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Pinto J, Comprido C, Moreira V, Maccarone MT, Cogoni C, Faustino R, Pignatelli D, Cera N. The Complex Role Played by the Default Mode Network during Sexual Stimulation: A Cluster-Based fMRI Meta-Analysis. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:570. [PMID: 39062393 PMCID: PMC11273531 DOI: 10.3390/bs14070570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The default mode network (DMN) is a complex network that plays a significant and active role during naturalistic stimulation. Previous studies that have used naturalistic stimuli, such as real-life stories or silent or sonorous films, have found that the information processing involved a complex hierarchical set of brain regions, including the DMN nodes. The DMN is not involved in low-level features and is only associated with high-level content-related incoming information. The human sexual experience involves a complex set of processes related to both external context and inner processes. Since the DMN plays an active role in the integration of naturalistic stimuli and aesthetic perception with beliefs, thoughts, and episodic autobiographical memories, we aimed at quantifying the involvement of the nodes of the DMN during visual sexual stimulation. After a systematic search in the principal electronic databases, we selected 83 fMRI studies, and an ALE meta-analysis was calculated. We performed conjunction analyses to assess differences in the DMN related to stimulus modalities, sex differences, and sexual orientation. The results show that sexual stimulation alters the topography of the DMN and highlights the DMN's active role in the integration of sexual stimuli with sexual schemas and beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Pinto
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal (C.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Camila Comprido
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal (C.C.)
| | - Vanessa Moreira
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal (C.C.)
| | | | - Carlotta Cogoni
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Ricardo Faustino
- Research Unit in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy, Cross I&D Lisbon Research Center, Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, 1300-125 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Endocrinology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nicoletta Cera
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal (C.C.)
- Research Unit in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy, Cross I&D Lisbon Research Center, Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, 1300-125 Lisbon, Portugal;
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2
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Yamamoto S, Arakaki R, Noguchi H, Takeda A, Uchishiba M, Kamada S, Mineda A, Kon M, Kinouchi R, Yamamoto Y, Yoshida K, Kaji T, Shinohara N, Iwasa T. Kisspeptin administration may promote precopulatory behavior in male rats independently or supplementally to testosterone and contribute to proceptive behavior in female partners, reducing mating failure. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 353:114528. [PMID: 38643848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Kisspeptin is a peptide that plays an important role through its effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. It has also been implicated in sexual behavior. The present study investigated whether the relationship between kisspeptin and sexual behavior is independent of the HPG axis, i.e., testosterone. Sexual behavior was examined after the administration of kisspeptin to gonadally intact male rats and gonadectomized male rats that received testosterone supplementation. Other male rats were also observed for sexual behavior once a week from 2 to 5 weeks after gonadectomy and receiving kisspeptin for the sixth postoperative week. Sexual behavior in female rats serving as the partner for each male was also observed. Female rats were not administered kisspeptin in the present study. The results obtained showed that the administration of kisspeptin increased precopulatory behavior in gonadally intact male rats and gonadectomized male rats that received testosterone supplementation and proceptive behavior in their female partners. Precopulatory behavior in males and receptive behavior in females increased, while copulatory behavior in males and receptive behavior in females remained unchanged. Furthermore, the administration of kisspeptin increased precopulatory behavior in gonadectomized males, but did not affect receptive behavior in females. These results suggest that kisspeptin affected males independently and/or supplementally to testosterone, and also that changes in the presence of testosterone in males had an impact on proceptive behavior in their female partners. In conclusion, kisspeptin may involve an as-yet-unidentified neural pathway in sexual desire independently of the HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan; Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Arakaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroki Noguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Asuka Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Maimi Uchishiba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Ayuka Mineda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kon
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Riyo Kinouchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Kanako Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Kaji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan.
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3
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Kovács A, Szabó E, László K, Kertes E, Zagorácz O, Mintál K, Tóth A, Gálosi R, Berta B, Lénárd L, Hormay E, László B, Zelena D, Tóth ZE. Brain RFamide Neuropeptides in Stress-Related Psychopathologies. Cells 2024; 13:1097. [PMID: 38994950 PMCID: PMC11240450 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The RFamide peptide family is a group of proteins that share a common C-terminal arginine-phenylalanine-amide motif. To date, the family comprises five groups in mammals: neuropeptide FF, LPXRFamides/RFamide-related peptides, prolactin releasing peptide, QRFP, and kisspeptins. Different RFamide peptides have their own cognate receptors and are produced by different cell populations, although they all can also bind to neuropeptide FF receptors with different affinities. RFamide peptides function in the brain as neuropeptides regulating key aspects of homeostasis such as energy balance, reproduction, and cardiovascular function. Furthermore, they are involved in the organization of the stress response including modulation of pain. Considering the interaction between stress and various parameters of homeostasis, the role of RFamide peptides may be critical in the development of stress-related neuropathologies. This review will therefore focus on the role of RFamide peptides as possible key hubs in stress and stress-related psychopathologies. The neurotransmitter coexpression profile of RFamide-producing cells is also discussed, highlighting its potential functional significance. The development of novel pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of stress-related disorders is an ongoing need. Thus, the importance of RFamide research is underlined by the emergence of peptidergic and G-protein coupled receptor-based therapeutic targets in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Kovács
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Evelin Szabó
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Kristóf László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Erika Kertes
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Olga Zagorácz
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Kitti Mintál
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Attila Tóth
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Rita Gálosi
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Bea Berta
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - László Lénárd
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Edina Hormay
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Bettina László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Zsuzsanna E. Tóth
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
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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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5
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Abbara A, Adams S, Phylactou M, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Mills EG, Thurston L, Koysombat K, Hanassab S, Heinis T, Tan TMM, Tsaneva-Atanasova K, Comninos AN, Voliotis M, Dhillo WS. Quantifying the variability in the assessment of reproductive hormone levels. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:334-345. [PMID: 37977226 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify how representative a single measure of reproductive hormone level is of the daily hormonal profile using data from detailed hormonal sampling in the saline placebo-treated arm conducted over several hours. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of data from previous interventional research studies evaluating reproductive hormones. SETTING Clinical Research Facility at a tertiary reproductive endocrinology centre at Imperial College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. PATIENTS Overall, 266 individuals, including healthy men and women (n = 142) and those with reproductive disorders and states (n = 124 [11 with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea, 6 with polycystic ovary syndrome, 62 women and 32 men with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and 13 postmenopausal women]), were included in the analysis. INTERVENTIONS Data from 266 individuals who had undergone detailed hormonal sampling in the saline placebo-treated arms of previous research studies was used to quantify the variability in reproductive hormones because of pulsatile secretion, diurnal variation, and feeding using coefficient of variation (CV) and entropy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The ability of a single measure of reproductive hormone level to quantify the variability in reproductive hormone levels because of pulsatile secretion, diurnal variation, and nutrient intake. RESULTS The initial morning value of reproductive hormone levels was typically higher than the mean value throughout the day (percentage decrease from initial morning measure to daily mean: luteinizing hormone level 18.4%, follicle-stimulating hormone level 9.7%, testosterone level 9.2%, and estradiol level 2.1%). Luteinizing hormone level was the most variable (CV 28%), followed by sex-steroid hormone levels (testosterone level 12% and estradiol level 13%), whereas follicle-stimulating hormone level was the least variable reproductive hormone (CV 8%). In healthy men, testosterone levels fell between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm by 14.9% (95% confidence interval 4.2, 25.5%), although morning levels correlated with (and could be predicted from) late afternoon levels in the same individual (r2 = 0.53, P<.0001). Testosterone levels were reduced more after a mixed meal (by 34.3%) than during ad libitum feeding (9.5%), after an oral glucose load (6.0%), or an intravenous glucose load (7.4%). CONCLUSION Quantification of the variability of a single measure of reproductive hormone levels informs the reliability of reproductive hormone assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abbara
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Adams
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Phylactou
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edouard G Mills
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Layla Thurston
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kanyada Koysombat
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Hanassab
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Healthcare, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Heinis
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tricia M-M Tan
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; North West London Pathology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and Living Systems Institute, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, United Kingdom; EPSRC Hub for Quantitative Modelling in Healthcare, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Margaritis Voliotis
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and Living Systems Institute, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, United Kingdom; EPSRC Hub for Quantitative Modelling in Healthcare, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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Hill TG, Smith LIF, Ruz-Maldonado I, Jones PM, Bowe JE. Kisspeptin upregulates β-cell serotonin production during pregnancy. J Endocrinol 2024; 260:e230218. [PMID: 37997938 PMCID: PMC10762540 DOI: 10.1530/joe-23-0218] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy the maternal pancreatic islets of Langerhans undergo adaptive changes to compensate for gestational insulin resistance. The lactogenic hormones are well established to play a key role in regulating the islet adaptation to pregnancy, and one of the mechanisms through which they act is through upregulating β-cell serotonin production. During pregnancy islet serotonin levels are significantly elevated, where it is released from the β-cells to drive the adaptive response through paracrine and autocrine effects. We have previously shown that placental kisspeptin (KP) also plays a role in promoting the elevated insulin secretion and β-cell proliferation observed during pregnancy, although the precise mechanisms involved are unclear. In the present study we investigated the effects of KP on expression of pro-proliferative genes and serotonin biosynthesis within rodent islets. Whilst KP had limited effect on pro-proliferative gene expression at the time points tested, KP did significantly stimulate expression of the serotonin biosynthesis enzyme Tph-1. Furthermore, the islets of pregnant β-cell-specific GPR54 knockdown mice were found to contain significantly fewer serotonin-positive β-cells when compared to pregnant controls. Our previous studies suggested that reduced placental kisspeptin production, with consequent impaired kisspeptin-dependent β-cell compensation, may be a factor in the development of GDM in humans. These current data suggest that, similar to the lactogenic hormones, KP may also contribute to serotonin biosynthesis and subsequent islet signalling during pregnancy. Furthermore, upregulation of serotonin biosynthesis may represent a common mechanism through which multiple signals might influence the islet adaptation to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Hill
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lorna I F Smith
- Diabetes Research Group, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Peter M Jones
- Diabetes Research Group, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - James E Bowe
- Diabetes Research Group, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
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Patel B, Koysombat K, Mills EG, Tsoutsouki J, Comninos AN, Abbara A, Dhillo WS. The Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Kisspeptin and Neurokinin B. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:30-68. [PMID: 37467734 PMCID: PMC10765167 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP) and neurokinin B (NKB) are neuropeptides that govern the reproductive endocrine axis through regulating hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal activity and pulsatile GnRH secretion. Their critical role in reproductive health was first identified after inactivating variants in genes encoding for KP or NKB signaling were shown to result in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and a failure of pubertal development. Over the past 2 decades since their discovery, a wealth of evidence from both basic and translational research has laid the foundation for potential therapeutic applications. Beyond KP's function in the hypothalamus, it is also expressed in the placenta, liver, pancreas, adipose tissue, bone, and limbic regions, giving rise to several avenues of research for use in the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy, metabolic, liver, bone, and behavioral disorders. The role played by NKB in stimulating the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center to mediate menopausal hot flashes has led to the development of medications that antagonize its action as a novel nonsteroidal therapeutic agent for this indication. Furthermore, the ability of NKB antagonism to partially suppress (but not abolish) the reproductive endocrine axis has supported its potential use for the treatment of various reproductive disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. This review will provide a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the preclinical and clinical data that have paved the way for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic applications of KP and NKB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijal Patel
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Kanyada Koysombat
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Edouard G Mills
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Jovanna Tsoutsouki
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 72 Du Cane Rd, London, W12 0HS, UK
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8
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Csabafi K, Ibos KE, Bodnár É, Filkor K, Szakács J, Bagosi Z. A Brain Region-Dependent Alteration in the Expression of Vasopressin, Corticotropin-Releasing Factor, and Their Receptors Might Be in the Background of Kisspeptin-13-Induced Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activation and Anxiety in Rats. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2446. [PMID: 37760887 PMCID: PMC10525110 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we reported that intracerebroventricularly administered kisspeptin-13 (KP-13) induces anxiety-like behavior and activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in rats. In the present study, we aimed to shed light on the mediation of KP-13's stress-evoking actions. The relative gene expressions of the corticotropin-releasing factor (Crf, Crfr1, and Crfr2) and arginine vasopressin (Avp, Avpr1a, and Avpr1b) systems were measured in the amygdala and hippocampus of male Wistar rats after icv KP-13 treatment. CRF and AVP protein content were also determined. A different set of animals received CRF or V1 receptor antagonist pretreatment before the KP-13 challenge, after which either an open-field test or plasma corticosterone levels measurement was performed. In the amygdala, KP-13 induced an upregulation of Avp and Avpr1b expression, and a downregulation of Crf. In the hippocampus, the mRNA level of Crf increased and the level of Avpr1a decreased. A significant rise in AVP protein content was also detected in the amygdala. KP-13 also evoked anxiety-like behavior in the open field test, which the V1 receptor blocker antagonized. Both CRF and V1 receptor blockers reduced the KP-13-evoked rise in the plasma corticosterone level. This suggests that KP-13 alters the AVP and CRF signaling and that might be responsible for its effect on the HPA axis and anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Csabafi
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, P.O. Box 427, H-6701 Szeged, Hungary (K.F.)
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9
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Bavato F, Schnider LK, Dornbierer DA, Seifritz E. Oral sodium oxybate does not alter plasma kisspeptin levels in healthy male volunteers. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:942-944. [PMID: 37401623 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231185097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB, clinically administrated as sodium oxybate) is a GABA-B/GHB receptor agonist inducing prosexual effects and progesterone secretion in humans. As the neuropeptide kisspeptin has well-established roles in regulating sexual behavior and as it was also associated with GABA-B receptor and progesterone function, we investigated the effect of two GHB doses (20 and 35 mg/kg p.o.) on plasma kisspeptin levels in 30 healthy male volunteers, using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over design. We found no significant alterations of kisspeptin levels after GHB administration compared to placebo. In conclusion, plasma kisspeptin levels are not related to the prosexual effects of GHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bavato
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura K Schnider
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario A Dornbierer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland
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10
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Indirli R, Lanzi V, Arosio M, Mantovani G, Ferrante E. The association of hypogonadism with depression and its treatments. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1198437. [PMID: 37635965 PMCID: PMC10449581 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1198437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
According to World Health Organization estimates, 5% of the adult population worldwide suffers from depression. In addition to the affective, psychomotor and cognitive symptoms which characterize this mood disorder, sexual dysfunction has been frequently reported among men suffering from depression. The most common sexual manifestations are decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and orgasmic disorder. In addition, epidemiological studies have documented a reduction of testosterone concentrations in men with depression and, for these reasons, depressive disorders appear as one possible cause of male functional hypogonadism. Moreover, some largely used antidepressant medications can cause or worsen sexual complaints, thus depression and its treatments rise several andrological-relevant issues. The other way round, men with hypogonadism can manifest depressed mood, anxiety, insomnia, memory impairment which, if mild, may respond to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). However, the prevalence of functional hypogonadism in depression, and of depressive symptoms in hypogonadal men, is not known. Severe depressive symptoms do not respond to TRT, while the effect of treating major depression on functional hypogonadism, has not been investigated. Overall, the clinical relevance of each condition to the other, as well as the physiopathological underpinnings of their relationship, are still to be clarified. The present review summarizes current evidence on the influence of testosterone on mood and of depression on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis; the clinical association between male hypogonadism and depression; and the reciprocal effects of respective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Indirli
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Lanzi
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maura Arosio
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mantovani
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Ferrante
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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11
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Gao Z, Luo X, Che X. Distinct Emotional and Cardiac Responses to Audio Erotica between Genders. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13030273. [PMID: 36975298 PMCID: PMC10044842 DOI: 10.3390/bs13030273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Emotional and cardiac responses to audio erotica and their gender differences are relatively unclear in the study of the human sexual response. The current study was designed to investigate gender differences regarding positive and negative emotional responses to erotica, as well as its association with cardiac response. A total of 40 healthy participants (20 women) were exposed to erotic, neutral, and happy audio segments during which emotions and heart rate changes were evaluated. Our data showed distinct emotional responses to erotica between genders, in which women reported a higher level of shame than men and rated erotic audios as less pleasant than happy audios. Meanwhile, men reported erotic and happy audios as equally pleasant. These results were independent of cardiac changes, as both sexes demonstrated comparable heart rate deceleration when exposed to erotica relative to neutral and happy stimuli. Our results highlight the role of sociocultural modulation in the emotional response to erotica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongming Gao
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Xi Luo
- College of Preschool and Primary Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000, China
| | - Xianwei Che
- Centre for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310000, China
- TMS Centre, Deqing Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 313200, China
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12
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Mills EG, Ertl N, Wall MB, Thurston L, Yang L, Suladze S, Hunjan T, Phylactou M, Patel B, Muzi B, Ettehad D, Bassett PA, Howard J, Rabiner EA, Bech P, Abbara A, Goldmeier D, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS. Effects of Kisspeptin on Sexual Brain Processing and Penile Tumescence in Men With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2254313. [PMID: 36735255 PMCID: PMC9898824 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.54313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The human physiological sexual response is crucial for reward, satisfaction, and reproduction. Disruption of the associated neurophysiological pathways predisposes to low sexual desire; the most prevalent psychological form is hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), which affects 8% of men but currently has no effective pharmacological treatment options. The reproductive neuropeptide kisspeptin offers a putative therapeutic target, owing to emerging understanding of its role in reproductive behavior. OBJECTIVE To determine the physiological, behavioral, neural, and hormonal effects of kisspeptin administration in men with HSDD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This double-blind, 2-way crossover, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was performed at a single academic research center in the UK. Eligible participants were right-handed heterosexual men with HSDD. Physiological, behavioral, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and hormonal analyses were used to investigate the clinical and mechanistic effects of kisspeptin administration in response to visual sexual stimuli (short and long video tasks). The trial was conducted between January 11 and September 15, 2021, and data analysis was performed between October and November 2021. INTERVENTIONS Participants attended 2 study visits at least 7 days apart, in balanced random order, for intravenous infusion of kisspeptin-54 (1 nmol/kg/h) for 75 minutes or for administration of a rate-matched placebo. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Changes in (1) brain activity on whole-brain analysis, as determined by fMRI blood oxygen level-dependent activity in response to visual sexual stimuli during kisspeptin administration compared with placebo, (2) physiological sexual arousal (penile tumescence), and (3) behavioral measures of sexual desire and arousal. RESULTS Of the 37 men randomized, 32 completed the trial. Participants had a mean (SD) age of 37.9 (8.6) years and a mean (SD) body mass index of 24.9 (5.4). On viewing sexual videos, kisspeptin significantly modulated brain activity in key structures of the sexual-processing network on whole-brain analysis compared with placebo (mean absolute change [Cohen d] = 0.81 [95% CI, 0.41-1.21]; P = .003). Furthermore, improvements in several secondary analyses were observed, including significant increases in penile tumescence in response to sexual stimuli (by up to 56% more than placebo; mean difference = 0.28 units [95% CI, 0.04-0.52 units]; P = .02) and behavioral measures of sexual desire-most notably, increased happiness about sex (mean difference = 0.63 points [95% CI, 0.10-1.15 points]; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Collectively, this randomized clinical trial provides the first evidence to date showing that kisspeptin administration substantially modulates sexual brain processing in men with HSDD, with associated increases in penile tumescence and behavioral measures of sexual desire and arousal. These data suggest that kisspeptin has potential as the first pharmacological treatment for men with low sexual desire. TRIAL REGISTRATION isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN17271094.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G. Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Ertl
