Endocrine Abstracts

Background and aims: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is characterised by inadequate secretion of gonadotropins (luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)) leading to absent, partial or arrested puberty. In males, classical treatment with testosterone promotes virilisation but does not facilitate testicular growth or spermatogenesis. Conversely, treatment with gonadotropins or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates Sertoli and Leydig cells directly...

Background: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is characterised by inadequate secretion of gonadotropins (luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)) leading to absent, partial or arrested puberty. In males, classical treatment with testosterone promotes virilisation but does not facilitate testicular growth or spermatogenesis. Conversely, treatment with gonadotropins stimulates Sertoli and Leydig cells directly, leading to increased testicular...

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is the most prevalent female sexual health complaint worldwide, affecting 1-in-10 women. It is characterised by a persistent lack of desire for sexual activity and sexual fantasies, causing distress or interpersonal difficulties. Treatment options are limited, however, melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonists have emerged as a promising therapy for HSDD, through unclear mechanisms. Investigating the pathways involved is crucial for our u...

Background: Kisspeptin is a critical activator of hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurons, inducing release of downstream reproductive hormones. Intravenous or subcutaneous kisspeptin administration has been shown to have significant potential to treat reproductive disorders. However, intranasal administration could offer a novel non-invasive delivery route, which would be clinically preferable. We therefore sought to determine the effects of intranasal kisspeptin...

Introduction: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is characterized by a persistent deficiency of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity, causing marked distress or interpersonal difficulty. It is the most prevalent female sexual health problem worldwide, affecting approximately 1 in 10 women, but has limited treatment options despite its substantial health, social, and economic burden. Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonists have emerged as a promising therapy fo...

Background: Kisspeptin is a critical activator of hypothalamic gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and has significant potential to treat common reproductive disorders. To date, kisspeptin has solely been administered to humans via the intravenous or subcutaneous routes, however intranasal administration could offer a novel non-invasive delivery route. We therefore sought to determine the effects of intranasal kisspeptin on reproductive hormone release in humans for...

Introduction: Sexual desire is a key component of the sexual response model. Absence or deficiency of sexual desire can lead to marked distress or interpersonal difficulty, termed ‘hypoactive sexual desire disorder’ (HSDD). HSDD is the most common female sexual health complaint worldwide, affecting up to 10% of women. Despite its detrimental impact on psychological well-being and quality of life, treatment options are currently limited. The hormone kisspeptin is a ke...

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a persistent lack of sexual desire, causing marked interpersonal distress. It is the most common global female sexual health problem, although the precise pathophysiology remains uncertain. Existing treatment options are limited by their efficacy and side effects. The neuropeptide kisspeptin offers a potential therapeutic target given its emerging role in modulating reproductive behaviour. Using a combination of psychometric, neuroim...

Background: Kisspeptin is a critical activator of hypothalamic GnRH neurons and is essential for reproductive health. Emerging data reveals that kisspeptin-based therapeutics have substantial potential to treat reproductive, psychosexual and bone disorders. However, current delivery is limited to the subcutaneous or intravenous routes, presenting barriers to development. Alternative routes of administration would overcome this and capitalise on the benefits of kisspeptin-based...

Background: Kisspeptin is a potent regulator of GnRH neurons with potential to treat reproductive and psychosexual disorders. However, administration is limited to the subcutaneous or intravenous routes. These invasive routes limit clinical development. Herein, we comprehensively examine the translational potential of intranasal kisspeptin administration for the first-time using rodent, human and pharmaceutical studies.Methods:</...