Kisspeptin and the “Special Relationship” Between Reproduction and Metabolism: A Computational Approach
Description
Background: Kisspeptin is one of the most potent stimulators of GnRH secretion and consequent gonadotropin release from the anterior pituitary. Kisspeptin is considered critical in regulating reproductive function in relation to metabolic cues. Reproductive function is gated by the energy reserves of the individual. Conditions of energy insufficiency, such as Anorexia Nervosa, often disturb reproductive function and fertility. Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate possible similar or comparable hormonal patterns in kisspeptin mechanics using computational methodology tools. Methods: Twenty-two females with typical or atypical anorexia nervosa and fifteen control females, were recruited from the Center for Adolescent Medicine of the University of Athens. Serum levels of Prolactin (PRL), 17-Hydroxy-Progesterone (17OHPR), Free Triiodothyronine (FT3), Triiodothyronine (T3), Free Thyroxine (FT4), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol (E2) were measured in patients and controls. Data were modelled computationally in order to find similar or comparable patterns between control and anorexic participants, with respect to kisspeptin. Results: Kisspeptin manifested symmetrical regression plots between controls and anorexics with respect to 17OHPR, LH and FSH, as well as a threshold pattern among controls, typical and atypical anorexics. Conclusions: Kisspeptin seems to participate in the anorexic hormonal milieu through threshold or symmetrical mechanisms.
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Participants included adolescent girls with typical and atypical anorexia nervosa as well as healthy controls who presented to the outpatient clinic of our tertiary adolescent medicine department over a period of 4 years (from January 2012 until January 2016). Study participants were evaluated by measurements of serum concentrations of Kisspeptin (ng/L), LH (mIU/mL), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (mIU/mL), Prolactin (PRL) (ng/mL), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) (mIU/mL), Free Thyroxine (FT4) (ng/dL), Triiodothyronine (T3) (ng/mL), Estradiol (E2) (pg/mL) and 17-Hydroxy Progesterone (17OHP) (ng/mL).