile releases in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. METHODS We examined 71 patients diagnosed with PCOS. A 2 h pulsatility study was performed to evaluate serum kisspeptin and LH pulse frequency and concentration, sampled every 10 min; baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), cortisol, 17-hydroksy-progesterone (17OHP), testosterone (T), free testosterone index (FTI, and insulin levels were also measured. Detect and Specific Concordance (SC) algorithms were used to evaluate the temporal coupling associations between spontaneous episodic secretion of kisspeptin and LH. RESULTS All PCOS patients demonstrated LH and kisspeptin pulsatile secretions. When the SC index was calculated across the sample of PCOS patients (n = 71), no temporal coupling was observed between kisspeptin and LH pulses. When PCOS patients were subdivided according to their menstrual cyclicity, oligomenorrheic patients demonstrated elevated kisspeptin pulse frequency. Additionally, the SC index reveled a temporal coupling between kisspeptin and LH secretory peaks only in eumenorrheic patients (n = 30, intermenstrual interval < 45 days). Oligomenorrheic PCOS patients (intermenstrual interval > 45 days) did not demonstrate temporal coupling between kisspeptin and LH secretory peaks. CONCLUSIONS The study of the endogenous kisspeptin and LH pulsatile release revealed the temporal coupling of kisspeptin with LH secretory pulses only in eumenorrheic. This data supports the hypothesis that neuroendocrine impairments in PCOS affect the coupling of kisspeptin with LH pulses and potentially worsen as the disease progresses, becoming unequivocally evident in oligomenorrheic PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Katulski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Podfigurna
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Adam Czyzyk
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Blazej Meczekalski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Alessandro D Genazzani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecological Endocrinology Center, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Pałasz A, Janas-Kozik M, Borrow A, Arias-Carrión O, Worthington JJ. The potential role of the novel hypothalamic neuropeptides nesfatin-1, phoenixin, spexin and kisspeptin in the pathogenesis of anxiety and anorexia nervosa. Neurochem Int 2018; 113:120-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Takács S, Bardóczi Z, Skrapits K, Göcz B, Váczi V, Maglóczky Z, Szűcs I, Rácz G, Matolcsy A, Dhillo WS, Watanabe M, Kádár A, Fekete C, Kalló I, Hrabovszky E. Post mortem single-cell labeling with DiI and immunoelectron microscopy unveil the fine structure of kisspeptin neurons in humans. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 223:2143-2156. [PMID: 29380121 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1610-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP) synthesizing neurons of the hypothalamic infundibular region are critically involved in the central regulation of fertility; these cells regulate pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and mediate sex steroid feedback signals to GnRH neurons. Fine structural analysis of the human KP system is complicated by the use of post mortem tissues. To gain better insight into the neuroanatomy of the somato-dendritic cellular compartment, we introduced the diolistic labeling of immunohistochemically identified KP neurons using a gene gun loaded with the lipophilic dye, DiI. Confocal microscopic studies of primary dendrites in 100-µm-thick tissue sections established that 79.3% of KP cells were bipolar, 14.1% were tripolar, and 6.6% were unipolar. Primary dendrites branched sparsely, contained numerous appendages (9.1 ± 1.1 spines/100 µm dendrite), and received rich innervation from GABAergic, glutamatergic, and KP-containing terminals. KP neuron synaptology was analyzed with immunoelectron microscopy on perfusion-fixed specimens. KP axons established frequent contacts and classical synapses on unlabeled, and on KP-immunoreactive somata, dendrites, and spines. Synapses were asymmetric and the presynaptic structures contained round and regular synaptic vesicles, in addition to dense-core granules. Although immunofluorescent studies failed to detect vesicular glutamate transporter isoforms in KP axons, ultrastructural characteristics of synaptic terminals suggested use of glutamatergic, in addition to peptidergic, neurotransmission. In summary, immunofluorescent and DiI labeling of KP neurons in thick hypothalamic sections and immunoelectron microscopic studies of KP-immunoreactive neurons in brains perfusion-fixed shortly post mortem allowed us to identify previously unexplored fine structural features of KP neurons in the mediobasal hypothalamus of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Takács
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43 Szigony St., Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Bardóczi
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- School of PH.D. Studies, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Skrapits
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43 Szigony St., Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Balázs Göcz
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43 Szigony St., Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Viktória Váczi
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43 Szigony St., Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Maglóczky
- Human Brain Research Laboratory, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Iván Szűcs
- Department of Pathology, St. Borbála Hospital, Tatabanya, Hungary
| | - Gergely Rácz
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Matolcsy
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Andrea Kádár
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Fekete
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Tupper Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Imre Kalló
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43 Szigony St., Budapest, 1083, Hungary.
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Okamura H, Yamamura T, Wakabayashi Y. Mapping of KNDy neurons and immunohistochemical analysis of the interaction between KNDy and substance P neural systems in goat. J Reprod Dev 2017; 63:571-580. [PMID: 29109352 PMCID: PMC5735268 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A population of neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) coexpresses kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin, and therefore they are referred to as KNDy neurons. It has been suggested that KNDy neurons participate in several brain functions, including the control of reproduction. The present study aimed to advance our understanding of the anatomy of the KNDy neural system. We first produced an antiserum against goat kisspeptin. After confirming its specificity, the antiserum was used to histochemically detect kisspeptin-positive signals. Using the colocalization of kisspeptin and NKB immunoreactivity as a marker for KNDy neurons, we mapped distributions of their cell somata and fibers in the whole brain (except the cerebellum) of ovariectomized (OVX) goats. KNDy neuronal somata were distributed throughout the ARC, and were particularly abundant in its caudal aspect. KNDy neuronal fibers projected into several areas within the septo-preoptic-hypothalamic continuum, such as the ARC, median eminence, medial preoptic nucleus, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Kisspeptin immunoreactivity was not found outside of the continuum. We then addressed to the hypothesis that substance P (SP) is also involved in the KNDy neural system. Double-labeling immunohistochemistry for kisspeptin and SP revealed that KNDy neurons did not coexpress SP, but nearly all of the KNDy neuronal somata were surrounded by fibers containing SP in the OVX goats. The present results demonstrate anatomical evidence for a robust association between the KNDy and SP neural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Okamura
- Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamura
- Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Wakabayashi
- Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
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Eghlidi DH, Garyfallou VT, Kohama SG, Urbanski HF. Age-associated gene expression changes in the arcuate nucleus of male rhesus macaques. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 59:141-149. [PMID: 28615280 PMCID: PMC5553588 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) represents a major component of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis and plays an important role in controlling the onset of puberty as well as age-associated reproductive senescence. Although significant gene expression changes have been observed in the ARC during sexual maturation, it is unclear what changes occur during aging, especially in males. Therefore, in the present study, we profiled the expression of reproduction-related genes in the ARC of young and old male rhesus macaques, as well as old males that had received 6 months of hormone supplementation (HS) in the form of daily testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone; we also compared morning vs night ARC gene expression in the old males. Using Affymetrix gene microarrays, we found little evidence for age-associated expression changes for genes associated with the neuroendocrine reproductive axis, whereas using qRT-PCR, we detected a similar age-associated decrease in PGR (progesterone receptor) that we previously observed in postmenopausal females. We also detected a sex-steroid-dependent and age-associated decrease in androgen receptor (AR) expression, with highest AR levels being expressed at night (i.e., coinciding with the natural peak in daily testosterone secretion). Finally, unlike previous observations made in females, we did not find a significant age-associated increase in KISS1 (Kisspeptin) or TAC3 (Neurokinin B) expression in the ARC of males, most likely because the attenuation of circulating sex-steroid levels in the males was much less than that in postmenopausal females. Taken together, the data highlight some similarities and differences in ARC gene expression between aged male and female nonhuman primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique H Eghlidi
- Department of Neurology and Division of Sleep MedicineHarvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vasilios T Garyfallou
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Steven G Kohama
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Henryk F Urbanski
- Division of NeuroscienceOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental SciencesOregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Department of Behavioral NeuroscienceOregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyOregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Comninos AN, Wall MB, Demetriou L, Shah AJ, Clarke SA, Narayanaswamy S, Nesbitt A, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Prague JK, Abbara A, Ratnasabapathy R, Salem V, Nijher GM, Jayasena CN, Tanner M, Bassett P, Mehta A, Rabiner EA, Hönigsperger C, Silva MR, Brandtzaeg OK, Lundanes E, Wilson SR, Brown RC, Thomas SA, Bloom SR, Dhillo WS. Kisspeptin modulates sexual and emotional brain processing in humans. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:709-719. [PMID: 28112678 PMCID: PMC5272173 DOI: 10.1172/jci89519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Sex, emotion, and reproduction are fundamental and tightly entwined aspects of human behavior. At a population level in humans, both the desire for sexual stimulation and the desire to bond with a partner are important precursors to reproduction. However, the relationships between these processes are incompletely understood. The limbic brain system has key roles in sexual and emotional behaviors, and is a likely candidate system for the integration of behavior with the hormonal reproductive axis. We investigated the effects of kisspeptin, a recently identified key reproductive hormone, on limbic brain activity and behavior. METHODS. Using a combination of functional neuroimaging and hormonal and psychometric analyses, we compared the effects of kisspeptin versus vehicle administration in 29 healthy heterosexual young men. RESULTS. We demonstrated that kisspeptin administration enhanced limbic brain activity specifically in response to sexual and couple-bonding stimuli. Furthermore, kisspeptin’s enhancement of limbic brain structures correlated with psychometric measures of reward, drive, mood, and sexual aversion, providing functional significance. In addition, kisspeptin administration attenuated negative mood. CONCLUSIONS. Collectively, our data provide evidence of an undescribed role for kisspeptin in integrating sexual and emotional brain processing with reproduction in humans. These results have important implications for our understanding of reproductive biology and are highly relevant to the current pharmacological development of kisspeptin as a potential therapeutic agent for patients with common disorders of reproductive function. FUNDING. National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Wellcome Trust (Ref 080268), and the Medical Research Council (MRC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew B. Wall
- Division of Brain Sciences,and
- Imanova Centre for Imaging Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lysia Demetriou
- Investigative Medicine
- Imanova Centre for Imaging Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mark Tanner
- Imanova Centre for Imaging Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Bassett
- Statsconsultancy Ltd., Amersham, Bucks, United Kingdom
| | - Amrish Mehta
- Department of Neuroradiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eugenii A. Rabiner
- Imanova Centre for Imaging Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Meire Ribeiro Silva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brazil
| | | | - Elsa Lundanes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Rachel C. Brown
- King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Department of Physiology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah A. Thomas
- King’s College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Department of Physiology, London, United Kingdom
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Beymer M, Henningsen J, Bahougne T, Simonneaux V. The role of kisspeptin and RFRP in the circadian control of female reproduction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 438:89-99. [PMID: 27364888 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In female mammals, reproduction shows ovarian and daily rhythms ensuring that the timing of the greatest fertility coincides with maximal activity and arousal. The ovarian cycle, which lasts from a few days to a few weeks, depends on the rhythm of follicle maturation and ovarian hormone production, whereas the daily cycle depends on a network of circadian clocks of which the main one is located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). In the last ten years, major progress has been made in the understanding of the neuronal mechanisms governing mammalian reproduction with the finding that two hypothalamic Arg-Phe-amide peptides, kisspeptin (Kp) and RFRP, regulate GnRH neurons. In this review we discuss the pivotal role of Kp and RFRP neurons at the interface between the SCN clock signal and GnRH neurons to properly time gonadotropin-induced ovulation. We also report recent findings indicating that these neurons may be part of the multi-oscillatory circadian system that times female fertility. Finally, we will discuss recent investigations indicating a role, and putative therapeutic use, of these neuropeptides in human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Beymer
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (CNRS UPR 3212), 5 rue Blaise Pascal, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jo Henningsen
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (CNRS UPR 3212), 5 rue Blaise Pascal, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thibault Bahougne
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (CNRS UPR 3212), 5 rue Blaise Pascal, 67084 Strasbourg, France; Service d'Endocrinologie et Diabète, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valérie Simonneaux
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (CNRS UPR 3212), 5 rue Blaise Pascal, 67084 Strasbourg, France.