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Invicro LLC, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew B. Wall
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Invicro LLC, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Layla Thurston
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Yang
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sofiya Suladze
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tia Hunjan
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Phylactou
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bijal Patel
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beatrice Muzi
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dena Ettehad
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jonathan Howard
- Invicro LLC, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul Bech
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Goldmeier
- Jane Wadsworth Sexual Function Clinic, St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N. Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S. Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Ono M, Ando H, Daikoku T, Fujiwara T, Mieda M, Mizumoto Y, Iizuka T, Kagami K, Hosono T, Nomura S, Toyoda N, Sekizuka-Kagami N, Maida Y, Kuji N, Nishi H, Fujiwara H. The Circadian Clock, Nutritional Signals and Reproduction: A Close Relationship. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021545. [PMID: 36675058 PMCID: PMC9865912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The circadian rhythm, which is necessary for reproduction, is controlled by clock genes. In the mouse uterus, the oscillation of the circadian clock gene has been observed. The transcription of the core clock gene period (Per) and cryptochrome (Cry) is activated by the heterodimer of the transcription factor circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (Clock) and brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1 (Bmal1). By binding to E-box sequences in the promoters of Per1/2 and Cry1/2 genes, the CLOCK-BMAL1 heterodimer promotes the transcription of these genes. Per1/2 and Cry1/2 form a complex with the Clock/Bmal1 heterodimer and inactivate its transcriptional activities. Endometrial BMAL1 expression levels are lower in human recurrent-miscarriage sufferers. Additionally, it was shown that the presence of BMAL1-depleted decidual cells prevents trophoblast invasion, highlighting the importance of the endometrial clock throughout pregnancy. It is widely known that hormone synthesis is disturbed and sterility develops in Bmal1-deficient mice. Recently, we discovered that animals with uterus-specific Bmal1 loss also had poor placental development, and these mice also had intrauterine fetal death. Furthermore, it was shown that time-restricted feeding controlled the uterine clock's circadian rhythm. The uterine clock system may be a possibility for pregnancy complications, according to these results. We summarize the most recent research on the close connection between the circadian clock and reproduction in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-3342-6111
| | - Hitoshi Ando
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Function Analysis, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Institute for Experimental Animals, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Tomoko Fujiwara
- Department of Social Work and Life Design, Kyoto Notre Dame University, Kyoto 606-0848, Japan
| | - Michihiro Mieda
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yasunari Mizumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Takashi Iizuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Kagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Takashi Hosono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nomura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Natsumi Toyoda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Institute for Experimental Animals, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Naomi Sekizuka-Kagami
- Department of Nursing, College of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Maida
- Department of Nursing, College of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Naoaki Kuji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Nishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
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14
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Tsoutsouki J, Abbara A, Dhillo W. Novel therapeutic avenues for kisspeptin. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 67:102319. [PMID: 36413854 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that acts via the hypothalamus to stimulate hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion and downstream gonadotrophin release. In health, kisspeptin induces normal puberty and modulates ovulation in healthy women. Hypothalamic kisspeptin expression is reduced in several functional reproductive disorders; thus, treating such conditions with kisspeptin is conceptually attractive. Recent studies have demonstrated that kisspeptin can induce a more physiological degree of oocyte maturation during in vitro fertilisation treatment that can reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome seen with human chorionic gonadotrophin. Furthermore, chronic use of kisspeptin could potentially restore reproductive health in females with hypothalamic amenorrhoea, treat hyposexual drive disorder in otherwise healthy males and has potential indications in polycystic ovary syndrome, osteoporosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Finally, kisspeptin analogues could potentially overcome some of the pharmacological challenges associated with the natural forms of kisspeptin such as short duration of action and development of tachyphylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovanna Tsoutsouki
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 ONN, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 ONN, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, W12 ONN, United Kingdom.
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15
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Thurston L, Hunjan T, Mills EG, Wall MB, Ertl N, Phylactou M, Muzi B, Patel B, Alexander EC, Suladze S, Modi M, Eng PC, Bassett PA, Abbara A, Goldmeier D, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS. Melanocortin 4 receptor agonism enhances sexual brain processing in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:152341. [PMID: 36189794 PMCID: PMC9525110 DOI: 10.1172/jci152341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is characterized by a persistent deficiency of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity, causing marked distress and interpersonal difficulty. It is the most prevalent female sexual health problem globally, affecting approximately 10% of women, but has limited treatment options. Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) agonists have emerged as a promising therapy for women with HSDD, through unknown mechanisms. Studying the pathways involved is crucial for our understanding of normal and abnormal sexual behavior. METHODS Using psychometric, functional neuroimaging, and hormonal analyses, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical study to assess the effects of MC4R agonism compared with placebo on sexual brain processing in 31 premenopausal heterosexual women with HSDD. RESULTS MC4R agonism significantly increased sexual desire for up to 24 hours after administration compared with placebo. During functional neuroimaging, MC4R agonism enhanced cerebellar and supplementary motor area activity and deactivated the secondary somatosensory cortex, specifically in response to visual erotic stimuli, compared with placebo. In addition, MC4R agonism enhanced functional connectivity between the amygdala and the insula during visual erotic stimuli compared with placebo. CONCLUSION These data suggest that MC4R agonism enhanced sexual brain processing by reducing self-consciousness, increasing sexual imagery, and sensitizing women with HSDD to erotic stimuli. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the action of MC4R agonism in sexual behavior and are relevant to the ongoing development of HSDD therapies and MC4R agonist development more widely. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04179734. FUNDING This is an investigator-sponsored study funded by AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc., the Medical Research Council (MRC) (MR/T006242/1), and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (CS-2018-18-ST2-002 and RP-2014-05-001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Thurston
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tia Hunjan
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edouard G Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew B Wall
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Invicro, a Konica Minolta Company, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Ertl
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Invicro, a Konica Minolta Company, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Phylactou
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beatrice Muzi
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bijal Patel
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma C Alexander
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sofiya Suladze
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manish Modi
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pei C Eng
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Goldmeier
- Jane Wadsworth Sexual Function Clinic, St. Mary's Hospital and
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Thurston L, Hunjan T, Ertl N, Wall MB, Mills EG, Suladze S, Patel B, Alexander EC, Muzi B, Bassett PA, Rabiner EA, Bech P, Goldmeier D, Abbara A, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS. Effects of Kisspeptin Administration in Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2236131. [PMID: 36287566 PMCID: PMC9606846 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.36131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Despite being the most common female sexual health complaint worldwide, current treatment options for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) are limited in their safety and effectiveness. The hormone kisspeptin is a key endogenous activator of the reproductive hormonal axis with additional emerging roles in sexual and emotional behavior; however, its effects in women with HSDD are unknown. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that kisspeptin enhances sexual and attraction brain processing in women with HSDD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This randomized clinical trial was double-masked and placebo controlled with a 2-way crossover. The trial was conducted in a university research setting in the UK from October 2020 to April 2021. Eligible participants were premenopausal women with HSDD. Functional neuroimaging, psychometric, and hormonal analyses were employed to investigate the effects of kisspeptin administration on brain processing, in response to erotic stimuli (erotic videos) and facial attraction (face images of varying attractiveness). Data were analyzed from May to December 2021. INTERVENTIONS A 75-minute intravenous infusion of kisspeptin-54 (1 nmol/kg/h) vs equivalent-rate placebo infusion. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Blood oxygen level-dependent responses across the whole brain and regions of interest during kisspeptin vs placebo administration in response to erotic and facial attraction stimuli. RESULTS Of the 40 participants who were randomized, 32 women completed both kisspeptin and placebo visits, with a mean (SE) age of 29.2 (1.2) years. Kisspeptin administration resulted in modulations in sexual and facial attraction brain processing (deactivation of the left inferior frontal gyrus: Z max, 3.76; P = .01; activation of the right postcentral and supramarginal gyrus: Z max, 3.73; P < .001; deactivation of the right temporoparietal junction: Z max 4.08; P = .02). Furthermore, positive correlations were observed between kisspeptin-enhanced hippocampal activity in response to erotic videos, and baseline distress relating to sexual function (r = 0.469; P = .007). Kisspeptin's enhancement of posterior cingulate cortex activity in response to attractive male faces also correlated with reduced sexual aversion, providing additional functional significance (r = 0.476, P = .005). Kisspeptin was well-tolerated with no reported adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings lay the foundations for clinical applications for kisspeptin in women with HSDD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN trial registry identifier: ISRCTN17271094.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Thurston
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tia Hunjan
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Ertl
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Invicro, a Konica Minolta company, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew B Wall
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Invicro, a Konica Minolta company, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edouard G Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sofiya Suladze
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bjial Patel
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma C Alexander
