Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Kisspeptin is an endogenous neuropeptide that regulates GnRH release from the hypothalamus. Kisspeptin-54 has been shown to effectively trigger oocyte maturation during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, but with markedly reduced rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The kisspeptin receptor agonist, MVT-602, has a longer half-life than native kisspeptin-54 (1.5–2.2 h vs. 0.5 h) and has potential for development as a novel trigger of oocyte ma...

Ovarian aging is a naturally occurring physiological process, marked by dynamic changes in ovarian function and hormone secretion. Ovarian ageing is associated with several co-morbidities, including; osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and impaired cognitive function, therefore, understanding the physiological processes regulating this is imperative for identifying novel treatment modalities. A key endocrine regulatory of ovarian function is the heterodimer glycopro...

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases fetal morbidity/mortality, and is associated with elevated risks of offspring cardiometabolic disease. These risks are compounded in infants born large for gestational age (LGA) rather than appropriate size (AGA), a common complication of GDM associated with altered placental function. Circulating extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated miRNAs are internalised into the placenta and are emerging as key GDM mediators, with their role i...

The primary cilium, a non-motile microtubule-based organelle protruding from most vertebrate cells, serves as a specialized compartment for signal transduction. Any disruption of ciliogenesis leads to ciliopathy-spectrum disorder with multiple signalling failure in development and homeostasis. Several ciliopathies including Bardet–Biedl syndrome associate with infertility and hormone imbalances, but the role of primary cilia in reproductive disorders is not clear. Congeni...

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) defines a fetus which does not achieve its intrauterine growth potential. FGR is linked to placental dysfunction and hypoxia and is associated with a high risk of stillbirth, neonatal death and long-term complications; there are no treatments. Estrogen related receptor γ (ERRγ) is a nuclear receptor that is regulated by hypoxia in other systems; it is expressed in the placenta, thus we propose that it may be an important regulator of hy...

Background: Successful reproduction relies on integration of sensory cues of attraction with corresponding emotions and behaviours. However, the intrinsic factors integrating these fundamental aspects of human attraction with limbic and reproductive pathways have not been fully identified. Kisspeptin is a crucial activator of the reproductive axis and together with its receptor is widely expressed throughout the limbic and olfactory systems in humans suggesting a potential rol...