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Fergani C, Navarro VM. Expanding the Role of Tachykinins in the Neuroendocrine Control of Reproduction. Reproduction 2016; 153:R1-R14. [PMID: 27754872 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive function is driven by the hormonal interplay between the gonads and brain-pituitary axis. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is released in a pulsatile manner, which is critical for the attainment and maintenance of fertility, however, GnRH neurons lack the ability to directly respond to most regulatory factors, and a hierarchical upstream neuronal network governs its secretion. We and others proposed a model in which Kiss1 neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), so called KNDy neurons, release kisspeptin (a potent GnRH secretagogue) in a pulsatile manner to drive GnRH pulses under the coordinated autosynaptic action of its cotransmitters, the tachykinin neurokinin B (NKB, stimulatory) and dynorphin (inhibitory). Numerous genetic and pharmacological studies support this model; however, additional regulatory mechanisms (upstream of KNDy neurons) and alternative pathways of GnRH secretion (kisspeptin-independent) exist, but remain ill defined. In this aspect, attention to other members of the tachykinin family, namely substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), has recently been rekindled. Even though there are still major gaps in our knowledge about the functional significance of these systems, substantial evidence, as discussed below, is placing tachykinin signaling as an important pathway for the awakening of the reproductive axis and the onset of puberty to physiological GnRH secretion and maintenance of fertility in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysanthi Fergani
- C Fergani, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, 02115, United States
| | - Victor M Navarro
- V Navarro, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women\'s Hospital, Boston, United States
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Oakley AE, Steiner RA, Chavkin C, Clifton DK, Ferrara LK, Reed SD. κ Agonists as a novel therapy for menopausal hot flashes. Menopause 2016; 22:1328-34. [PMID: 25988798 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The etiology of postmenopausal hot flashes is poorly understood, making it difficult to develop and target ideal therapies. A network of hypothalamic estrogen-sensitive neurons producing kisspeptin, neurokinin B and dynorphin-called KNDy neurons-are located adjacent to the thermoregulatory center. KNDy neurons regulate pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Dynorphin may inhibit this system by binding κ opioid receptors within the vicinity of KNDy neurons. We hypothesize that hot flashes are reduced by KNDy neuron manipulation. METHODS A double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled pilot study evaluated the effects of a κ agonist. Hot flash frequency was the primary outcome. Twelve healthy postmenopausal women with moderate to severe hot flashes (aged 48-60 y) were randomized. Eight women with sufficient baseline hot flashes for statistical analysis completed all three interventions: placebo, standard-dose pentazocine/naloxone (50/0.5 mg), or low-dose pentazocine/naloxone (25/0.25 mg). In an inpatient research setting, each participant received the three interventions, in randomized order, on three separate days. On each day, an intravenous catheter was inserted for LH blood sampling, and skin conductance and Holter monitors were placed. Subjective hot flash frequency and severity were recorded. RESULTS The mean (SEM) hot flash frequency 2 to 7 hours after therapy initiation was lower than that for placebo (standard-dose κ agonist, 4.75 [0.67] hot flashes per 5 h; low-dose κ agonist, 4.50 [0.57] hot flashes per 5 h; placebo, 5.94 [0.78] hot flashes per 5 h; P = 0.025). Hot flash intensity did not vary between interventions. LH pulsatility mirrored objective hot flashes in some--but not all--women. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study suggests that κ agonists may affect menopausal vasomotor symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Oakley
- 1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 3Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Lee B, Lee S, Lee SK, Lee JW. The LIM-homeobox transcription factor Isl1 plays crucial roles in the development of multiple arcuate nucleus neurons. Development 2016; 143:3763-3773. [PMID: 27578785 DOI: 10.1242/dev.133967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus relay and translate important cues from the periphery into the central nervous system. However, the gene regulatory program directing their development remains poorly understood. Here, we report that the LIM-homeodomain transcription factor Isl1 is expressed in several subpopulations of developing arcuate neurons and plays crucial roles in their fate specification. Mice with conditional deletion of the Isl1 gene in developing hypothalamus display severe deficits in both feeding and linear growth. Consistent with these results, their arcuate nucleus fails to express key fate markers of Isl1-expressing neurons that regulate feeding and growth. These include the orexigenic neuropeptides AgRP and NPY for specifying AgRP-neurons, the anorexigenic neuropeptide αMSH for POMC-neurons, and two growth-stimulatory peptides, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) for GHRH-neurons and somatostatin (Sst) for Sst-neurons. Finally, we show that Isl1 directly enhances the expression of AgRP by cooperating with the key orexigenic transcription factors glucocorticoid receptor and brain-specific homeobox factor. Our results identify Isl1 as a crucial transcription factor that plays essential roles in the gene regulatory program directing development of multiple arcuate neuronal subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bora Lee
