What it is
Kisspeptin is a family of natural peptides made from the KISS1 gene. The main form in human blood is kisspeptin-54, with 54 amino acids. The shortest form that still works is kisspeptin-10, with 10 amino acids. Both can be made in a lab. Kisspeptin attaches to a receptor called KISS1R, also known as GPR54, on nerve cells in the hypothalamus. Those cells then release GnRH, which tells the pituitary gland to release LH and FSH. LH and FSH control testosterone, estrogen, eggs, and sperm. People born with a broken KISS1 gene or KISS1R receptor do not go through puberty. Other names: Kisspeptin-10, KP-10, Metastin.
What researchers study it for
- LH, FSH, and testosterone release in men
- Triggering egg maturation during IVF
- Lowering the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation during IVF
- Brain responses to sexual and emotional images
- Delayed or absent puberty
What the studies found
1. It raised LH, FSH, and testosterone in men.
A 2005 study gave 6 men a 90-minute IV drip of kisspeptin-54 and a salt water drip on different days. With kisspeptin, average LH was 10.8 units compared to 4.2 with salt water. FSH and testosterone also rose. Kisspeptin-54 left the blood with a half-life of about 28 minutes. Human data.
2. One shot matured eggs during IVF, and some women became pregnant.
A 2014 study gave 53 women going through IVF a single shot of kisspeptin-54 in place of the usual trigger shot. Mature eggs were collected at every dose tested. Embryos were placed in 49 of the 53 women. Twelve women, or 23 percent, had a confirmed pregnancy. Human data.
3. It changed brain activity when men viewed sexual and emotional images.
A 2017 study used brain scans on healthy men given kisspeptin or a placebo. With kisspeptin, activity rose in the amygdala and cingulate cortex when the men viewed sexual and romantic images. These brain areas handle emotion and reward. The authors suggest kisspeptin acts on the brain directly, not only through sex hormones. Human data.
How much research exists
Many small human studies, mostly from one research group in London. The IVF work is the most advanced. It is not approved as a drug anywhere.
Facts
- Formula (kisspeptin-10): C63H83N17O14
- Weight (kisspeptin-10): 1302.4 g/mol
- CAS number (kisspeptin-10): 374675-21-5
- Sequence (kisspeptin-10): Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2
- Time in the blood: about 28 minutes for kisspeptin-54. Kisspeptin-10 clears faster.
- Storage: freeze the dry powder. Keep mixed solution in the fridge.
Legal status
Not approved by the FDA or any other agency for human use. Used only in clinical research studies.
For research use only. Not for human use. Nothing here is medical advice.