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beatrice Muzi
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Paul Bech
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Goldmeier
- Department of Sexual Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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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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18
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Comninos AN, Hansen MS, Courtney A, Choudhury S, Yang L, Mills EG, Phylactou M, Busbridge M, Khir M, Thaventhiran T, Bech P, Tan T, Abbara A, Frost M, Dhillo WS. Acute Effects of Kisspeptin Administration on Bone Metabolism in Healthy Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:1529-1540. [PMID: 35244717 PMCID: PMC9113799 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Osteoporosis results from disturbances in bone formation and resorption. Recent nonhuman data suggest that the reproductive hormone kisspeptin directly stimulates osteoblast differentiation in vitro and thus could have clinical therapeutic potential. However, the effects of kisspeptin on human bone metabolism are currently unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of kisspeptin on human bone metabolism in vitro and in vivo. METHODS In vitro study: of Mono- and cocultures of human osteoblasts and osteoclasts treated with kisspeptin. Clinical study: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 2-way crossover clinical study in 26 men investigating the effects of acute kisspeptin administration (90 minutes) on human bone metabolism, with blood sampling every 30 minutes to +90 minutes. Cells for the in vitro study were from 12 male blood donors and 8 patients undergoing hip replacement surgery. Twenty-six healthy eugonadal men (age 26.8 ± 5.8 years) were included in the clinical study. The intervention was Kisspeptin (vs placebo) administration. The main outcome measures were changes in bone parameters and turnover markers. RESULTS Incubation with kisspeptin in vitro increased alkaline phosphatase levels in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by 41.1% (P = .0022), and robustly inhibited osteoclastic resorptive activity by up to 53.4% (P < .0001), in a dose-dependent manner. Kisspeptin administration to healthy men increased osteoblast activity, as evidenced by a 20.3% maximal increase in total osteocalcin (P = .021) and 24.3% maximal increase in carboxylated osteocalcin levels (P = .014). CONCLUSION Collectively, these data provide the first human evidence that kisspeptin promotes osteogenic differentiation of osteoblast progenitors and inhibits bone resorption in vitro. Furthermore, kisspeptin acutely increases the bone formation marker osteocalcin but not resorption markers in healthy men, independent of downstream sex steroid levels. Kisspeptin could therefore have clinical therapeutic application in the treatment of osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N Comninos
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Endocrine Bone Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Morten S Hansen
- KMEB Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Alan Courtney
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sirazum Choudhury
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Lisa Yang
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Edouard G Mills
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Phylactou
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark Busbridge
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Muaza Khir
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Thilipan Thaventhiran
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Bech
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Tricia Tan
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Morten Frost
- KMEB Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Centre, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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19
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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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20
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Sobrino V, Avendaño MS, Perdices-López C, Jimenez-Puyer M, Tena-Sempere M. Kisspeptins and the neuroendocrine control of reproduction: Recent progress and new frontiers in kisspeptin research. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100977. [PMID: 34999056 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In late 2003, a major breakthrough in our understanding of the mechanisms that govern reproduction occurred with the identification of the reproductive roles of kisspeptins, encoded by the Kiss1 gene, and their receptor, Gpr54 (aka, Kiss1R). The discovery of this unsuspected reproductive facet attracted an extraordinary interest and boosted an intense research activity, in human and model species, that, in a relatively short period, established a series of basic concepts on the physiological roles of kisspeptins. Such fundamental knowledge, gathered in these early years of kisspeptin research, set the scene for the more recent in-depth dissection of the intimacies of the neuronal networks involving Kiss1 neurons, their precise mechanisms of regulation and the molecular underpinnings of the function of kisspeptins as pivotal regulators of all key aspects of reproductive function, from puberty onset to pulsatile gonadotropin secretion and the metabolic control of fertility. While no clear temporal boundaries between these two periods can be defined, in this review we will summarize the most prominent advances in kisspeptin research occurred in the last ten years, as a means to provide an up-dated view of the state of the art and potential paths of future progress in this dynamic, and ever growing domain of Neuroendocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Sobrino
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Maria Soledad Avendaño
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Cecilia Perdices-López
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Jimenez-Puyer
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland.
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21
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Ågmo A, Laan E. Sexual incentive motivation, sexual behavior, and general arousal: Do rats and humans tell the same story? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104595. [PMID: 35231490 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sexual incentive stimuli activate sexual motivation and heighten the level of general arousal. The sexual motive may induce the individual to approach the incentive, and eventually to initiate sexual acts. Both approach and the ensuing copulatory interaction further enhance general arousal. We present data from rodents and humans in support of these assertions. We then suggest that orgasm is experienced when the combined level of excitation surpasses a threshold. In order to analyze the neurobiological bases of sexual motivation, we employ the concept of a central motive state. We then discuss the mechanisms involved in the long- and short-term control of that state as well as those mediating the momentaneous actions of sexual incentive stimuli. This leads to an analysis of the neurobiology behind the interindividual differences in responsivity of the sexual central motive state. Knowledge is still fragmentary, and many contradictory observations have been made. Nevertheless, we conclude that the basic mechanisms of sexual motivation and the role of general arousal are similar in rodents and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Ågmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Ellen Laan
- Department of Sexology and Psychosomatic Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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22
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Sharma A, Jayasena CN, Dhillo WS. Regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis: Pathophysiology of Hypogonadism. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2022; 51:29-45. [PMID: 35216719 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Male hypogonadism is a clinical syndrome characterized by the diminished functional activity of the testis resulting in low levels of testosterone and/or spermatozoa. Defects at one or more levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis can result in either primary or secondary hypogonadism. The changes that occur in the HPT axis from fetal to adult life are fundamental to understanding the pathophysiology of hypogonadism. In this article, we summarize the maturation and neuroendocrine regulation of the HPT axis and discuss the major congenital and acquired causes of male hypogonadism both at the (1) hypothalamic-pituitary (secondary hypogonadism) and (2) testicular (primary hypogonadism) levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Sharma
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, 150 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, 150 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, 150 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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23
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Gołyszny M, Obuchowicz E, Zieliński M. Neuropeptides as regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activity and their putative roles in stress-induced fertility disorders. Neuropeptides 2022; 91:102216. [PMID: 34974357 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides being regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, also affect the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by regulating gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from hypothalamic neurons. Here, we review the available data on how neuropeptides affect HPG axis activity directly or indirectly via their influence on the HPA axis. The putative role of neuropeptides in stress-induced infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, is also described. This review discusses both well-known neuropeptides (i.e., kisspeptin, Kp; oxytocin, OT; arginine-vasopressin, AVP) and more recently discovered peptides (i.e., relaxin-3, RLN-3; nesfatin-1, NEFA; phoenixin, PNX; spexin, SPX). For the first time, we present an up-to-date review of all published data regarding interactions between the aforementioned neuropeptide systems. The reviewed literature suggest new pathophysiological mechanisms leading to fertility disturbances that are induced by stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miłosz Gołyszny
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Ewa Obuchowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Michał Zieliński
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
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24
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A Mini-Review on Potential of Neuropeptides as Future Therapeutics. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10309-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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25
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Mills EG, Yang L, Abbara A, Dhillo WS, Comninos AN. Current Perspectives on Kisspeptins Role in Behaviour. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:928143. [PMID: 35757400 PMCID: PMC9225141 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.928143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide kisspeptin is now well-established as the master regulator of the mammalian reproductive axis. Beyond the hypothalamus, kisspeptin and its cognate receptor are also extensively distributed in extra-hypothalamic brain regions. An expanding pool of animal and human data demonstrates that kisspeptin sits within an extensive neuroanatomical and functional framework through which it can integrate a range of internal and external cues with appropriate neuroendocrine and behavioural responses. In keeping with this, recent studies reveal wide-reaching effects of kisspeptin on key behaviours such as olfactory-mediated partner preference, sexual motivation, copulatory behaviour, bonding, mood, and emotions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update on the current animal and human literature highlighting the far-reaching behaviour and mood-altering roles of kisspeptin. A comprehensive understanding of this important area in kisspeptin biology is key to the escalating development of kisspeptin-based therapies for common reproductive and related psychological and psychosexual disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G. Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Yang
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S. Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Waljit S. Dhillo, ; Alexander N. Comninos,
| | - Alexander N. Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Waljit S. Dhillo, ; Alexander N. Comninos,
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26
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Li H, Fernández-Guasti A, Xu Y, Swaab D. Retracted: Sexual orientation, neuropsychiatric disorders and the neurotransmitters involved. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:479-488. [PMID: 34597715 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor in Chief of Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews after concerns were raised with respect to the phrasing of comparisons drawn between humans and animal models. These comparisons were deemed unsupportable, and thus in the best interests of publication standards the Editor has concluded it is necessary to retract the paper. The authors disagree with the reason for the retraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; Department of Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, 1105 BA, the Netherlands
| | | | - Yi Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; Zhejiang Engineering Center for Mathematical Mental Health, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; Brain Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 31003, PR China.
| | - Dick Swaab
- Department of Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, 1105 BA, the Netherlands.