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Seunghee Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Kyung Lee
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jae W Lee
- Neuroscience Section, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA .,Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Meczekalski B, Katulski K, Podfigurna-Stopa A, Czyzyk A, Genazzani AD. Spontaneous endogenous pulsatile release of kisspeptin is temporally coupled with luteinizing hormone in healthy women. Fertil Steril 2016; 105:1345-1350.e2. [PMID: 26859129 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the presence of a spontaneous pulsatile release of kisspeptin and whether it is temporally coupled to LH pulses. DESIGN Experimental study. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENT(S) Thirty young healthy eumenorrheic women aged 20-37 years were included in the study group. All subjects were white women admitted to the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland. INTERVENTION(S) Kisspeptin, FSH, LH, E2, PRL, and insulin were evaluated in all subjects at baseline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) All women underwent a pulsatility study measuring LH and kisspeptin plasma concentrations to assess the spontaneous episodic secretion of both hormones, sampling every 10 minutes for 2 hours from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. for a total of 12 blood samples. Detection and specific concordance (SC) algorithms were used to detect pulses and their concordance. RESULT(S) A significant endogenous secretory pattern was demonstrated for both LH and kisspeptin over the 2-hour duration of the study (2.4 ± 0.1 peaks/2 h). The computation of the SC index showed for the first time that kisspeptin and LH are cosecreted and temporally coupled at time "0," and their peaks occur at the same point in time. CONCLUSION(S) The present study provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that kisspeptin is highly relevant in the regulation and modulation of reproductive functions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blazej Meczekalski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Katulski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Adam Czyzyk
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Alessandro D Genazzani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecological Endocrinology Center, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Molnár CS, Sárvári M, Vastagh C, Maurnyi C, Fekete C, Liposits Z, Hrabovszky E. Altered Gene Expression Profiles of the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus of Male Mice Suggest Profound Developmental Changes in Peptidergic Signaling. Neuroendocrinology 2016; 103:369-82. [PMID: 26338351 DOI: 10.1159/000439430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) regulate important homeostatic and endocrine functions and also play critical roles in pubertal development. The altered peptidergic and aminoacidergic neurotransmission accompanying pubertal maturation of the ARC is not fully understood. Here we studied the developmental shift in the gene expression profile of the ARC of male mice. RNA samples for quantitative RT-PCR studies were isolated from the ARC of 14-day-old infantile and 60-day-old adult male mice with laser capture microdissection. The expression of 18 neuropeptide, 15 neuropeptide receptor, 4 sex steroid receptor and 6 classic neurotransmitter marker mRNAs was compared between the two time points. The adult animals showed increased mRNA levels encoding cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcripts, galanin-like peptide, dynorphin, kisspeptin, proopiomelanocortin, proenkephalin and galanin and a reduced expression of mRNAs for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, substance P, agouti-related protein, neurotensin and growth hormone-releasing hormone. From the neuropeptide receptors tested, melanocortin receptor-4 showed the most striking increase (5-fold). Melanocortin receptor-3 and the Y1 and Y5 neuropeptide Y receptors increased 1.5- to 1.8-fold, whereas δ-opioid receptor and neurotensin receptor-1 transcripts were reduced by 27 and 21%, respectively. Androgen receptor, progesterone receptor and α-estrogen receptor transcripts increased by 54-72%. The mRNAs of glutamic acid decarboxylases-65 and -67, vesicular GABA transporter and choline acetyltransferase remained unchanged. Tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA increased by 44%, whereas type-2 vesicular glutamate transporter mRNA decreased by 43% by adulthood. Many of the developmental changes we revealed in this study suggest a reduced inhibitory and/or enhanced excitatory neuropeptidergic drive on fertility in adult animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla S Molnár
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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Zhu HJ, Li SJ, Pan H, Li N, Zhang DX, Wang LJ, Yang HB, Wu Q, Gong FY. The Changes of Serum Leptin and Kisspeptin Levels in Chinese Children and Adolescents in Different Pubertal Stages. Int J Endocrinol 2016; 2016:6790794. [PMID: 27990162 PMCID: PMC5136392 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6790794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study is to investigate the changes of serum leptin and kisspeptin levels in children and adolescents with different pubertal stages and nutritional states. A total of 647 Chinese children and adolescents were recruited, and serum estradiol, testosterone, pituitary gonadotropins, leptin, and kisspeptin levels were measured. The results showed that serum leptin levels of boys in T2 stage were the highest among the five stages, while they showed a gradual increase from T1 to T5 stage in girls and reached the highest in T5 stage (P < 0.05). Conversely, serum kisspeptin levels of boys were higher in T4 and T5 stages than those in T1 stage, while its levels of girls were the highest in T2 stage, 21.4% higher than those in T1 stage (P < 0.05). Both leptin and kisspeptin levels were positively correlated with BMI, WC, and weight in all boys and girls (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, kisspeptin levels were firstly found to be notably changed in pubertal stages and nutritional status in Chinese children and adolescents with a significant sexual dimorphism. Obese/overweight girls had higher kisspeptin levels, and there was a positive correlation between kisspeptin and FSH and LH and obesity-related parameters in all boys and girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui juan Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Su juan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
- Emergency Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Hui Pan
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Naishi Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Dian xi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Lin jie Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hong bo Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Qinyong Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Feng ying Gong
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
- *Feng ying Gong:
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Maggi R, Cariboni AM, Marelli MM, Moretti RM, Andrè V, Marzagalli M, Limonta P. GnRH and GnRH receptors in the pathophysiology of the human female reproductive system. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 22:358-81. [PMID: 26715597 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human reproduction depends on an intact hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) has been recognized, since its identification in 1971, as the central regulator of the production and release of the pituitary gonadotrophins that, in turn, regulate the gonadal functions and the production of sex steroids. The characteristic peculiar development, distribution and episodic activity of GnRH-producing neurons have solicited an interdisciplinary interest on the etiopathogenesis of several reproductive diseases. The more recent identification of a GnRH/GnRH receptor (GnRHR) system in both the human endometrium and ovary has widened the spectrum of action of the peptide and of its analogues beyond its hypothalamic function. METHODS An analysis of research and review articles published in international journals until June 2015 has been carried out to comprehensively summarize both the well established and the most recent knowledge on the physiopathology of the GnRH system in the central and peripheral control of female reproductive functions and diseases. RESULTS This review focuses on the role of GnRH neurons in the control of the reproductive axis. New knowledge is accumulating on the genetic programme that drives GnRH neuron development to ameliorate the diagnosis and treatment of GnRH deficiency and consequent delayed or absent puberty. Moreover, a better understanding of the mechanisms controlling the episodic release of GnRH during the onset of puberty and the ovulatory cycle has enabled the pharmacological use of GnRH itself or its synthetic analogues (agonists and antagonists) to either stimulate or to block the gonadotrophin secretion and modulate the functions of the reproductive axis in several reproductive diseases and in assisted reproduction technology. Several inputs from other neuronal populations, as well as metabolic, somatic and age-related signals, may greatly affect the functions of the GnRH pulse generator during the female lifespan; their modulation may offer new possible strategies for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. A