MINI REVIEW article

Front. Endocrinol., 19 July 2022

Sec. Reproduction

Volume 13 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.942664

Kisspeptin in the Prediction of Pregnancy Complications

  • Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom

Abstract

Kisspeptin and its receptor are central to reproductive health acting as key regulators of the reproductive endocrine axis in humans. Kisspeptin is most widely recognised as a regulator of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal function. However, recent evidence has demonstrated that kisspeptin and its receptor also play a fundamental role during pregnancy in the regulation of placentation. Kisspeptin is abundantly expressed in syncytiotrophoblasts, and its receptor in both cyto- and syncytio-trophoblasts. Circulating levels of kisspeptin rise dramatically during healthy pregnancy, which have been proposed as having potential as a biomarker of placental function. Indeed, alterations in kisspeptin levels are associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and foetal complications. This review summarises data evaluating kisspeptin’s role as a putative biomarker of pregnancy complications including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy (EP), preterm birth (PTB), foetal growth restriction (FGR), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), pre-eclampsia (PE), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).

Introduction

Kisspeptin is best known for its role as a hypothalamic neuropeptide that regulates gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion (). Indeed, early studies showed that inactivating variants of the kisspeptin receptor result in pubertal failure due to hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, confirming the importance of kisspeptin signalling to reproductive health (, ).

During pregnancy, kisspeptin is produced in large amounts by the placenta and thus there is significant interest in evaluating its potential as a novel marker of pregnancy complications (). Kisspeptin is a peptide encoded by the KISS-1 gene that binds to a G-protein coupled kisspeptin receptor (KISS-1R, previously known as the orphan receptor GPR54) (). Kisspeptin levels in the circulation are several hundred fold higher during healthy pregnancy compared to the non-pregnant state (, ). This review will summarise data evaluating kisspeptin’s role as a putative biomarker of pregnancy complications including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy (EP), preterm birth (PTB), foetal growth restriction (FGR), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), pre-eclampsia (PE), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).

Kisspeptin

The gene encoding kisspeptin (KISS-1) was first identified in 1996 as a metastasis tumour-suppressor gene in malignant melanoma cell lines and its peptide product was initially termed ‘metastin’ (). Subsequently, it became known as kisspeptin in homage to its discovery in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, the hometown of the famous chocolate Hershey’s kisses (). The KISS-1 gene, located on chromosome 1q32, encodes a 145 amino acid prepropeptide that is post-translationally cleaved into biologically active kisspeptin peptides of different amino acid lengths indicated by their suffix: e.g. kisspeptin -54, -14, -13, and -10 (, , ). All of these peptides bind and activate the kisspeptin receptor through their shared C-terminal region decapeptide motif (Arg-Phe-NH2) (, ). Kisspeptin is expressed in multiple tissues including the hypothalamus, limbic system, gonads, pancreas, and liver, but is particularly abundant in the placenta, and thus is believed to play an important role in pregnancy (, ).

Kisspeptin in Healthy Pregnancy

Kisspeptin plays a key role in implantation and decidualisation. Kisspeptin promotes embryo attachment to the endometrium through interaction with cell adhesion molecules, and stimulates stromal decidualisation by up-regulating leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) () (Figure 1). Kisspeptin also attenuates the excessive migration and invasion of trophoblasts through inhibition of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 (–). Kisspeptin may also impact angiogenesis and uterine spiral artery modelling (–). A further relevant mechanism of kisspeptin in pregnancy relates to the maternal immune tolerance needed to avoid foetal rejection. Indeed, in vitro incubation with kisspeptin at levels corresponding to those found in pregnancy, results in increased differentiation of human naive T cells into T-regulatory cells ().

Figure 1

The placenta is considered the main source of kisspeptin during pregnancy and the KISS-1/Kiss-1 gene is expressed in syncytiotrophoblasts, whereas its receptor is expressed in both cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts () (Table 1). Expression of kisspeptin and its receptor is high during early pregnancy and declines as the placenta matures, thus highlighting kisspeptin’s role in placentation (). Interestingly, circulating kisspeptin levels increase linearly with advancing gestation and kisspeptin-54 immunoreactivity dramatically rises from 1230 pmol/L during the first trimester to 9590 pmol/L during the third trimester and returns to non-pregnant levels (<100 pmol/L) soon after birth (8 pmol/L) (, , ).

Table 1

Pregnancy stateKISS-1 expressionKISS-1 receptor expressionCirculating Kisspeptin levels
Healthy PregnancyIncreased in first trimester ()
- Villous cytotrophoblasts
Increased in first trimester ()
- Villous cytotrophoblasts
- Syncytiotrophoblasts
- Extravillous cells
Increase linearly with pregnancy progression ()
MiscarriageReduced ()
- Trophoblasts
No difference in women with recurrent pregnancy loss ()Reduced (–)
Ectopic pregnancyReduced ()
- Embryonic tissue
NAReduced (, )
No difference ()
Preterm BirthIncreased ()
- Placental tissue
NANo difference (, )
(unadjusted KP higher in late first trimester) ()
Foetal Growth RestrictionNANAReduced (–)
Pre-EclampsiaIncreased (–)
Increased (EPE) ()
No difference (LPE) ()
Decreased (, )
- Placental tissue
Increased (, )
No difference ()
- Placental tissue
Reduced in PE: 1st trimester (, ), 2nd trimester (–), 3rd trimester (, –)
Reduced in EPE 9-13 wks ()
No difference in PE (, )
Increased in LPE 9-13 wks ()
No difference in PIH (, )
No difference in HDP: 1st and 2nd trimesters ()
Increased in HDP: 3rd trimester ()
Gestational DiabetesIncreased (, )
- Syncytiotrophoblasts
- Cytotrophoblasts
Increased (, )
- Syncytiotrophoblasts
- Cytotrophoblast
No difference ()
Reduced (, , )
Gestational Trophoblastic diseaseMolar pregnancy:
No difference (, )
Choriocarcinoma:
Decreased (, )
Molar pregnancy:
No difference (, )
Choriocarcinoma:
Decreased (, )
Choriocarcinoma:
Increased ()

Summary of Kisspeptin gene, receptor and circulating levels in different pregnancy states.

EPE, early onset pre-eclampsia; HDP, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; KP, kisspeptin; LPE, late onset pre-eclampsia; NA, not applicable; PE, pre-eclampsia; PIH, pregnancy induced hypertension.

Circulating kisspeptin levels are affected by several variables in healthy pregnancy (). Whilst gestational and maternal age are associated with raised kisspeptin levels, Afro-Caribbean ethnicity, smoking during pregnancy, and high body mass index (BMI) are associated with reduced kisspeptin levels (). Additionally, kisspeptin levels have been shown to be lower in serum compared to plasma samples, and are influenced by pre-analytical factors such as collection tube type, processing time and time to sample storage ().

Kisspeptin in Pregnancy Complications

1. Kisspeptin in Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of an intrauterine pregnancy before 24 weeks of gestation and affects 1 in 5 clinical pregnancies (). Miscarriage predominantly occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy and the majority of early miscarriages are due to a genetic abnormality of the developing embryo, however other causes include endocrine, anatomical, and immunological factors ().

Miscarriage diagnosis can be challenging as often a pregnancy is failing for a time before pregnancy loss has conclusively been confirmed. This uncertainty can exacerbate the psychological burden related to investigating possible miscarriage, with up to 6% of women suffering from moderate-severe depression, 17% from moderate-severe anxiety and 18% from post-traumatic stress disorder (). To date, there is no clinical predictor of miscarriage, however recent data demonstrates a potential for kisspeptin as a biomarker of miscarriage.