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27
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Mills EG, Yang L, Nielsen MF, Kassem M, Dhillo WS, Comninos AN. The Relationship Between Bone and Reproductive Hormones Beyond Estrogens and Androgens. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:691-719. [PMID: 33901271 PMCID: PMC8599211 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive hormones play a crucial role in the growth and maintenance of the mammalian skeleton. Indeed, the biological significance for this hormonal regulation of skeletal homeostasis is best illustrated by common clinical reproductive disorders, such as primary ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhea, congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and early menopause, which contribute to the clinical burden of low bone mineral density and increased risk for fragility fracture. Emerging evidence relating to traditional reproductive hormones and the recent discovery of newer reproductive neuropeptides and hormones has deepened our understanding of the interaction between bone and the reproductive system. In this review, we provide a contemporary summary of the literature examining the relationship between bone biology and reproductive signals that extend beyond estrogens and androgens, and include kisspeptin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, progesterone, inhibin, activin, and relaxin. A comprehensive and up-to-date review of the recent basic and clinical research advances is essential given the prevalence of clinical reproductive disorders, the emerging roles of upstream reproductive hormones in bone physiology, as well as the urgent need to develop novel safe and effective therapies for bone fragility in a rapidly aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G Mills
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Yang
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Morten F Nielsen
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Odense & institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Moustapha Kassem
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Odense & institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,Endocrine Bone Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Involvement of Kisspeptin in androgen-induced hypothalamic endoplasmic reticulum stress and its rescuing effect in PCOS rats. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166242. [PMID: 34389474 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, with adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR), is a key link between obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, all of which are often present in the most common endocrine-metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized with hyperandrogenism. However, the link between excess androgen and Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress/insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unknown. An unexpected role of kisspeptin was reported in the regulation of UPR pathways and its involvement in the androgen-induced ER stress in hypothalamic neuronal cells. To evaluate the relationship of kisspeptin and ER stress, we detected Kisspeptin and other factors in blood plasm of PCOS patients, rat models and hypothalamic neuronal cells. We detected higher testosterone and lower kisspeptin levels in the plasma of PCOS than that in non-PCOS women. We established a PCOS rat model by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) chronic exposure, and observed significantly downregulated kisspeptin expression and activated UPR pathways in PCOS rat hypothalamus compared to that in controls. Inhibition or knockdown of kisspeptin completely mimicked the enhancing effect of DHT on UPR pathways in a hypothalamic neuronal cell line, GT1-7. Kp10, the most potent peptide of kisspeptin, effectively reversed or suppressed the activated UPR pathways induced by DHT or thapsigargin, an ER stress activator, in GT1-7 cells, as well as in the hypothalamus in PCOS rats. Similarly, Kisspeptin attenuated thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ response and the DHT- induced insulin resistance in GT1-7 cells. Collectively, the present study has revealed an unexpected protective role of kisspeptin against ER stress and insulin resistance in the hypothalamus and provided a new treatment strategy targeting hypothalamic ER stress and insulin resistance with kisspeptin as a potential therapeutic agent.
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29
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Comninos AN, Yang L, O’Callaghan J, Mills EG, Wall MB, Demetriou L, Wing VC, Thurston L, Owen BM, Abbara A, Rabiner EA, Dhillo WS. Kisspeptin modulates gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in the human brain. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 129:105244. [PMID: 33975151 PMCID: PMC8243259 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a key inhibitory neurotransmitter that has been implicated in the aetiology of common mood and behavioural disorders. By employing proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in man, we demonstrate that administration of the reproductive neuropeptide, kisspeptin, robustly decreases GABA levels in the limbic system of the human brain; specifically the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). This finding defines a novel kisspeptin-activated GABA pathway in man, and provides important mechanistic insights into the mood and behaviour-altering effects of kisspeptin seen in rodents and humans. In addition, this work has therapeutic implications as it identifies GABA-signalling as a potential target for the escalating development of kisspeptin-based therapies for common reproductive disorders of body and mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N. Comninos
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Imperial College London, UK,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Lisa Yang
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | - Edouard G. Mills
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | - Lysia Demetriou
- Invicro, London, UK,Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Victoria C. Wing
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Layla Thurston
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Bryn M. Owen
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | - Waljit S. Dhillo
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Imperial College London, UK,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK,Correspondence to: Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Imperial College London, 6th Floor Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK.
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Izzi-Engbeaya C, Dhillo WS. Emerging roles for kisspeptin in metabolism. J Physiol 2021; 600:1079-1088. [PMID: 33977536 DOI: 10.1113/jp281712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide hormone, has been firmly established as a key regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and mammalian reproductive behaviour. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has emerged suggesting a role for kisspeptin in regulating metabolic processes. This data suggest that kisspeptin exerts its metabolic effects indirectly via gonadal hormones and/or directly via the kisspeptin receptor in the brain, pancreas and brown adipose tissue. Kisspeptin receptor knockout studies indicate that kisspeptin may play sexually dimorphic roles in the physiological regulation of energy expenditure, food intake and body weight. Some, but not all, in vitro work demonstrates positive effects on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, which is more marked at higher kisspeptin concentrations. Acute and chronic in vivo rodent, non-human primate and human studies reveal enhancement of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in response to pharmacological doses of kisspeptin. Although significant progress has been made in elucidating the metabolic effects of kisspeptin, further mechanistic work and translational studies are required to address unanswered questions and establish the metabolic effects of kisspeptin in diverse human populations (including women, people with obesity and people with diabetes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Imperial Centre for Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Imperial Centre for Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Yang L, Demetriou L, Wall MB, Mills EG, Wing VC, Thurston L, Schaufelberger CN, Owen BM, Abbara A, Rabiner EA, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS. The Effects of Kisspeptin on Brain Response to Food Images and Psychometric Parameters of Appetite in Healthy Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e1837-e1848. [PMID: 33075807 PMCID: PMC7993584 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The hormone kisspeptin has crucial and well-characterized roles in reproduction. Emerging data from animal models also suggest that kisspeptin has important metabolic effects including modulation of food intake. However, to date there have been no studies exploring the effects of kisspeptin on brain responses to food stimuli in humans. OBJECTIVE This work aims to investigate the effects of kisspeptin administration on brain responses to visual food stimuli and psychometric parameters of appetite, in healthy men. DESIGN A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted. PARTICIPANTS Participants included 27 healthy, right-handed, eugonadal men (mean ± SEM: age 26.5 ± 1.1 years; body mass index 23.9 ± 0.4 kg/m2). INTERVENTION Participants received an intravenous infusion of 1 nmol/kg/h of kisspeptin or rate-matched vehicle over 75 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Measurements included change in brain activity on functional magnetic resonance imaging in response to visual food stimuli and change in psychometric parameters of appetite, during kisspeptin administration compared to vehicle. RESULTS Kisspeptin administration at a bioactive dose did not affect brain responses to visual food stimuli or psychometric parameters of appetite compared to vehicle. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study in humans investigating the effects of kisspeptin on brain regions regulating appetite and demonstrates that peripheral administration of kisspeptin does not alter brain responses to visual food stimuli or psychometric parameters of appetite in healthy men. These data provide key translational insights to further our understanding of the interaction between reproduction and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Yang
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Edouard G Mills
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria C Wing
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Layla Thurston
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Bryn M Owen
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alexander N Comninos
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Pérez-López FR, Ornat L, López-Baena MT, Santabárbara J, Savirón-Cornudella R, Pérez-Roncero GR. Circulating kisspeptin and anti-müllerian hormone levels, and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 260:85-98. [PMID: 33744505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the available evidence regarding circulating kisspeptin and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in adolescents and women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHOD We performed a comprehensive literature search in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies evaluating circulating kisspeptin levels in women with and without PCOS published until September 24th, 2020. Co-primary outcomes were the HOMA-IR index and AMH. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effects models were used to estimate outcomes, and effects reported as mean difference (MD) or standardized MD (SMD) and their 95 % confidence interval (CI). The systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) as number CRD42020205030. RESULTS We evaluated 18 studies including, 1282 PCOS cases and 977 controls. Participants with PCOS were younger (MD = -2.38 years, 95 %CI -4.32 to -0.44), with higher BMI (MD = 1.16, 95 % CI 0.54-1.78), waist-to-hip ratio (MD = 0.04, 95 %CI 0.02 to 0.05), circulating kisspeptin (SMD = 1.15, 95 %CI 0.68-1.62), luteinizing hormone (SMD = 1.29, 95 %CI 0.76-1.83), AMH (SMD = 0.97, 95 %CI 0.60-1,34), total testosterone (SMD = 2.48, 95 %CI 1.73-3.23), free testosterone (SMD = 1.37, 95 %CI 0.56-2.17), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (SMD = 0.72, 95 %CI 0.32-1.13) levels, and Ferriman-Gallwey score (SMD = 5.08, 95 %CI 2.76-7.39), and lower sex hormone-binding globulin level (SMD = -1.34, 95 %CI -2.15 to -0.52). Besides, participants with PCOS had higher HOMA-IR index (SMD = 0.76, 95 %CI 0.35-1.17), and circulating insulin (SMD = 0.75, 95 %CI 0.30-1.19), leptin (SMD = 2.82, 95 %CI 1.35-4.29), and triglycerides (SMD = 2.15, 95 %CI 1.08-3.23) levels than participants without the syndrome. The meta-regression did not identify significant factors influencing circulating kisspeptin. CONCLUSION Patients with PCOS showed higher kisspeptin, LH, insulin, AMH, and androgen levels and HOMA-IR index, and lower sex hormone-binding globulin levels than those without the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faustino R Pérez-López
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Zaragoza Faculty of Medicine, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain; Aragón Health Research Institute, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain.
| | - Lía Ornat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Zaragoza Faculty of Medicine, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
| | | | - Javier Santabárbara
- Aragón Health Research Institute, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain; Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Zaragoza Faculty of Medicine, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
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Abbara A, Eng PC, Phylactou M, Clarke SA, Richardson R, Sykes CM, Phumsatitpong C, Mills E, Modi M, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Papadopoulou D, Purugganan K, Jayasena CN, Webber L, Salim R, Owen B, Bech P, Comninos AN, McArdle CA, Voliotis M, Tsaneva-Atanasova K, Moenter S, Hanyaloglu A, Dhillo WS. Kisspeptin receptor agonist has therapeutic potential for female reproductive disorders. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:6739-6753. [PMID: 33196464 DOI: 10.1172/jci139681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDKisspeptin is a key regulator of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and is essential for reproductive health. A specific kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) agonist could significantly expand the potential clinical utility of therapeutics targeting the kisspeptin pathway. Herein, we investigate the effects of a KISS1R agonist, MVT-602, in healthy women and in women with reproductive disorders.METHODSWe conducted in vivo and in vitro studies to characterize the action of MVT-602 in comparison with native kisspeptin-54 (KP54). We determined the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of MVT-602 (doses 0.01 and 0.03 nmol/kg) versus KP54 (9.6 nmol/kg) in the follicular phase of healthy women (n = 9), and in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS; n = 6) or hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA; n = 6). Further, we investigated their effects on KISS1R-mediated inositol monophosphate (IP1) and Ca2+ signaling in cell lines and on action potential firing of GnRH neurons in brain slices.RESULTSIn healthy women, the amplitude of luteinizing hormone (LH) rise was similar to that after KP54, but peaked later (21.4 vs. 4.7 hours; P = 0.0002), with correspondingly increased AUC of LH exposure (169.0 vs. 38.5 IU∙h/L; P = 0.0058). LH increases following MVT-602 were similar in PCOS and healthy women, but advanced in HA (P = 0.004). In keeping with the clinical data, MVT-602 induced more potent signaling of KISS1R-mediated IP1 accumulation and a longer duration of GnRH neuron firing than KP54 (115 vs. 55 minutes; P = 0.0012).CONCLUSIONTaken together, these clinical and mechanistic data identify MVT-602 as having considerable therapeutic potential for the treatment of female reproductive disorders.TRIAL REGISTRATIONInternational Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) Registry, ISRCTN21681316.FUNDINGNational Institute for Health Research and NIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pei Chia Eng
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Phylactou
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie A Clarke
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Richardson
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlene M Sykes
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Edouard Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manish Modi
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Debbie Papadopoulou
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Channa N Jayasena
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Webber
- St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bryn Owen
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Bech
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Craig A McArdle
- Department of Translational Medicine, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
- Department of Mathematics and Living Systems Institute, and.,EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Moenter
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, and.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Aylin Hanyaloglu
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Mills EG, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Abbara A, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS. Functions of galanin, spexin and kisspeptin in metabolism, mood and behaviour. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:97-113. [PMID: 33273729 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-00438-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The bioactive peptides galanin, spexin and kisspeptin have a common ancestral origin and their pathophysiological roles are increasingly the subject of investigation. Evidence suggests that these bioactive peptides play a role in the regulation of metabolism, pancreatic β-cell function, energy homeostasis, mood and behaviour in several species, including zebrafish, rodents and humans. Galanin signalling suppresses insulin secretion in animal models (but not in humans), is potently obesogenic and plays putative roles governing certain evolutionary behaviours and mood modulation. Spexin decreases insulin secretion and has potent anorectic, analgesic, anxiolytic and antidepressive-like effects in animal models. Kisspeptin modulates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, food intake and/or energy expenditure in animal models and humans. Furthermore, kisspeptin is implicated in the control of reproductive behaviour in animals, modulation of human sexual and emotional brain processing, and has antidepressive and fear-suppressing effects. In addition, galanin-like peptide is a further member of the galaninergic family that plays emerging key roles in metabolism and behaviour. Therapeutic interventions targeting galanin, spexin and/or kisspeptin signalling pathways could therefore contribute to the treatment of conditions ranging from obesity to mood disorders. However, many gaps and controversies exist, which must be addressed before the therapeutic potential of these bioactive peptides can be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard G Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
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Ibos KE, Bodnár É, Bagosi Z, Bozsó Z, Tóth G, Szabó G, Csabafi K. Kisspeptin-8 Induces Anxiety-Like Behavior and Hypolocomotion by Activating the HPA Axis and Increasing GABA Release in the Nucleus Accumbens in Rats. Biomedicines 2021; 9:112. [PMID: 33503835 PMCID: PMC7911394 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins (Kp) are RF-amide neuropeptide regulators of the reproductive axis that also influence anxiety, locomotion, and metabolism. We aimed to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular Kp-8 (an N-terminally truncated octapeptide) treatment in Wistar rats. Elevated plus maze (EPM), computerized open field (OF), and marble burying (MB) tests were performed for the assessment of behavior. Serum LH and corticosterone levels were determined to assess kisspeptin1 receptor (Kiss1r) activation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) stimulation, respectively. GABA release from the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and dopamine release from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and NAc were measured via ex vivo superfusion. Kp-8 decreased open arm time and entries in EPM, and also raised corticosterone concentration, pointing to an anxiogenic effect. Moreover, the decrease in arm entries in EPM, the delayed increase in immobility accompanied by reduced ambulatory activity in OF, and the reduction in interactions with marbles show that Kp-8 suppressed exploratory and spontaneous locomotion. The increase in GABA release from the NAc might be in the background of hypolocomotion by inhibiting the VTA-NAc dopaminergic circuitry. As Kp-8 raised LH concentration, it could activate Kiss1r and stimulate the reproductive axis. As Kiss1r is associated with hyperlocomotion, it is more likely that neuropeptide FF receptor activation is involved in the suppression of locomotor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Eszter Ibos
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (É.B.); (Z.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Éva Bodnár
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (É.B.); (Z.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Zsolt Bagosi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (É.B.); (Z.B.); (K.C.)
| | - Zsolt Bozsó
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.B.); (G.T.)
| | - Gábor Tóth
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.B.); (G.T.)
| | - Gyula Szabó
- Office of International Affairs, Budapest Campus, McDaniel College, H-1071 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Krisztina Csabafi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (É.B.); (Z.B.); (K.C.)
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Sitticharoon C, Mutirangura P, Chinachoti T, Iamaroon A, Triyasunant N, Churintaraphan M, Keadkraichaiwat I, Maikaew P, Sririwichitchai R. Associations of serum kisspeptin levels with metabolic and reproductive parameters in men. Peptides 2021; 135:170433. [PMID: 33129892 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Central kisspeptin action is well known in reproductive regulation; however, its peripheral action is not well understood. This study aimed to 1) compare serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) kisspeptin levels between different body mass index (BMI) groups 2) compare the levels of kisspeptin between serum and CSF, and 3) determine correlations between serum or CSF kisspeptin levels with clinical, metabolic, and reproductive parameters. There were 40 male subjects undergoing operations with lumbar puncture anesthesia. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare between the normal (n = 12), overweight (n = 10), and obese groups (n = 17). One lean subject was recruited for correlation analysis. Serum kisspeptin levels were significantly higher in the obese group when compared to the normal weight and overweight groups even after adjusting for age or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.05 all). Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in the obese group when compared to the normal weight and overweight groups (p < 0.05 all). CSF kisspeptin levels were below the minimum detectable concentration for the assay (<0.06 ng/mL). Serum kisspeptin was positively correlated with body weight, BMI, plasma insulin, the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum leptin but was negatively correlated with plasma LH (p < 0.05 all). In conclusion, serum kisspeptin was related to obesity, leptin, insulin, and insulin resistance, while CSF kisspeptin was below the limits of detection. Thus, peripheral kisspeptin might have a role in metabolic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantacha Sitticharoon
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Pornthira Mutirangura
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thitima Chinachoti
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Arissara Iamaroon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Namtip Triyasunant
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Malika Churintaraphan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Issarawan Keadkraichaiwat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pailin Maikaew
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rungnapa Sririwichitchai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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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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Abbara A, Eng PC, Phylactou M, Clarke SA, Mills E, Chia G, Yang L, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Smith N, Jayasena CN, Comninos AN, Anand-Ivell R, Rademaker J, Xu C, Quinton R, Pitteloud N, Dhillo WS. Kisspeptin-54 Accurately Identifies Hypothalamic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neuronal Dysfunction in Men with Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:1176-1186. [PMID: 33227799 DOI: 10.1159/000513248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is hypogonadism due to either hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction. While gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) can directly test pituitary function, no specific test of hypothalamic function exists. Kisspeptin-54 (KP54) is a neuropeptide that directly stimulates hypothalamic GnRH release and thus could be used to specifically interrogate hypothalamic function. Congenital HH (CHH) is typically due to variants in genes that control hypothalamic GnRH neuronal migration or function. Thus, we investigated whether KP54 could accurately identify hypothalamic dysfunction in men with CHH. METHODS Men with CHH (n = 21) and healthy eugonadal men (n = 21) received an intravenous bolus of either GnRH (100 μg) or KP54 (6.4 nmol/kg), on 2 occasions, and were monitored for 6 h after administration of each neuropeptide. RESULTS Maximal luteinizing hormone (LH) rise after KP54 was significantly greater in healthy men (12.5 iU/L) than in men with CHH (0.4 iU/L; p < 0.0001). KP54 more accurately differentiated CHH men from healthy men than GnRH (area under receiver operating characteristic curve KP54: 1.0, 95% CI 1.0-1.0; GnRH: 0.88, 95% CI 0.76-0.99). Indeed, all CHH men had an LH rise <2.0 iU/L following KP54, whereas all healthy men had an LH rise >4.0 iU/L. Anosmic men with CHH (i.e., Kallmann syndrome) had even lower LH rises after KP54 than did normosmic men with CHH (p = 0.017). Likewise, men identified to have pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in CHH genes had even lower LH rises after KP54 than other men with CHH (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION KP54 fully discriminated men with CHH from healthy men. Thus, KP54 could be used to specifically interrogate hypothalamic GnRH neuronal function in patients with CHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abbara
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pei Chia Eng
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Phylactou
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie A Clarke
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edouard Mills
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Germaine Chia
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Yang
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Smith
- Kallmann Syndrome Patient Support Group, London, United Kingdom
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jesse Rademaker
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cheng Xu
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Richard Quinton
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,
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Chachlaki K, Prevot V. Nitric oxide signalling in the brain and its control of bodily functions. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5437-5458. [PMID: 31347144 PMCID: PMC7707094 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a versatile molecule that plays key roles in the development and survival of mammalian species by endowing brain neuronal networks with the ability to make continual adjustments to function in response to moment-to-moment changes in physiological input. Here, we summarize the progress in the field and argue that NO-synthetizing neurons and NO signalling in the brain provide a core hub for integrating sensory- and homeostatic-related cues, control key bodily functions, and provide a potential target for new therapeutic opportunities against several neuroendocrine and behavioural abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Chachlaki
- Inserm, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainJean‐Pierre Aubert Research Centre, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- School of MedicineUniversity of LilleLilleFrance
- CHU LilleFHU 1,000 days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Inserm, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainJean‐Pierre Aubert Research Centre, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- School of MedicineUniversity of LilleLilleFrance
- CHU LilleFHU 1,000 days for HealthLilleFrance
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40
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Synthesis of Kisspeptin-Mimicking Fragments and Investigation of their Skin Anti-Aging Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228439. [PMID: 33182726 PMCID: PMC7698007 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of active materials have been developed to provide anti-aging benefits for skin and, among them, peptides have been considered the most promising candidate due to their remarkable and long-lasting anti-wrinkle activity. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the relationship between the secretion of emotion-related hormones and skin aging. Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene, has gained attention in reproductive endocrinology since it stimulates the reproductive axis in the hypothalamus; however, the effects of Kisspeptin on skin have not been studied yet. In this study, we synthesized Kisspeptin-10 and Kisspeptin-E, which are biologically active fragments, to mimic the action of Kisspeptin. Next, we demonstrated the anti-aging effects of the Kisspeptin-mimicking fragments using UV-induced skin aging models, such as UV-induced human dermal fibroblasts (Hs68) and human skin explants. Kisspeptin-E suppressed UV-induced 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) stimulation leading to a regulation of skin aging related genes, including type I procollagen, matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8, and rescued the skin integrity. Taken together, these results suggest that Kisspeptin-E could be useful to improve UV-induced skin aging by modulating expression of stress related genes, such as 11β-HSD1.
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41
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Vanacker C, Trova S, Shruti S, Casoni F, Messina A, Croizier S, Malone S, Ternier G, Hanchate NK, Rasika S, Bouret SG, Ciofi P, Giacobini P, Prevot V. Neuropilin-1 expression in GnRH neurons regulates prepubertal weight gain and sexual attraction. EMBO J 2020; 39:e104633. [PMID: 32761635 PMCID: PMC7527814 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020104633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic neurons expressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the "master molecule" regulating reproduction and fertility, migrate from their birthplace in the nose to their destination using a system of guidance cues, which include the semaphorins and their receptors, the neuropilins and plexins, among others. Here, we show that selectively deleting neuropilin-1 in new GnRH neurons enhances their survival and migration, resulting in excess neurons in the hypothalamus and in their unusual accumulation in the accessory olfactory bulb, as well as an acceleration of mature patterns of activity. In female mice, these alterations result in early prepubertal weight gain, premature attraction to male odors, and precocious puberty. Our findings suggest that rather than being influenced by peripheral energy state, GnRH neurons themselves, through neuropilin-semaphorin signaling, might engineer the timing of puberty by regulating peripheral adiposity and behavioral switches, thus acting as a bridge between the reproductive and metabolic axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Vanacker
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Sara Trova
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Sonal Shruti
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Filippo Casoni
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Andrea Messina
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Sophie Croizier
- Center for Integrative GenomicsUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Samuel Malone
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Gaetan Ternier
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Naresh Kumar Hanchate
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - S Rasika
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Sebastien G Bouret
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Philippe Ciofi
- Inserm U1215Neurocentre MagendieBordeauxFrance
- Université de BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine BrainUniv. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR‐S 1172LilleFrance
- FHU, 1000 Days for HealthLilleFrance
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Zhu N, Zhao M, Song Y, Ding L, Ni Y. The KiSS-1/GPR54 system: Essential roles in physiological homeostasis and cancer biology. Genes Dis 2020; 9:28-40. [PMID: 35005105 PMCID: PMC8720660 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
KiSS-1, first identified as an anti-metastasis gene in melanoma, encodes C-terminally amidated peptide products, including kisspeptin-145, kisspeptin-54, kisspeptin-14, kisspeptin-13 and kisspeptin-10. These products are endogenous ligands coupled to G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54)/hOT7T175/AXOR12. To date, the regulatory activities of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system, such as puberty initiation, antitumor metastasis, fertility in adulthood, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis) feedback, and trophoblast invasion, have been investigated intensively. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that KiSS-1 played a key role in reproduction and served as a promising biomarker relative to the diagnosis, identification of therapeutic targets and prognosis in various carcinomas, while few studies have systematically summarized its subjective factors and concluded the functions of KiSS-1/GPR54 signaling in physiology homeostasis and cancer biology. In this review, we retrospectively summarized the regulators of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system in different animal models and reviewed its functions according to physiological homeostasis regulations and above all, cancer biology, which provided us with a profound understanding of applying the KiSS-1/GPR54 system into medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Zhu
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Mengxiang Zhao
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Yuxian Song
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Liang Ding
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Yanhong Ni
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
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Wang T, Cao Z, Shen Z, Yang J, Chen X, Yang Z, Xu K, Xiang X, Yu Q, Song Y, Wang W, Tian Y, Sun L, Zhang L, Guo S, Zhou N. Existence and functions of a kisspeptin neuropeptide signaling system in a non-chordate deuterostome species. eLife 2020; 9:53370. [PMID: 32513385 PMCID: PMC7282810 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The kisspeptin system is a central modulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in vertebrates. Its existence outside the vertebrate lineage remains largely unknown. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the kisspeptin system in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. The gene encoding the kisspeptin precursor generates two mature neuropeptides, AjKiss1a and AjKiss1b. The receptors for these neuropeptides, AjKissR1 and AjKissR2, are strongly activated by synthetic A. japonicus and vertebrate kisspeptins, triggering a rapid intracellular mobilization of Ca2+, followed by receptor internalization. AjKissR1 and AjKissR2 share similar intracellular signaling pathways via Gαq/PLC/PKC/MAPK cascade, when activated by C-terminal decapeptide. The A. japonicus kisspeptin system functions in multiple tissues that are closely related to seasonal reproduction and metabolism. Overall, our findings uncover for the first time the existence and function of the kisspeptin system in a non-chordate species and provide new evidence to support the ancient origin of intracellular signaling and physiological functions that are mediated by this molecular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianming Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China.,Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Zheng Cao
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhangfei Shen
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China.,Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Xu Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Ke Xu
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Xiaowei Xiang
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Qiuhan Yu
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Yimin Song
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Marine Science College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Tian
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Libin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Su Guo
- Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Naiming Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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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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Lass G, Li XF, de Burgh RA, He W, Kang Y, Hwa-Yeo S, Sinnett-Smith LC, Manchishi SM, Colledge WH, Lightman SL, O'Byrne KT. Optogenetic stimulation of kisspeptin neurones within the posterodorsal medial amygdala increases luteinising hormone pulse frequency in female mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12823. [PMID: 31872920 PMCID: PMC7116078 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus is a critical neuropeptide in the regulation of reproduction. Together with neurokinin B and dynorphin A, arcuate kisspeptin provides the oscillatory activity that drives the pulsatile secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and therefore luteinising hormone (LH) pulses, and is considered to be a central component of the GnRH pulse generator. It is well established that the amygdala also exerts an influence over gonadotrophic hormone secretion and reproductive physiology. The discovery of kisspeptin and its receptor within the posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD) and our recent finding showing that intra-MePD administration of kisspeptin or a kisspeptin receptor antagonist results in increased LH secretion and decreased LH pulse frequency, respectively, suggests an important role for amygdala kisspeptin signalling in the regulation of the GnRH pulse generator. To further investigate the function of amygdala kisspeptin, the present study used an optogenetic approach to selectively stimulate MePD kisspeptin neurones and examine the effect on pulsatile LH secretion. MePD kisspeptin neurones in conscious Kiss1-Cre mice were virally infected to express the channelrhodopsin 2 protein and selectively stimulated by light via a chronically implanted fibre optic cannula. Continuous stimulation using 5 Hz resulted in an increased LH pulse frequency, which was not observed at the lower stimulation frequencies of 0.5 and 2 Hz. In wild-type animals, continuous stimulation at 5 Hz did not affect LH pulse frequency. These results demonstrate that selective activation of MePD Kiss1 neurones can modulate hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geffen Lass
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Xiao Feng Li
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Ross A de Burgh
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Wen He
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Kang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shel Hwa-Yeo
- Reproductive Physiology Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lydia C Sinnett-Smith
- Reproductive Physiology Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephen M Manchishi
- Reproductive Physiology Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - William H Colledge
- Reproductive Physiology Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stafford Louis Lightman
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, The Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kevin T O'Byrne
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London Guy's Campus, London, UK
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46
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Cherry JA, Baum MJ. Sex differences in main olfactory system pathways involved in psychosexual function. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 19:e12618. [PMID: 31634411 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
We summarize literature from animal and human studies assessing sex differences in the ability of the main olfactory system to detect and process sex-specific olfactory signals ("pheromones") that control the expression of psychosexual functions in males and females. A case is made in non primate mammals for an obligatory role of pheromonal signaling via the main olfactory system (in addition to the vomeronasal-accessory olfactory system) in mate recognition and sexual arousal, with male-specific as well as female-specific pheromones subserving these functions in the opposite sex. Although the case for an obligatory role of pheromones in mate recognition and mating among old world primates, including humans, is weaker, we review the current literature assessing the role of putative human pheromones (eg, AND, EST, "copulin"), detected by the main olfactory system, in promoting mate choice and mating in men and women. Based on animal studies, we hypothesize that sexually dimorphic effects of putative human pheromones are mediated via main olfactory inputs to the medial amygdala which, in turn, transmits olfactory information to sites in the hypothalamus that regulate reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Cherry
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael J Baum
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Chen J, Huang X, Lu C, Liu T, Dai Y, Yao Z, Chen Y. Graph analysis of
DTI
‐based connectome: decreased local efficiency of subcortical regions in
PE
patients with high sympathetic activity. Andrology 2019; 8:400-406. [PMID: 31532583 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Chen
- Department of Andrology Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing China
| | - X. Huang
- Department of Andrology Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing China
| | - C. Lu
- Department of Radiology Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing China
| | - T. Liu
- Department of Andrology Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing China
| | - Y. Dai
- Department of Andrology Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Nanjing China
| | - Z. Yao
- Department of Psychiatry Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Y. Chen
- Department of Andrology Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing China
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48
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Aggarwal S, Tang C, Sing K, Kim HW, Millar RP, Tello JA. Medial Amygdala Kiss1 Neurons Mediate Female Pheromone Stimulation of Luteinizing Hormone in Male Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 108:172-189. [PMID: 30537700 PMCID: PMC6518874 DOI: 10.1159/000496106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The medial amygdala (MeA) responds to olfactory stimuli and alters reproductive physiology. However, the neuronal circuit that relays signals from the MeA to the reproductive axis remains poorly defined. This study aimed to test whether MeA kisspeptin (MeAKiss) neurons in male mice are sensitive to sexually relevant olfactory stimuli and transmit signals to alter reproductive physiology. We also investigated whether MeAKiss neurons have the capacity to elaborate glutamate and GABA neurotransmitters and potentially contribute to reproductive axis regulation. METHODS Using female urine as a pheromone stimulus, MeAKiss neuronal activity was analysed and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) was measured in male mice. Next, using a chemogenetic approach, MeAKiss neurons were bi-directionally modulated to measure the effect on serum LH and evaluate the activation of the preoptic area. Lastly, using in situ hybridization, we identified the proportion of MeAKiss neurons that express markers for GABAergic (Vgat) and glutamatergic (Vglut2) neurotransmission. RESULTS Male mice exposed to female urine showed a two-fold increase in the number of c-Fos-positive MeAKiss neurons concomitant with raised LH. Chemogenetic activation of MeAKiss neurons significantly increased LH in the absence of urine exposure, whereas inhibition of MeAKiss neurons did not alter LH. In situ hybridization revealed that MeAKiss neurons are a mixed neuronal population in which 71% express Vgat mRNA, 29% express Vglut2 mRNA, and 6% express both. CONCLUSIONS Our results uncover, for the first time, that MeAKiss neurons process sexually relevant olfactory signals to influence reproductive hormone levels in male mice, likely through a complex interplay of neuropeptide and neurotransmitter signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanya Aggarwal
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Celion Tang
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Kristen Sing
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Hyun Wook Kim
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Robert P Millar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology and Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Javier A Tello
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom,
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Iovino M, Messana T, Iovino E, De Pergola G, Guastamacchia E, Giagulli VA, Triggiani V. Neuroendocrine Mechanisms Involved in Male Sexual and Emotional Behavior. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2019; 19:472-480. [PMID: 30706797 PMCID: PMC7360913 DOI: 10.2174/1871530319666190131155310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this narrative review was to analyze the role played by brain areas, neurohormones and neurotransmitters in the regulation of emotional and sexual behavior in the male. METHODS We analyzed the currently available literature dealing with brain structures, neurotransmitters and neurohormones involved in the regulation of emotional and sexual behavior in the male. RESULTS A common brain pathway is involved in these two aspects. The Hippocampus seems to control the signals coming from the external environment, while the amygdala and the hypothalamus control the response to social stimuli. Stimulation of amygdala in the animal models increases sexual performance, while it triggers violent emotional responses. Stimulation of the hypothalamus causes reactions of violent anger and increases sexual activity. Catecholaminergic stimulation of the amygdala and hypothalamus increases emotional and sexual behavior, while serotonin plays an inhibitory role. Cholinergic inhibition leads to a suppression of copulatory activity, while the animal becomes hyperemotive. Opioids, such as β-endorphin and met-enkephalin, reduce copulatory activity and induce impotence. Gonadal steroid hormones, such as estrogen in female and testosterone in male, which play a major role in the control of sexual behavior and gender difference have been highlighted in this review. Vasopressin, oxytocin and their receptors are expressed in high density in the "social behavior neural network" and play a role as signal system controlling social behavior. Finally, the neuropeptide kisspeptin and its receptors, located in the limbic structures, mediate olfactory control of the gonadotropic axis. CONCLUSION Further studies are needed to evaluate possible implications in the treatment of psychosexual and reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Vincenzo Triggiani
- Address correspondence to this author at the Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy; Tel: 0039 0805478814; E-mail:
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50
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Hugon-Rodin J, Yoshii K, Lahlou N, Flandrin J, Gompel A, de Roux N. Complete Kisspeptin Receptor Inactivation Does Not Impede Exogenous GnRH-Induced LH Surge in Humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:4482-4490. [PMID: 30124894 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Mutations in the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) gene have been reported in a few patients with normosmic congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nCHH) (OMIM #146110). OBJECTIVES To describe a female patient with nCHH and a novel homozygous KISS1R mutation and to assess the role of kisspeptin pathway to induce an ovulation by GnRH pulse therapy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND INTERVENTION Observational study of a patient including genetic and kisspeptin receptor functions and treatment efficiency using a GnRH pump. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Response to pulsatile GnRH therapy. RESULTS A partial isolated gonadotropic deficiency was diagnosed in a 28-year-old woman with primary amenorrhea and no breast development. A novel homozygous c.953T>C variant was identified in KISS1R. This mutation led to substitution of leucine 318 for proline (p.Leu318Pro) in the seventh transmembrane domain of KISS1R. Signaling via the mutated receptor was profoundly impaired in HEK293-transfected cells. The mutated receptor was not detected on the membrane of HEK293-transfected cells. After several pulsatile GnRH therapy cycles, an LH surge with ovulation and pregnancy was obtained. CONCLUSION GnRH pulsatile therapy can induce an LH surge in a woman with a mutated KISS1R, which was previously thought to be completely inactivated in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Hugon-Rodin
- Paris Descartes University, Gynecology Endocrinology Unit, Port-Royal Teaching Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Keisuke Yoshii
- Paris Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, U1141, Inserm, Paris, France
| | | | - Jennifer Flandrin
- Paris Descartes University, Gynecology Endocrinology Unit, Port-Royal Teaching Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Anne Gompel
- Paris Descartes University, Gynecology Endocrinology Unit, Port-Royal Teaching Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas de Roux
- Paris Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, U1141, Inserm, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Biochemistry Laboratory, Robert Debré Teaching Hospital, Paris, France
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