King's College London

Kisspeptin has well-established critical roles in the control of reproduction and fertility. Recently, evidence has emerged that suggests kisspeptin may have additional roles in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Conflicting reports on the effects of kisspeptin on insulin secretion in animal models have been published, which cannot be fully accounted for by the different kisspeptin isoforms and range of kisspeptin doses used in these studies. Human studies have demonstrated associations between circulating kisspeptin levels and measures of insulin secretion and insulin resistance; and the only published interventional study has confirmed kisspeptin enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in humans. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of kisspeptin on the pancreatic β-cell and to determine the therapeutic potential of kisspeptin receptor agonist in the treatment of disorders of glucose homeostasis.