Kisspeptin levels (adjusted for gestation) are markedly reduced by 60-79% in women with miscarriage compared to healthy pregnancy (–) (Table 2.1). Above average levels, when corrected for gestational age, are reassuring with a <1% chance of miscarriage (), whereas kisspeptin levels 95% lower than the median for that gestation are associated with up to an 85% chance of miscarriage. Concordantly, KISS-1 expression is decreased in the placentae of women with recurrent spontaneous abortion compared to those who undergo voluntary termination of pregnancy (). Furthermore, whilst kisspeptin’s high diagnostic performance for identifying miscarriage is maintained in late-first trimester pregnancies (>8 weeks of gestation), that of β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) worsens (). Thus, the combination of both kisspeptin and β-hCG can be used to ensure high diagnostic accuracy at all gestations (AUCROC 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.95) (, , ). Kisspeptin has also been shown to reflect different types of miscarriage, with lower levels reported in complete (no retained products of conception) versus incomplete (retained products of conception) or missed (empty gestational sac or a foetal pole with no heartbeat) miscarriage (). Additionally, both kisspeptin and β-hCG levels decline with closer proximity to miscarriage confirmation, and therefore repeat measurements every 1-2 weeks could enable further risk-stratification of miscarriage risk in clinical practice ().

Table 2

2.1. KISSPEPTIN IN MISCARRIAGE
AuthorStudy DesignCohortSample sizeKisspeptin measurementKisspeptin and βHCG valuesAUCROC
Kavvasoglu (2011) ()Prospective CohortPregnant women who delivered to term and miscarriageControls 20
Miscarriage 20
Plasma at 7-18 wks GA
KP-10
ELISA (Phoenix, Germany)
Kisspeptin pg/ml (median, min-max)*
Controls: 5,783 (3,168–9,953)
Miscarriage: 391 (152–951)
NA
Jayasena
(2014) ()
Prospective CohortAsymptomatic pregnant womenControls 899
Miscarriage 50
Plasma at 7-14 wks GA
All KP forms
In house RIA
Kisspeptin MoM (mean ± SD)*
Controls: 1.06 ± 0.42
Miscarriage: 0.42 ± 0.39
β-hCG MoM (mean ± SD)*
Controls: 1.08 ± 0.47
Miscarriage: 0.69 ± 1.35
KP 0.899
βhCG 0.775
Mumtaz
(2017) ()
Case-ControlWomen with infertility undergoing ICSI treatmentControls 28
Preclinical abortion 30
Serum before treatment
All KP forms
ELISA (Kiss-1, China)
Kisspeptin ng/L (mean ± SEM)*
Controls: 296.23 ± 12
Miscarriage: 215.11 ± 34.14
Sullivan-Pyke (2018) ()Case-ControlSymptomatic pregnant womenControls 20
Miscarriage 20
Serum at 6-10 wks GA
KP-54
ELISA (Peninsula, USA)
Kisspeptin ng/ml (median, IQR)*
Controls: 1.50 [0.55 – 3.72]
Miscarriage: 0.20 [0.07 – 0.37]
β-hCG mIU/mL (median, IQR)*
Controls: 117202 [83975 – 148784]
Miscarriage: 4739 [1858 – 8650]
KP 0.953
βhCG 0.994
Yu
(2019) ()
Case-ControlWomen with infertility undergoing IVF/ICSI treatmentControls 28
Miscarriage 21
Serum at (i) 12 days after blastocyst transfer and (ii) 4 days after pregnancy confirmation
All KP forms
ELISA (BlueGene, China)
Kisspeptin
No significant difference between controls and miscarriage
β-hCG*
Significantly lower in miscarriage compared to controls
KP (i) 0.63, (ii) 0.76
βhCG (i) 0.76, (ii) 0.89
Hu
(2019) ()
Case-ControlWomen with infertility undergoing frozen thawed embryo transferControls 47
Miscarriage 28
Serum at (i) 14 days and (ii) 21 days after embryo transfer
KP-54, KP-10
RIA (Phoenix, USA)
Kisspeptin pg/ml (mean ± SD)
Controls: (i) 420.9 ± 201.5, (ii) 730.8 ± 274.4
Miscarriage: (i) 434.9 ± 215.1, (ii) 762.2 ± 210.3
β-hCG IU/L (mean ± SD)*
Controls: (i) 1791 ± 1730, (ii) 21833 ± 16160
Miscarriage: (i) 777.8 ± 783.8, (ii) 6720 ± 4413
KP 0.533
βhCG 0.777
Abbara
(2021) ()
Case-ControlAsymptomatic and Symptomatic pregnant womenControls 265
Miscarriage 95
Plasma every 2 wks between 6-14 wks GA
All KP forms
In house RIA
Kisspeptin MoM (median, IQR)*
Controls: 1.00 [0.63–1.31]
Miscarriage: 0.21 [0.08–0.47]
β-hCG MoM (median, IQR)*
Controls: 1.00 [0.74–1.32]
Miscarriage: 0.30 [0.08–0.64]
KP 0.874
βhCG 0.859
Gorkem
(2021) ()
Case-ControlAsymptomatic and Symptomatic pregnant womenControls 30
Miscarriage 30
Threatened miscarriage 30
Serum at 7-9 wks GA
KP-54
ELISA (Cloud-Clone Corp, USA)
Kisspeptin ng/ml (median, IQR)
Controls: 86.7 [69.5-112.4]
Miscarriage: 102.5 [79.5-123.5]
Threatened miscarriage: 101.7 [85.4-139.4]
NA
Yuksel
(2022) ()
Prospective
Case-Control
Symptomatic pregnant women with a pre-diagnosis of EP or miscarriage and healthy pregnancyControls 23
Miscarriage 23
Serum at 5-6 wks GA
KP form unclear
ELISA (Mybiosource, USA)
Kisspeptin ng/ml (median, min-max)*
Controls: 1.48 (1.29–1.80)
Miscarriage: 0.11 (0.08–0.16)
β-hCG mIU/ml (median, min-max)*
Controls: 6151 (576–19,941) Miscarriage: 1771 (98–11,890)
NA
2.2. KISSPEPTIN IN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
AuthorStudy DesignCohortSample sizeKisspeptin measurementKisspeptin and βHCG valuesAUCROC
Romero-Ruiz
(2019) ()
Prospective Case-ControlWomen with normal pregnancy that desired VTOP and EPVTOP 108
EP 45
Plasma at 4-20 wks GA
All KP forms
In house RIA
Kisspeptin*
Significantly lower in EP compared to controls at all GA stages
β-hCG*
Significantly lower in EP compared to controls at all GA stages
KP 0.909
βhCG 0.947
Abbara
(2021) ()
Case-ControlAsymptomatic and Symptomatic pregnant womenVIUP 42
EP 31
FPUL 82
PPUL 8
Plasma every 2 wks between 6-14 wks GA
All KP forms
In house RIA
Kisspeptin pmol/L (mean + SEM)
VIUP: 21.6 ± 41. EP: 20.1 ± 10.6 FPUL: 16.9 ± 12.0. PPUL: 21.5 ± 16.0
NA
Yuksel
(2022) ()
Prospective
Case-Control
Symptomatic pregnant women with a pre-diagnosis of EP or miscarriage and healthy pregnancyControls 23
EP 17
Serum at 5-6 wks GA
KP form unclear
ELISA (Mybiosource, USA)
Kisspeptin ng/ml (median, min-max)*
Controls: 1.48 (1.29–1.80). EP: 0.30 (0.22–0.39)
β-hCG mIU/ml (median, min-max)*
Controls: 6151 (576–19,941). EP: 1333 (94–11,600)
NA
2.3. KISSPEPTIN IN HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS OF PREGNANCY AND PRE-ECLAMPSIA
AuthorStudy DesignCohortSample sizeKisspeptin measurementKisspeptin and βHCG valuesAUCROC
Armstrong
(2009) ()
Retrospective Case-ControlPregnant women with PE and uncomplicated pregnanciesControls 317
PE 57
Serum at 16-20 wks GA
KP-54
In house ELISA
Kisspeptin pg/ml (median, IQR) *
Controls: 1188 [494 – 2298]
PE: 1109 [442 – 3903]
NA
Nijher
(2010) ()
Case-ControlPregnant women with PE, PIH
and uncomplicated pregnancies
Controls 78
PE 9
PIH 78
Plasma at 27-40 wks GA
KP-10, KP- 14, KP-54
In house RIA
Kisspeptin pmol/l (mean ± SE)
Controls: 2878 ± 157
PIH: 2696 ± 299
PE: 3519± 357
NA
Cetcovic
(2012) ()
Prospective Case-ControlPregnant women with CH, PIH, PE and uncomplicated pregnanciesControls 25
CH 22
PIH 18
PE 28
EPE 23
LPE 5
Plasma at (i) 21-25 wks and (ii) 32-36 wks GA
KP-10, KP- 14, KP-54
Validated RIA ()
Kisspeptin nmol/l (mean ± SD)
Controls: (i) 10.33 ± 2.65, (ii) 20.48 ± 7.60
PE: (i) 4.46 ± 3.73, (ii) 16.03 ± 10.09*