GnRH/GnRHR system is also expressed in female reproductive tissues (e.g. endometrium and ovary), both in normal and pathological conditions. The expression of this system in the human endometrium and ovary supports its physiological regulatory role in the processes of trophoblast invasion of the maternal endometrium and embryo implantation as well as of follicular development and corpus luteum functions. The GnRH/GnRHR system that is expressed in diseased tissues of the female reproductive tract (both benign and malignant) is at present considered an effective molecular target for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for these pathologies. GnRH agonists are also considered as a promising therapeutic approach to counteract ovarian failure in young female patients undergoing chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Increasing knowledge about the regulation of GnRH pulsatile release, as well as the therapeutic use of its analogues, offers interesting new perspectives in the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of female reproductive disorders, including tumoral and iatrogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Maggi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Montagnani Marelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Manuela Moretti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Andrè
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Monica Marzagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Patrizia Limonta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Yip SH, Boehm U, Herbison AE, Campbell RE. Conditional Viral Tract Tracing Delineates the Projections of the Distinct Kisspeptin Neuron Populations to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neurons in the Mouse. Endocrinology 2015; 156:2582-94. [PMID: 25856430 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin neurons play an essential role in the regulation of fertility through direct regulation of the GnRH neurons. However, the relative contributions of the two functionally distinct kisspeptin neuron subpopulations to this critical regulation are not fully understood. Here we analyzed the specific projection patterns of kisspeptin neurons originating from either the rostral periventricular nucleus of the third ventricle (RP3V) or the arcuate nucleus (ARN) using a cell-specific, viral-mediated tract-tracing approach. We stereotaxically injected a Cre-dependent recombinant adenovirus encoding farnesylated enhanced green fluorescent protein into the ARN or RP3V of adult male and female mice expressing Cre recombinase in kisspeptin neurons. Fibers from ARN kisspeptin neurons projected widely; however, we did not find any evidence for direct contact with GnRH neuron somata or proximal dendrites in either sex. In contrast, we identified RP3V kisspeptin fibers in close contact with GnRH neuron somata and dendrites in both sexes. Fibers originating from both the RP3V and ARN were observed in close contact with distal GnRH neuron processes in the ARN and in the lateral and internal aspects of the median eminence. Furthermore, GnRH nerve terminals were found in close contact with the proximal dendrites of ARN kisspeptin neurons in the ARN, and ARN kisspeptin fibers were found contacting RP3V kisspeptin neurons in both sexes. Together these data delineate selective zones of kisspeptin neuron inputs to GnRH neurons and demonstrate complex interconnections between the distinct kisspeptin populations and GnRH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Hoong Yip
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand 9054
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand 9054
| | - Allan E Herbison
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand 9054
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand 9054
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Zhu J, Xu XH, Knight GE, He C, Burnstock G, Xiang Z. A subpopulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the adult mouse forebrain is γ-Aminobutyric acidergic. J Neurosci Res 2015; 93:1611-21. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology; Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology; Ministry of Education; Second Military Medical University; Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-hui Xu
- School of Life Science; Shanghai University; Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Gillian E. Knight
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre; University College Medical School; London United Kingdom
| | - Cheng He
- Department of Neurobiology; Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology; Ministry of Education; Second Military Medical University; Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Geoffrey Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre; University College Medical School; London United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Australia
| | - Zhenghua Xiang
- Department of Neurobiology; Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology; Ministry of Education; Second Military Medical University; Shanghai People's Republic of China
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