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Review
. 2024 Dec 17;13(24):7683.
doi: 10.3390/jcm13247683.

Kisspeptin and Endometriosis-Is There a Link?

Blazej Meczekalski  1 , Agata Nowicka  1 , Stefania Bochynska  1 , Aleksandra Szczesnowicz  1 , Gregory Bala  2 , Anna Szeliga  1
Affiliations
Review

Kisspeptin and Endometriosis-Is There a Link?

Blazej Meczekalski et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

This article presents a narrative review that explores the potential link between kisspeptin-a key regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis-and the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Kisspeptin plays a significant role in regulating reproductive functions by modulating the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn stimulates the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Recent studies suggest that kisspeptin may also impact peripheral reproductive tissues and influence inflammatory processes involved in the development of endometriosis. Altered kisspeptin signaling has been associated with the abnormal hormonal environment observed in endometriosis, which affects menstrual cycles and ovarian function. Research indicates that women with endometriosis exhibit altered levels of kisspeptin and its receptor, KISS1R, in both eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues, suggesting a role in disease progression, particularly in tissue invasion and lesion formation. Kisspeptin's role in regulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes essential for tissue remodeling, further supports its potential contribution to the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Moreover, kisspeptin-based therapeutic strategies are currently under investigation, with the aim of providing targeted treatments that reduce the side effects commonly associated with existing therapies. Despite promising findings, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which kisspeptin influences endometriosis.

Keywords: KISS1R receptor; endometriosis; gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); hormonal regulation; hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis; kisspeptin; matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs); reproductive health.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no commercial or financial ties that could be seen as conflicts of interest in this study.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Kisspeptins impact on steroidogenesis through its influence on the hipothalmic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Based on [24].
Figure 2
Figure 2
The roles of kisspeptin and KISS1R in physiological and pathological states of the endometrium of a non-pregnant women. Based on [49].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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