Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Kisspeptin is a 54-amino acid peptide, which comprise a diverse group of peptides with many different functions related to energy metabolism and reproduction, pubertal development. It activates GPR54 receptor. Subcutaneous administration of kisspeptin-54 to women with regular menstrual cycles results in an increase in LH and FSH. All these findings show that the GPR54 system may play a role in the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation. Frequently increased LH levels accompany to PCOS. Based on these findings, we designed this study to further characterize metastin levels in womans with PCOS and controls.

Methods: Women with PCOS and 28 healthy women, recruited from the Endocrinology Clinic of Pamukkale University, were studied. The diagnosis of PCOS was based on the revised criteria of Rotterdam. Anthropometric measurements were performed. A fasting blood sample was obtained in the morning for measurement of glucose, insulin, PRL, LH, FSH, estradiol, total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), 17-hydroxyprogesterone and TSH. Free androgen index and HOMA-IR values are calculated. Kisspeptin levels were also measured with an ELISA method.

Results: Women with PCOS had higher FAI, FG scores and DHEA-S levels, compared to controls. BMI, HOMA-IR values, fasting plasma glucose levels were higher in the PCOS group than in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of kisspeptin and LH:FSH ratios.

Conclusion: Some studies showed increased levels of kisspeptin in PCOS. Our study did not support these findings. This may be result of the obesity and insulin resistance that may have negative impact on kisspeptin levels. Leptin deficiency or resistance may be an explanation for a linkage between obesity, insulin resistance and PCOS.