Kisspeptin is a protein that is essential for fertility. It is produced in the hypothalamus and triggers the release of hormones from the pituitary gland that stimulate the ovaries and testes. While human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is commonly used to trigger egg maturation in in vitro fertilization (IVF), it can sometimes cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The document discusses a study that found kisspeptin may be a novel, natural alternative to HCG for inducing oocyte maturation in IVF without the risks of OHSS. The study of 53 women found kisspeptin was effective at different doses for egg maturation and no severe OHSS cases occurred, suggesting
7. Kisspeptins are a family of proteins that are
essential for fertility.
The first gene member of the family was
discovered in 1996 (KISS 1) by a group working
in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It is named after the
city’s chocolate ‘Kisses’, which are made in
Hershey.
16/4/2015waleed tawfik,benha university
10. Kisspeptin is produced from
the hypothalamus and causes a chain reaction
which leads to production of neurotransmitters
from the pituitary gland. The neurotransmitter
signals lead to the release of other hormones
(luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating
hormone) into the blood. These act
on testes andovaries to produce the sex
hormones testosterone and oestradiol, which
cause the physical and emotional changes that
are well recognised during puberty.
Dhillo et al .,2005
16/4/2015waleed tawfik,benha university
15. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is
a major medical problem.
It can be fatal in severe cases and it occurs in
women undergoing IVF treatment who are
otherwise very healthy.
We really need more effective natural triggers
for egg maturation during IVF treatment
16/4/2015waleed tawfik,benha university
27. We are in front of a new revolution in
human reproduction understanding.
Kisspeptin can be used as a novel
physiological trigger for egg
maturation in IVF therapy.
Future studies will assess efficacy in
women at high risk of OHSS.
16/4/2015waleed tawfik,benha university