CH: (i) 3.42 ± 1.04, (ii0 14.14 ± 10.44 *
PIH: (i) 8.46 ± 6.24, (ii) 25.68 ± 9.2
NA
Madazli
(2012) ()
Retrospective Case-ControlPregnant women with PE and uncomplicated pregnanciesControls 30
PE 31
Plasma at 11-14 wks GA
KP form unclear
ELISA: (Phoenix, Germany)
Kisspeptin pmol/l (mean ± SD) *
Controls: 1995 ± 375
PE:1554 ± 385
KP 0.797
PlGF 0.831
Adali
(2012) ()
Cross-SectionalPregnant women with PE (mPE GA 35.4 ± 0.83*, sPE GA 33.09± 0.75*) and uncomplicated pregnancies (GA 37.66± 0.39)Controls 50
mPE 15
sPE 24
Plasma at 33-37 wks GA
KP-10, KP- 14, KP-54
ELISA (Phoenix, Germany)
Kisspeptin ng/ml (mean± SE) *
Controls: 9.69 ± 1.35
mPE: 2.61 ± 0.40
sPE: 1.17 ± 0.24
NA
Logie
(2012) ()
Cross-SectionalLean women with healthy pregnancy (controls) and obese women (BMI >40kg/m2) with uncomplicated pregnancy or PEControls 39
Obese (uncomplicated) 112
Obese PE 7
Plasma at (i) 16, (ii) 28, (iii) 36 wks GA
KP form unclear
ELISA (Phoenix, Germany)
Kisspeptin at 16 wks pM (mean ± SEM)
Lower in obese PE compared to uncomplicated obese and controls*
KP (i) 0·80, (ii) 0·56,
(iii) 0·66)
Ziyaraa
(2015) ()
Prospective Case-ControlPregnant women who completed GA 20 wks with mild and severe EPE and uncomplicated pregnancies
Difference in BMI between the groups *
Controls 40
PE 60
Mild EPE 39
Severe EPE 21
Plasma at (i) 20-27 wks and (ii) 28-40 wks
KP-10
ELISA (Phoenix, Germany)
Kisspeptin ng/ml (mean± SEM)
Controls: (i) 2.30 ± 0.51, (ii) 2.95 ± 1.82
Mild EPE: (i) 2.18 ± 0.76, (ii) 2.16 ± 0.48 *
Severe EPE: (i) 1.59 ± 0.26 (1st) *, (ii) 2.39 ± 0.57
Mild vs Severe EPE:(i) *, (ii) (NS)
NA
Matjila
(2016) ()
Case-ControlPatients with (mean GA 32.95 ± 0.53 *)
and without EPE (mean GA 38.03 ± 0.06 *)
undergoing elective caesarean delivery
Controls 30
EPE 19
Serum at 32-39wks GA
KP-10
ELISA (Phoenix, Germany)
Kisspeptin ng/ml (mean± SEM) *
Controls: 1.66 ± 0.59 ng/ml
PE: 0.58 ± 0.39
NA
Abbara
(2022) ()
Case-ControlPregnant women with antenatal complications and uncomplicated pregnanciesControls 265
HDP 32
PE 20
(EPE, LPE)
PIH 12
Plasma at (i) <9, (ii) 9-13, (iii) 14-27, (iv) 28-40 wks GA
KP-10, KP-14, KP-54
In-house RIA
Kisspeptin pmol/L (mean± SEM)
HDP Vs Controls
No significant difference in (i), (ii), (iii)
Higher in HDP than controls (iv) *
LPE Vs Controls
No significant difference in (i), (iii), (iv)
Higher in LPE than controls(ii) *
EPE Vs Control
No significant difference in (i), (iii), (iv)
Lower in EPE than controls(ii) *
Kisspeptin MoM (median) *
Higher in HDP than control pregnancies
NA
2.4. KISSPEPTIN IN GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS
AuthorStudy DesignCohortSample sizeKisspeptin measurementKisspeptin and βHCG valuesAUCROC
Cetcovic
(2012) ()
Prospective Case ControlPregnant with and without a diagnosis of GDMControls 25
GDM 20
Plasma at (i) 21-25 and (ii) 32-36 wks GA
KP-10, KP- 14, KP-54
Validated RIA () 
Kisspeptin nmol/l (Mean ± SD) *
Controls: (i) 10.33 ± 2.65; (ii) 20.48 ± 7.60
GDM: (i) 4.51 ± 3.18*; (ii) 11.643 ± 7.6 *
NA
Bowe
(2019) ()
Case-ControlPregnant women with and without a diagnosis of GDMControls 62
GDM 26
Plasma at 26-34 wks GA
KP form unclear
ELISA (Phoenix, Germany)
Kisspeptin pmol/l (Mean ± SEM) *
Controls: 1270.9 ± 67.1
GDM: 889.9 ± 96.6
NA
Arslan
(2020) ()
Cross-SectionalPregnant women with and without a diagnosis of GDMControls 82
GDM 76
Serum at 24-28 wks GA
KP-54
ELISA (Human KISS-54 kits-Biotek Synergy HT)
Kisspeptin pmol/l (Mean ± SD)
Controls: 161.3 ± 78.2
GDM: 187.6 ± 132.3 (NS)
NA
Abbara
(2022) ()
Case-ControlPregnant women with antenatal complications and uncomplicated pregnanciesControls 265
GDM 35
Plasma at <9, 9-13, 14-27, 28-40 wks GA
KP-10, KP-14, KP-54
In-house RIA
Kisspeptin nmol/l (Median [IQR])
No difference between control and GDM pregnancies in all trimesters
Kisspeptin MoM (median)*
GDM lower than control pregnancies
NA
2.5. KISSPEPTIN IN PRETERM BIRTH
AuthorStudy DesignCohortSample sizeKisspeptin measurementKisspeptin and βHCG valuesAUCROC
Torricelli
(2008) ()
ObservationalPregnant women delivering at term (GA 38-40 wks, by SVD or ECS) and preterm (GA 32-34 wks)Term SVD 15
Term ECS 15
Preterm 10
Plasma at delivery
All KP forms
ELISA (Phoenix, Germany)
Kisspeptin ng/ml (mean ± SEM)
Term SVD: 4.332 ± 2.10
Term ECS: 4.021 ± 1.67
Preterm: 4.781 ± 1.51
NA
Abbara
(2022) ()
Case-ControlPregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies and preterm birth (GA 24-37wks)Controls 265
Preterm 11
Plasma at (i) <9, (ii) 9-13, (iii) 14-27, (iv) 28-40 wks GA
KP-10, KP-14, KP-54
In-house RIA
Kisspeptin*
Adjusted KP higher in PTB than controls in all trimesters
Unadjusted KP levels in (ii) higher in PTB than controls
NA
2.6. KISSPEPTIN IN FOETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION
AuthorStudy DesignCohortSample sizeKisspeptin measurementKisspeptin and βHCG valuesAUCROC
Smets
(2008) ()
Case-ControlPregnant women at risk of PE, IUGR and SGA
Birth weight (g)
Controls 3623 ± 334
SGA 2665 ± 369
Controls 31
SGA 31
Plasma at 8-14 wks GA
KP-10 Ab
RIA (Phoenix, USA)
Kisspeptin pmol/L (mean ± SD)*
Controls: 2035 ± 1260
IUGR: 1376 ± 1317
β-hCG pg/ml (mean ± SD)
Controls: 62 ± 56
IUGR: 61 ± 55
NA
Armstrong
(2009) ()
Retrospective case-controlPregnant women with IUGR and uncomplicated pregnancies
Birth weight (g)
Controls 3496 ± 36.6
IUGR 2307 ± 17.4
Controls 317
IUGR 118
Serum at 16-20 wks GA
KP-54
In house ELISA
Kisspeptin pg/ml (median, IQR)*
Controls: 1188 [494 – 2298]
IUGR: 1164 [442 – 3903)
β-hCG MoM (mean ± SEM)
Controls: 0.97 (0.69) [0.20 – 3.19] IUGR: 0.91 (0.74) [0.50 – 3.6]
NA
Khalil
(2018) ()
Case-ControlPregnant women with PE&IGUR, IUGR and uncomplicated pregnancies that underwent ECS
Birth weight (g)
Controls 3300 ± 110 PE&IUGR 2180 ± 220
IUGR 2280 ± 350
Controls 10
PE&IUGR 10
IUGR 10
Serum at 34-38wks GA
KP-10
ELISA (Life span Biosciences)
Kisspeptin ng/ml (mean ± SD)*
Controls: 2900 ± 600
PE&IUGR: 1640 ± 400
IUGR: 1630 ± 300
NA
Abbara
(2022) ()
Case-ControlPregnant women with antenatal complications and uncomplicated pregnanciesControls 265
FGR 17
Plasma at (i) <9, (ii) 9-13, (iii) 14-27, (iv) 28-40 wks GA
KP-10, KP-14, KP-54
In-house RIA
Kisspeptin*
Adjusted KP lower in FGR than controls in all trimesters
Unadjusted KP levels in (ii) and (iv) lower in FGR than controls
NA
2.7. KISSPEPTIN IN GESTATIONAL TROPHOBLASTIC DISEASE
AuthorStudy DesignCohortSample sizeKisspeptin measurementKisspeptin and βHCG valuesAUCROC
Dhillo
(2006) ()
Case-ControlHealthy pregnant women and women diagnosed with invasive mole undergoing chemotherapyControls 26
Invasive mole 11
Plasma at (i) 10 wks GA, (ii) 38 wks GA and (iii) 15 days postpartum and (iv) pre and post chemotherapy for invasive mole
KP-10, KP-14, KP-54
In-house RIA
Kisspeptin pmol/l (mean ± SE)*
Controls
10 wks: 803 ± 13
38 wks: 2,483 ± 302
15 days postpartum: <2
Invasive Mole
Pre-chemo: 1,363 ± 1,076 pmol*
Post-chemo: <2
β-hCG U/l (mean ± SE) *
Controls
10 wks: 72,053 ± 10,936
38 wks: 28,818 ± 11,348
Invasive Mole
Pre-chemo: 227,191 ± 152,354
Post-chemo: <2
NA

