KissPOS study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Kisspeptin and follicle development in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
IRAS ID
162279
Contact name
Richard Anderson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) secretion by a part of the brain called hypothalamus is the key controller of reproductive function. This hormone stimulates the release of two other hormones (Luteinising Hormone-LH and Follicle Stimulating Hormone-FSH) from the pituitary gland. LH and FSH, in turn, stimulate the secretion of male (testosterone) and female (oestrogen) sex hormones from the testes and ovaries, respectively. In women, the secretion of LH increases midway through the menstrual cycle, culminating in the LH surge that is necessary for release of an egg from the follicle within the ovary (the process called ovulation) in preparation for it to be fertilised. All these hormones regulate each other through sensitive feedback mechanisms, but the pathways by which they regulate GnRH secretion (and the mid menstrual cycle LH surge) have been obscure.
The recent discovery of a new hormone, called kisspeptin, has changed this. Kisspeptin has been shown to play a central role in the regulation of GnRH secretion, and thus LH and FSH, in man, as an essential element in normal pubertal development and adult reproductive function. In women, kisspeptin appears to play a role in stimulating the mid menstrual cycle LH surge. Administration of synthetic kisspeptin instead of a routine medication during IVF treatment has been used to cause appropriate follicle maturation, and a birth of a healthy term baby has been reported.
The ability of kisspeptin to stimulate LH and FSH secretion and potentially cause ovulation has not been investigated in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the leading cause of infertility in young women due to lack of follicle growth and no ovulation. We want to understand if synthetic kisspeptin can stimulate LH and FSH secretion in women with PCOS sufficiently to encourage follicle development, which currently remains unknown. We will administer kisspeptin as a small injection underneath the skin and will perform blood tests and ultrasound scans to determine follicle development.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
15/SS/0029
Date of REC Opinion
1 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion