Metabolic Regulation of Kisspeptin - Kisspeptin Signaling in Reproductive Biology - page 353

Chapter 17
Metabolic Regulation of Kisspeptin
Juan Manuel Castellano and Manuel Tena-Sempere
Abstract Body energy balance and metabolic signals are important modulators of
puberty and reproductive function, so that perturbations of metabolism and energy
reserves (ranging from persistent energy insuffi ciency to morbid obesity) are fre-
quently linked to reproductive disorders. The mechanisms for the tight association
between body metabolic state and reproduction are multifaceted, and likely involve
numerous peripheral hormones and central transmitters. In recent years, a promi-
nent role of kisspeptins in the central pathways responsible for conveying metabolic
information into the brain centers responsible for reproductive control, and specifi -
cally GnRH neurons, has been proposed on the basis of a wealth of expression and
functional data. In this chapter, we will summarize such evidence, with special
attention to the potential (direct and/or indirect) interaction of leptin and kisspeptin
pathways. In addition, other potential metabolic modulators of kisspeptin signaling,
as well as some of the putative molecular mechanisms for the metabolic regulation
of Kiss1 will be briefl y reviewed. Confl ictive data, including those questioning an
essential role of Kiss1 neurons in mediating leptin effects on the reproductive axis,
will be also discussed. All in all, we aim to provide an integral and balanced view
of the physiological relevance and potential mechanisms for the metabolic control
of the kisspeptin system, as important pathway for the integral regulation of energy
balance, puberty onset, and fertility.
J. M. Castellano • M. Tena-Sempere, M.D., Ph.D. ( * )
Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba,
Avda. Mendndez Pidal s/n , 14004 Cordoba , Spain
e-mail: [e-mail]; [e-mail]