Circulating Kisspeptin Levels in pregnancy complications.

BMI, body mass index; CH, chronic pre-existing hypertension; ECS, elective caesarean section; ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; EP, ectopic pregnancy; EPE, early onset pre-eclampsia; FGR, foetal growth retardation; FPUL, failed (negative pregnancy test 2 weeks from follow-up) pregnancy of unknown location; GA, gestational age; GDM, gestational diabetes mellitus; GTD, gestational trophoblastic disease; HDP, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; ICSI, intracytoplasmic sperm injection; IQR, interquartile range; IUGR, intrauterine growth retardation; IVF, in vitro fertilisation; KP, kisspeptin; LPE, late onset pre-eclampsia; mPE, mild pre-eclampsia; MoM, multiple of the median; NA, not applicable; NS, no statistically significant difference; PE, pre-eclampsia; PIH, pregnancy induced hypertension; PlGF, placenta growth factor; PPUL, persistent (more than three static serial βhCG levels) pregnancy of unknown location; RIA, radioimmunoassay; SD, standard deviation; SEM, standard error of the mean; SGA, small for gestational age baby; sPE, severe pre-eclampsia; SVD; spontaneous vaginal delivery; VIUP, intrauterine pregnancy viable at 12 weeks’ gestation; VTOP, voluntary termination of pregnancy; wks, weeks.

*p-values indicate statistically significant difference.

Studies involving women with infertility who undergo assisted reproductive techniques (in vitro fertilisation, intracytoplasmic sperm insemination (ICSI) or frozen thawed embryo transfer) have found reduced β-hCG levels in miscarriage compared to controls, but no difference in kisspeptin levels (, ). These findings may be due to the very early gestations at which kisspeptin levels were assessed (2-3 weeks following, or even before, pregnancy confirmation) (, ). Indeed, kisspeptin may not be expressed in the placenta at high levels prior to 6 weeks of gestation, suggesting that β-hCG levels may be more useful at these very early gestations ().

2. Kisspeptin in Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) affects 2% of pregnancies and occurs when a fertilised ovum implants and develops outside the uterine cavity, most commonly within the fallopian tube (). EP can result in tubal rupture and accounts for 9-13% of all pregnancy-related deaths in developed countries and can compromise a woman’s future fertility (). EP is currently diagnosed by serial β-hCG measurements in combination with ultrasound, although laparoscopy is often required to provide a definitive diagnosis (). The sensitivity and specificity of these tests significantly decrease in the case of pregnancies of unknown location (PUL) as false positive or negative diagnoses may occur. This is important as an incorrect diagnosis may lead to termination of a healthy pregnancy (). Accordingly, different biomarkers have been investigated in an attempt to improve the diagnostic accuracy of EP, including kisspeptin.

Some studies have found that kisspeptin levels in EP are lower than in healthy pregnancy but higher than in miscarriage (, ). However, another study demonstrated that kisspeptin levels are not significantly altered between women with viable intrauterine pregnancies (VIUPs) and those with either EP or failing or persistent PUL, after adjusting for confounding variables () (Table 2.2). Current evidence remains limited, and larger studies are required to determine kisspeptin’s performance as a diagnostic marker in EP at early gestations (<6 weeks).

3. Kisspeptin in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Pre-Eclampsia

Hypertensive disorders affect 5% of all pregnancies () and include pre-existing chronic hypertension (CH), pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and pre-eclampsia (PE). PIH is defined as new onset hypertension (BP ≥140/90mmHg) occurring after 20 weeks of gestation, PE is PIH with proteinuria (urine >3g/24 hours) or significant end-organ dysfunction, and severe PE is the presence of at least one of: hypertension (BP≥160/110 mmHg), visual disturbance, chest pain, dyspnoea, pulmonary oedema, seizures, or neonatal distress (). PE is further classified, according to the onset of clinical features, into early-onset PE (EPE <34 weeks of gestation) and late-onset PE (LPE ≥34 weeks of gestation). EPE is associated with impaired trophoblast invasion, defective spiral artery remodelling and adverse perinatal complications including IUGR (). LPE occurs due to hypoxic stress and impaired perfusion but is less likely to compromise foetal growth (, ). Currently, PE diagnosis is based on early pregnancy risk factor screening, uterine artery Doppler velocimetry and biomarkers such as PPAP-A or placental growth factor (PlGF) (). Kisspeptin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE through reduced angiogenesis, decreased cytotrophoblast invasion and increased trophoblast apoptosis, and thus could have potential in predicting PE (–).

Levels of circulating kisspeptin in HDP vary in the literature, and largely differ according to HDP subtype, severity, and onset (Table 2.3). Most of the studies report reduced circulating kisspeptin levels in PE compared to normotensive pregnant controls (, , –, ) and therefore kisspeptin is considered to reflect placental dysfunction. However, expression of KISS-1, which inhibits trophoblast invasion and results in defective transformation of the spiral arteries, is increased in the placentae of PE pregnancies, thus supporting its role in the pathophysiology of PE (–, , 66) (Table 1). Nonetheless, there are also some reports of decreased KISS-1 expression in PE placentae (, ) (Table 1). Furthermore, evidence suggests that circulating kisspeptin levels decline as the severity of PE increases, which could also reflect reduced placental mass in more severe disease. Indeed, both circulating kisspeptin levels and placental mass is reduced in EPE compared to LPE (, , 67). Additionally, pregnant women with pre-existing hypertension and PE, states associated with a higher burden of disease, have reduced kisspeptin levels compared to PIH ().

Whilst most studies demonstrate reduced kisspeptin levels in PE, a recent study found that kisspeptin levels are increased in HDP during the third trimester of pregnancy (Table 2.3). However, there was no association between circulating kisspeptin levels and severity of PET (). It is likely that complexity in the categorisation, severity, and onset of PET, and the need for correction for possible confounders such as BMI and gestational age, could explain differences between kisspeptin levels observed in the current studies. Larger observational studies that are carefully designed to address these and look at each PET-subset throughout pregnancy would therefore be valuable in resolving these inconsistencies.

4. Kisspeptin in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

During pregnancy a physiological rise in maternal insulin resistance provides glucose to the developing foetus (68, 69). This insulin resistance leads to maternal pancreatic β-cell adaptation and increased insulin secretion. Failure of these changes results in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which affects up to 20% of pregnancies worldwide (70).

Kisspeptin receptors are expressed in pancreatic β-cells (71) and have been implicated in β-cell adaptation during pregnancy. Exogenous kisspeptin administration has variable physiological effects on the glucose-dependent regulation of pancreatic beta-cells. For instance, KISS-1 peptide (KP-145) (71), KP-13 (72), KP-10 (72–74) potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in animal and human islets in-vitro. KP-54 increases GSIS in healthy men following an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT), which induces high glucose levels (75). On the other hand, Vikam and colleagues have found that KP-13 and KP-54 drives dose-dependent inhibitory effects on insulin secretion in mouse islets in the presence of lower glucose concentrations (2.8-11.1 mmol/l), compared to controls, which is not observed at higher glucose concentrations (76). Furthermore, chronic administration of KP-10 in non-pregnant mice enhances GSIS and improves glucose tolerance (). Interestingly, hyperlipidaemia, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and weight gain develops in Kiss-1r-null female mice exclusively, thus suggesting sexual dimorphism in kisspeptin’s effects on metabolism and glucose homeostasis (77).

In late gestation murine pregnancy, β-cell specific Kiss-1r-knockout models and pharmacological inhibition of Kiss-1r leads to reduced GSIS and development of IGT, which is not observed in non-pregnant states or wild-type controls (). This supports a role for β-cell kisspeptin signalling in the regulation of glucose homeostasis during pregnancy. Loss of kisspeptin signalling in the ß-cell-specific Kiss-1r-knockout models also attenuates the increased ß-cell proliferation normally seen during murine pregnancy when assessed with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling. Nonetheless, the levels are not reduced to non-pregnant levels, suggesting contribution of other signals in pancreatic β-cell proliferation during pregnancy (, 78).

In human pregnancies with GDM, placental KISS-1 and KISS-1R expression is elevated in the third trimester (, ) (Table 1), whereas circulating kisspeptin levels have been either lower (, ) or not significantly altered (, ) (Table 2.4). Finally, Bowe and colleagues have demonstrated a positive correlation between third trimester kisspeptin levels and oral glucose–stimulated insulin levels at 60 minutes (r2 = 0.18; P < 0.0001) and AUC serum insulin over the OGTT (r2 = 0.13; P=0.0013) in women with GDM ().

5. Kisspeptin in Pre-Term Birth

Pre-term birth (PTB) is defined as delivery prior to 37 weeks of gestation and affects 11% of pregnancies (79, 80). Kisspeptin has been proposed to initiate labour through increased oxytocin neuronal firing rate in pregnant rats and thus may play a potential role in PTB (81). Gestation adjusted kisspeptin levels are higher in PTB-affected pregnancies than in control pregnancies during the late-first trimester, with the adjusted odds of PTB being increased by 20% (95% CI, 1-42%) for every 1 nmol/L increase in plasma kisspeptin () (Table 2.5). Furthermore, KISS-1 mRNA expression is higher in preterm placentae than in term placentae delivered vaginally or by Caesarean section thus indicating that increased kisspeptin expression could be involved in the induction of labour () (Table 1)W. However, no alteration in circulating kisspeptin levels have been reported to date during the third trimester between healthy pregnancy and PTB and thus more data is needed to elucidate whether there are changes in kisspeptin levels preceding and around the time of spontaneous labour (, ).

6. Kisspeptin in Foetal Growth Restriction

Foetal growth restriction (FGR) encompasses both intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR, foetal weight <10th centile for gestational age with abnormal umbilical artery doppler results) and small for gestation age (SGA, delivery weight <10th percentile for gestational age) (82, 83). FGR is thought to arise from abnormal trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodelling that limits oxygen supply to the placenta (84, 85). The resulting ischemic injury generates reactive oxygen species which lead to apoptosis and restriction of placental and foetal growth (84, 85). To date, four studies have demonstrated significantly reduced kisspeptin levels in FGR versus healthy pregnancy in all three trimesters (–) (Table 2.6). Thus, low circulating kisspeptin levels could reflect low placental mass in pregnancies affected by FGR.

7. Kisspeptin in Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is characterised by an abnormal proliferation of placental tissue and comprises of choriocarcinoma, invasive mole, placental site trophoblastic tumour and epithelioid trophoblastic tumour (86). Molar pregnancy is a benign form of GTD, whereas choriocarcinomas are more aggressive, however both exhibit high β-hCG levels and respond well to chemotherapy (87). Serum β-hCG measurement aids with GTD diagnosis, staging and prognostication before and after chemotherapy (88).

KISS-1 and KISS-1R expression is significantly lower in malignant choriocarcinoma cells compared to molar and healthy pregnancies (, ) (Table 1). Conversely, circulating kisspeptin levels are elevated in malignant GTD compared to healthy pregnancies but significantly decline following chemotherapy () (Table 2.7). The increased circulating kisspeptin levels could reflect an increased malignant trophoblast mass rather than an elevation in cellular KISS-1 expression (89). Thus, kisspeptin levels can be altered in choriocarcinomas and other GTDs, which is interesting when considering the original identification of KISS-1 as an anti-metastatic gene.

Conclusion

Kisspeptin levels are markedly reduced in miscarriage; and whilst the performance of kisspeptin levels to identify women at high risk of miscarriage is maintained throughout the first trimester, that of β-hCG falls during the latter part of the first trimester. Nevertheless, kisspeptin levels are only mildly elevated at early gestations (< 6 weeks) and therefore can be difficult to detect using current collection and assay methods. Thus, measuring kisspeptin in combination with β-hCG levels could potentially overcome this deficiency at early gestations. Due to the current difficulty in miscarriage diagnosis and the lack of available biomarkers, the high performance of plasma kisspeptin suggests that it has significant potential for further development in this context. Given that kisspeptin has been proposed as a biomarker of healthy placentation, it could potentially be used to recognise late pregnancy complications characterised by abnormal placentation during the first trimester. Regarding HDP, most studies have suggested lower circulating kisspeptin levels but increased placental kisspeptin expression. Kisspeptin levels in pregnancy complications such as PE are confounded by factors such as BMI, disease severity, time of onset, and concomitant FGR, and thus could limit the use of kisspeptin diagnostically.

Overall, current evidence suggests that circulating kisspeptin levels are consistently reduced in miscarriage, EP, FGR, GDM, and increased in PTB and GTD. Larger datasets with adequately sized control cohorts that accurately adjust for gestation, BMI, ethnicity, detailed disease severity phenotype and onset are needed to enable more precise characterisation of the utility of kisspeptin levels in these settings. In summary, circulating kisspeptin is a promising biomarker for early pregnancy loss and further research is needed to assess its potential in other pregnancy complications.

Funding

This work was supported by grants from the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), the NIHR/Wellcome Trust Imperial Clinical Research Facility, and the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre. The Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine was funded by grants from the Medical Research Council (MRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), NIHR and was supported by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Funding Scheme. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the MRC, BBSRC, the NHS, the NIHR, or the Department of Health. BP is supported by an MRC Clinical Training Research Fellowship (Grant Ref: MR/W024144/1). AC is supported by the National Health Service. WD is supported by an NIHR Senior Investigator Award (NIHR RP-2014-05-001). AA is supported by an NIHR Clinician Scientist Award (No. CS-2018-18-ST2-002).

Publisher’s Note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Statements

Author contributions

BP, JT wrote the manuscript, designed the figures and tables. AA, WSD, ANC reviewed and edited the manuscript and are the corresponding authors. All authors have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the work and approved the manuscript prior to its submission.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

References

  • 1

    AbbaraAClarkeSADhilloWS. Clinical Potential of Kisspeptin in Reproductive Health. Trends Mol Med (2021) 27(8):807–23. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.05.008

  • 2

    De RouxNGeninECarelJCMatsudaFChaussainJLMilgromE. Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism Due to Loss of Function of the KiSS1-Derived Peptide Receptor GPR54. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (2003) 100(19):10972–976. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1834399100

  • 3

    SeminaraSBMessagerSChatzidakiEEThresherRRAciernoJSJShagouryJKet al. The GPR54 Gene as a Regulator of Puberty. N Engl J Med (2003) 349(17):1614–27. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa035322

  • 4

    SavarisRF. Kisspeptin as a Biomarker for Miscarriage: Let’s Wait! Fertil Steril (2018) 109:67. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.10.014

  • 5

    KotaniMDetheuxMVandenbogaerdeACommuniDVanderwindenJMLe PoulEet al. The Metastasis Suppressor Gene KiSS-1 Encodes Kisspeptins, the Natural Ligands of the Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor Gpr54. J Biol Chem (2001) 276(37):34631–636. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M104847200

  • 6

    HorikoshiYMatsumotoHTakatsuYOhtakiTKitadaCUsukiSet al. Dramatic Elevation of Plasma Metastin Concentrations in Human Pregnancy: Metastin as a Novel Placenta-Derived Hormone in Humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2003) 88(2):914–19. doi: 10.1210/jc.2002-021235

  • 7

    DhilloWSSavagePMurphyKGChaudhriOBPattersonMNijherGMet al. Plasma Kisspeptin is Raised in Patients With Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia and Falls During Treatment. Am J Physiol - Endocrinol Metab (2006) 291(5):878–84. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00555.2005

  • 8

    LeeJHMieleMEHicksDJPhillipsKKTrentJMWeissmanBEet al. KiSS-1, a Novel Human Malignant Melanoma Metastasis-Suppressor Gene. J Natl Cancer Inst (1996) 88(23):1731–37. doi: 10.1093/jnci/88.23.1731

  • 9

    WestAVojtaPJWelchDRWeissmanBE. Chromosome Localization and Genomic Structure of the KiSS-1 Metastasis Suppressor Gene (KISS1). Genomics (1998) 54(1):145–8. doi: 10.1006/geno.1998.5566

  • 10

    OhtakiTShintaniYHondaSMatsumotoHHoriAKanehashiKet al. Metastasis Suppressor Gene KiSS-1 Encodes Peptide Ligand of a G-Protein-Coupled Receptor. Nat (2001) 411(6837):613–7. doi: 10.1038/35079135

  • 11

    ParkDWLeeSKHongSRHanARKwak-KimJYangKM. Expression of Kisspeptin and its Receptor GPR54 in the First Trimester Trophoblast of Women With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Am J Reprod Immunol (2012) 67(2):132–9. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01073.x

  • 12

    HuKLChangHMZhaoHCYuYLiRQiaoJ. Potential Roles for the Kisspeptin/Kisspeptin Receptor System in Implantation and Placentation. Hum Reprod Update (2019) 25(3):326–43. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmy046

  • 13

    FrancisVAAberaABMatjilaMMillarRPKatzAA. Kisspeptin Regulation of Genes Involved in Cell Invasion and Angiogenesis in First Trimester Human Trophoblast Cells. PLoS One (2014) 9(6):1–10. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099680

  • 14

    BilbanMGhaffari-TabriziNHintermannEBauerSMolzerSZorattiCet al. Kisspeptin-10, a KiSS-1/Metastin-Derived Decapeptide, is a Physiological Invasion Inhibitor of Primary Human Trophoblasts. J Cell Sci (2004) 117(8):1319–28. doi: 10.1242/jcs.00971

  • 15

    RoseweirAKKatzAAMillarRP. Kisspeptin-10 Inhibits Cell Migration In Vitro via a Receptor-GSK3 Beta-FAK Feedback Loop in HTR8SVneo Cells. Placenta (2012) 33(5):408–15. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.02.001

  • 16

    MaynardSEAnanth KarumanchiS. Angiogenic Factors and Preeclampsia. Semin. Nephrol (2010) 31(1):33–46. doi: 10.1016/S2210-7789(10)60068-2

  • 17

    ThadhaniRMutterWPWolfMLevineRJTaylorRNSukhatmeVPet al. First Trimester Placental Growth Factor and Soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 1 and Risk for Preeclampsia. J Clin Endocr Metab (2004) 89(2):770–75. doi: 10.1210/jc.2003-031244

  • 18

    LevineRJMaynardSEQianCLimK-HEnglandLJYuKFet al. Circulating Angiogenic Factors and the Risk of Preeclampsia. N Engl J Med (2004) 12:672–83. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa031884

  • 19

    WilliamsZ. Inducing Tolerance to Pregnancy. N Engl J Med (2012) 367(12):1159–61. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcibr1207279

  • 20

    AbbaraAAl-MemarMPhylactouMKyriacouCEngPCNadirRet al. Performance of Plasma Kisspeptin as a Biomarker for Miscarriage Improves With Gestational Age During the First Trimester. Fertil Steril (2021) 116(3):809–19. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.04.031

  • 21

    KavvasogluSOzkanZSKumbakBSimsekMIlhanN. Association of Kisspeptin-10 Levels With Abortus Imminens: A Preliminary Study. Arch Gynecol Obstet (2012) 285(3):649–53. doi: 10.1007/s00404-011-2061-0

  • 22

    JayasenaCNAbbaraAIzzi-EngbeayaCComninosANHarveyRAGonzalez MaffeJet al. Reduced Levels of Plasma Kisspeptin During the Antenatal Booking Visit are Associated With Increased Risk of Miscarriage. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2014) 99(12):E2652–60. doi: 10.1210/jc.2014-1953

  • 23

    MumtazAKhalidAJamilZFatimaSSArifSRehmanR. Kisspeptin: A Potential Factor for Unexplained Infertility and Impaired Embryo Implantation. Int J Fertil Steril (2017) 11(2):99–104. doi: 10.22074/ijfs.2017.4957

  • 24

    Sullivan-PykeCHaisenlederDJSenapatiSNicolaisOEisenbergESammelMDet al. Kisspeptin as a New Serum Biomarker to Discriminate Miscarriage From Viable Intrauterine Pregnancy. Fertil Steril (2018) 109(1):137–41. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.09.029

  • 25

    YukselSKetenci GencerF. Serum Kisspeptin, to Discriminate Between Ectopic Pregnancy, Miscarriage and First Trimester Pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol (Lahore) (2022) 0(0):1–5. doi: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2028747

  • 26

    Romero-RuizAAvendañoMSDominguezFLozoyaTMolina-AbrilHSangiao-AlvarellosSet al. Deregulation of miR-324/KISS1/kisspeptin in Early Ectopic Pregnancy: Mechanistic Findings With Clinical and Diagnostic Implications. Am J Obstet Gynecol (2019) 220(5):e1–e17. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.01.228

  • 27

    TorricelliMGalleriLVoltoliniCBiliottiGFlorioPDe BonisMet al. Changes of Placental Kiss-1 mRNA Expression and Maternal/Cord Kisspeptin Levels at Preterm Delivery. Reprod Sci (2008) 15(8):779–84. doi: 10.1177/1933719108322442

  • 28

    AbbaraAAl-MemarMPhylactouMDanielsEPatelBEngPCet al. Changes in Circulating Kisspeptin Levels During Each Trimester in Women With Antenatal Complications. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2022) 107(1):E71–83. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgab617

  • 29

    ArmstrongRAReynoldsRMLeaskRShearingCHCalderAARileySC. Decreased Serum Levels of Kisspeptin in Early Pregnancy are Associated With Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction and Pre-Eclampsia. Prenat Diagn (2009) 29(10):982–5. doi: 10.1002/pd.2328

  • 30

    SmetsEMLDeurlooKLGoATJIVan VugtJMGBlankensteinMAOudejansCBM. Decreased Plasma Levels of Metastin in Early Pregnancy are Associated With Small for Gestational Age Neonates. Prenat Diagn (2008) 28(4):299–303. doi: 10.1002/pd.1969

  • 31

    . AbulfadleKAKhalilSSElnagarWM. Serum Kisspeptin-10 Levels in Pregnant Women Complicated With Intrauterine Growth Restriction With or Without Preeclampsia. Med J Cairo Univ (2018) 86(6):1975–82. doi: 10.21608/mjcu.2018.56929

  • 32

    MatjilaMMillarRvan der SpuyZKatzA. Elevated Placental Expression at the Maternal-Fetal Interface But Diminished Maternal Circulatory Kisspeptin in Preeclamptic Pregnancies. Pregnancy Hypertens (2016) 6(1):79–87. doi: 10.1016/j.preghy.2015.11.001

  • 33

    ZhangHLongQLingLGaoALiHLinQ. Elevated Expression of KiSS-1 in Placenta of Preeclampsia and its Effect on Trophoblast. Reprod Biol (2011) 11(2):99–115. doi: 10.1016/S1642-431X(12)60048-5

  • 34

    Vazquez-AlanizFGalaviz-HernandezCMarchatLASalas-PachecoJMChairez-HernandezIGuijarro-BustillosJJet al. Comparative Expression Profiles for KiSS-1 and REN Genes in Preeclamptic and Healthy Placental Tissues. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol (2011) 159(1):67–71. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2011.07.019

  • 35

    KapustinRVDrobintsevaAOAlekseenkovaENOnopriychukARArzhanovaONPolyakovaVOet al. Placental Protein Expression of Kisspeptin-1 (KISS1) and the Kisspeptin-1 Receptor (KISS1R) in Pregnancy Complicated by Diabetes Mellitus or Preeclampsia. Arch Gynecol Obstet (2020) 301(2):437–45. doi: 10.1007/s00404-019-05408-1

  • 36

    QiaoCWangCZhaoJLiuCShangT. Elevated Expression of KiSS-1 in Placenta of Chinese Women With Early-Onset Preeclampsia. PLoS One (2012) 7(11):1–9. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048937

  • 37

    CartwrightJEWilliamsPJ. Altered Placental Expression of Kisspeptin and its Receptor in Pre-Eclampsia. J Endocrinol (2012) 214(1):79–85. doi: 10.1530/JOE-12-0091

  • 38

    QiaoCWangCShangTLinQ. Clinical Significance of KiSS-1 and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression in Trophoblasts of Women With Preeclampsia and Their Relation to Perinatal Outcome of Neonates. Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi (2005) 40(9):585–90.

  • 39

    MadazliRBulutBTutenAAydinBDemirayakGKucurM. First-Trimester Maternal Serum Metastin, Placental Growth Factor and Chitotriosidase Levels in Pre-Eclampsia. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol (2012) 164(2):146–9. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.06.016

  • 40

    ĆetkovićAMiljicDLjubićAPattersonMGhateiMStamenkovíJet al. Plasma Kisspeptin Levels in Pregnancies With Diabetes and Hypertensive Disease as a Potential Marker of Placental Dysfunction and Adverse Perinatal Outcome. Endocr Res (2012) 37(2):78–88. doi: 10.3109/07435800.2011.639319

  • 41

    LogieJJDenisonFCRileySCRamaeshTForbesSNormanJEet al. Evaluation of Kisspeptin Levels in Obese Pregnancy as a Biomarker for Pre-Eclampsia. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) (2012) 76(6):887–93. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04317.x

  • 42

    ZiyaraaMAHamdanFBMousaLR. Correlation of Kisspeptin-10 Level and Fetal Well-Being in Preeclamptic Patients. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol (2016) 55(6):840–6. doi: 10.1016/j.tjog.2015.10.028

  • 43

    AdaliEKurdogluZKurdogluMKamaciMKolusariAYildizhanR. Metastin Levels in Pregnancies Complicated by Pre-Eclampsia and Their Relation With Disease Severity. J Matern Neonatal Med (2012) 25(12):2671–5. doi: 10.3109/14767058.2012.708369

  • 44

    NijherGMKChaudhriOBRamachandranRMurphyKGZac-VargheseSEKFowlerAet al. The Effects of Kisspeptin-54 on Blood Pressure in Humans and Plasma Kisspeptin Concentrations in Hypertensive Diseases of Pregnancy. Br J Clin Pharmacol (2010) 70(5):674–81. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2010.03746.x

  • 45

    LoeglJNussbaumerECviticSHuppertzBDesoyeGHidenU. GDM Alters Paracrine Regulation of Feto-Placental Angiogenesis via the Trophoblast. Lab Investig (2017) 97:409–18. doi: 10.1038/labinvest.2016.149

  • 46

    ArslanEGorkemUTogrulC. Is There An Association Between Kisspeptin Levels And Gestational Diabetes Mellitus? Gynecol Obstet Reprod Med (2020) 26(3):179–83. doi: 10.21613/GORM.2019.946

  • 47

    BoweJEHillTGHuntKFSmithLIFSimpsonSJSAmielSAet al. A Role for Placental Kisspeptin in β Cell Adaptation to Pregnancy. JCI Insight (2019) 4(20):1–14. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.124540

  • 48

    JanneauJ-LMaldonado-EstradaJTachdjianGMiranIMottéNSaulnierPet al. Transcriptional Expression of Genes Involved in Cell Invasion and Migration by Normal and Tumoral Trophoblast Cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2002) 87(11):5336–9. doi: 10.1210/jc.2002-021093

  • 49

    RamachandranRPattersonMMurphyKGDhilloWSPatelSKazarianAet al. Preanalytical Factors Affecting RIA Measurement of Plasma Kisspeptin. Clin Chem (2008) 54:615–17. doi: 10.1373/clinchem.2007.093005

  • 50

    QuenbySGallosIDDhillon-SmithRKPodesekMStephensonMDFisherJet al. Miscarriage Matters: The Epidemiological, Physical, Psychological, and Economic Costs of Early Pregnancy Loss. Lancet (2021) 397:1658–67. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00682-6

  • 51

    ColakEOzcimenEEErinançOHTohmaYACeranMU. Is Placental KISS-1 Expression Associated With First Trimester Abortion Spontaneous? Obstet Gynecol Sci (2020) 63(4):490–96. doi: 10.5468/ogs.19242

  • 52

    FarrenJJalmbrantMFalconieriNMitchell-JonesNBobdiwalaSAl-MemarMet al. Posttraumatic Stress, Anxiety and Depression Following Miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy: A Multicenter, Prospective, Cohort Study. Am J Obstet Gynecol (2020) 222(4):367.e1–367.e22. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.10.102

  • 53

    YuHLiuJGuoHChenCHanYCuiY. Prognostic Value of Repeated Serum Kisspeptin Measurements in Early First Trimester Pregnancy: A Preliminary Study. Reprod BioMed Online (2019) 38(3):465–71. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.014

  • 54

    GorkemUKanOBostanciMOTaskiranDInalHA. Kisspeptin and Hematologic Parameters as Predictive Biomarkers for First-Trimester Abortions. Medeni Med J (2021) 36(2):98–105. doi: 10.5222/MMJ.2021.32549

  • 55

    HuKLZhangYYangZZhaoHXuHYuYet al. Predictive Value of Serum Kisspeptin Concentration at 14 and 21 Days After Frozen–Thawed Embryo Transfer. Reprod BioMed Online (2019) 39(1):161–7. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.03.202

  • 56

    PetriniASpandorferS. Recurrent Ectopic Pregnancy: Current Perspectives. Int J Women’s Health (2020) 12:597–600 . doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S223909

  • 57

    GoyauxNLekeRKeitaNThonneauP. Ectopic Pregnancy in African Developing Countries. Acta Obstetricia Gynecol Scand (2003) 82:305–12. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2003.00175.x

  • 58

    TaranFAKaganKOHübnerMHoopmannMWallwienerDBruckerS. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy. Dtsch Arztebl Int (2015) 112(41):693–704. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2015.0693

  • 59

    DoubiletPMBensonCBBourneTBlaivasM. Diagnostic Criteria for Nonviable Pregnancy Early in the First Trimester. N Engl J Med (2013) 369(15):1443–51. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1302417

  • 60

    AbalosECuestaCGrossoALChouDSayL. Global and Regional Estimates of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: A Systematic Review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol (2013) 170(1):1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.05.005

  • 61

    MageeLABrownMAHallDRGupteSHennessyAKarumanchiSAet al. The 2021 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy Classification, Diagnosis & Management Recommendations for International Practice. Pregnancy Hypertens (2022) 27:148–69. doi: 10.1016/j.preghy.2021.09.008

  • 62

    BischofPMeisserACampanaA. Paracrine and Autocrine Regulators of Trophoblast Invasion— A Review. Placenta (2000) 21(SUPPL.1):S55–60. doi: 10.1053/plac.2000.0521

  • 63

    StaffAC. The Two-Stage Placental Model of Preeclampsia: An Update. J Reprod Immunol (2019) 134–135(March):1–10. doi: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.07.004

  • 64

    NelsonDBZiadieMSMcIntireDDRogersBBLevenoKJ. Placental Pathology Suggesting That Preeclampsia is More Than One Disease. Am J Obstet Gynecol (2014) 210(1):66.e1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.09.010

  • 65

    KucurMMadazliRBulutBTutenAAydinB. First-Trimester Maternal Serum Metastin , Placental Growth Factor and Chitotriosidase Levels in Pre-Eclampsia. Eur J Obstetrics Gynecol Reprod Biol (2012) 164(2012):146–9. doi: 10.1016/J.EJOGRB.2012.06.016

  • 66

    GomesVCLSonesJL. From Inhibition of Trophoblast Cell Invasion to Proapoptosis: What are the Potential Roles of Kisspeptins in Preeclampsia? Am J Physiol - Regul Integr Comp Physiol (2021) 321(1):R41–8. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00258.2020

  • 67

    KrielessiVPapantoniouNPapageorgiouIChatzipapasIManiosEZakopoulosNet al. Clinical Study Placental Pathology and Blood Pressure’s Level in Women With Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol Int (2012) 2012:6. doi: 10.1155/2012/684083

  • 68

    RyanEAEnnsL. Role of Gestational Hormones in the Induction of Insulin Resistance. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (1988) 67(2):341–7. doi: 10.1210/jcem-67-2-341

  • 69

    BuchananTA. Pancreatic B-Cell Defects in Gestational Diabetes: Implications for the Pathogenesis and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Endocr Metab (2001) 86(3):989–93. doi: 10.1210/jcem.86.3.7339

  • 70

    GuariguataLLinnenkampUBeagleyJWhitingDRChoNH. Global Estimates of the Prevalence of Hyperglycaemia in Pregnancy. Diabetes Res Clin Pract (2014) 103(2):176–85. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2013.11.003

  • 71

    Hauge-EvansACRichardsonCCMilneHMChristieMRPersaudSJJonesPM. A Role for Kisspeptin in Islet Function. Diabetologia (2006) 49:2131–35. doi: 10.1007/S00125-006-0343-Z

  • 72

    BoweJEFootVLAmielSAHuangGCLambMLakeyJet al. GPR54 Peptide Agonists Stimulate Insulin Secretion From Murine, Porcine and Human Islets. Islets (2012) 4(1):20–23. doi: 10.4161/isl.18261

  • 73

    SchwetzTAReissausCAPistonDW. Differential Stimulation of Insulin Secretion by GLP-1 and Kisspeptin-10. PloS One (2014) 9(11):113020. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113020

  • 74

    BoweJEKingAJKinsey-JonesJSFootVLLiXFO’byrneKTet al. Kisspeptin Stimulation of Insulin Secretion: Mechanisms of Action in Mouse Islets and Rats. Diabetologia (2009) 52. doi: 10.1007/S00125-009-1283-1

  • 75

    Izzi-EngbeayaCComninosANClarkeSAJomardAYangLJonesSet al. The Effects of Kisspeptin on β-Cell Function, Serum Metabolites and Appetite in Humans. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (2018) 20(12):2800–10. doi: 10.1111/dom.13460

  • 76

    VikmanJAhrénB. Inhibitory Effect of Kisspeptins on Insulin Secretion From Isolated Mouse Islets. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (2009) 11(4):197–201. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2009.01116.x

  • 77

    TolsonKPMarookiNWolfeASmithJTKauffmanAS. Cre/lox Generation of a Novel Whole-Body Kiss1r KO Mouse Line Recapitulates a Hypogonadal, Obese, and Metabolically-Impaired Phenotype HHS Public Access. Mol Cell Endocrinol (2019) 498:110559. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110559

  • 78

    SmithLIFBoweJE. The Pancreas and the Placenta: Understanding Gestational Diabetes and Why Some Islets Fail to Cope With Pregnancy. Biochem (Lond) (2021) 43(2):42–6. doi: 10.1042/bio_2021_115

  • 79

    VogelJPChawanpaiboonSMollerABWatananirunKBonetMLumbiganonP. The Global Epidemiology of Preterm Birth. Best Pract Research: Clin Obstetrics Gynaecol (2018) 52:3–12. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.04.003

  • 80

    TuckerJMcGuireW. Epidemiology of Preterm Birth. Br Med J (2004) 329(7467):387–91. doi: 10.1136/bmj.329.7467.675

  • 81

    SeymourAJScottVAugustineRABouwerGTCampbellREBrownCH. Development of an Excitatory Kisspeptin Projection to the Oxytocin System in Late Pregnancy. J Physiol (2017) 595(3):825–38. doi: 10.1113/JP273051

  • 82

    UnterscheiderJDalySGearyMPKennellyMMMcAuliffeFMO’DonoghueKet al. Optimizing the Definition of Intrauterine Growth Restriction: The Multicenter Prospective PORTO Study. Am J Obstet Gynecol (2013) 208(4):e1–6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.02.007

  • 83

    McCowanLMERobertsCTDekkerGATaylorRSChanEHYKennyLCet al. Risk Factors for Small-for-Gestational-Age Infants by Customised Birthweight Centiles: Data From an International Prospective Cohort Study. BJOG Int J Obstet Gynaecol (2010) 117(13):1599–1607. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2010.02737.x

  • 84

    ThameMOsmondCBennettFWilksRForresterT. Fetal Growth is Directly Related to Maternal Anthropometry and Placental Volume. Eur J Clin Nutr (2004) 58(6):894–900. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601909

  • 85

    HafnerEMetzenbauerMHöfingerDMunkelMGassnerRSchuchterKet al. Placental Growth From the First to the Second Trimester of Pregnancy in SGA-Foetuses and Pre-Eclamptic Pregnancies Compared to Normal Foetuses. Placenta (2003) 24(4):336–42. doi: 10.1053/plac.2002.0918

  • 86

    BiscaroABragaABerkowitzRS. Diagnóstico, Classificação E Tratamento Da Neoplasia Trofoblástica Gestacional. Rev Bras Ginecol e Obstet (2014) 37(1):42–51. doi: 10.1590/SO100-720320140005198

  • 87

    GoldsteinDPBerkowitzRS. Current Management of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am (2012) 26(1):111–31. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2011.10.007

  • 88

    YangJXiangYWanXYangX. The Prognosis of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia Patient With Residual Lung Tumor After Completing Treatment. Gynecol Oncol (2006) 103(2):479–82. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2006.03.015

  • 89

    HorikoshiYMatsumotoHTakatsuYOhtakiTKitadaCUsukiSet al. Dramatic Elevation of Plasma Metastin Concentrations in Human Pregnancy: Metastin as a Novel Placenta-Derived Hormone in Humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2003) 88(2):914–9. doi: 10.1210/jc.2002-021235

Summary

Keywords

gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pre-ecalmpsia (PET), foetal growth restriction (FGR), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), preterm (birth), miscarriage, kisspeptin

Citation

Tsoutsouki J, Patel B, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS and Abbara A (2022) Kisspeptin in the Prediction of Pregnancy Complications. Front. Endocrinol. 13:942664. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.942664

Received

12 May 2022

Accepted

16 June 2022

Published

19 July 2022

Volume

13 - 2022

Edited by

Junping Wen, Fujian Provincial Hospital, China

Reviewed by

Juan Scheun, University of South Africa, South Africa

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Waljit S. Dhillo, ; Ali Abbara,

†These authors share first authorship

‡These authors share senior authorship

This article was submitted to Reproduction, a section of the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Outline

Figures

Cite article

Copy to clipboard


Export citation file


Share article

Article metrics