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Kisspeptins and Glucose Homeostasis in Pregnancy: Implications for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus—a Review Article

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Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is becoming an increasingly common complication of pregnancy with the global rise of obesity. The precise pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning GDM are yet to be fully elucidated. Kisspeptin, a peptide encoded by the KISS1 gene, is mainly expressed by placental syncytiotrophoblasts during pregnancy. It is an essential ligand for kisspeptin 1 receptor (KISS1R), which is expressed by both the villous and invasive extravillous cytotrophoblast cells. Circulatory kisspeptins rise dramatically in the second and third trimester of pregnancy coinciding with the period of peak insulin resistance. Kisspeptins stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion and decreased plasma levels inversely correlate with markers of insulin resistance. Additionally, kisspeptins play a critical role in the regulation of appetite, energy utilisation and glucose homeostasis. GDM pregnancies have been associated with low circulatory kisspeptins, despite higher placental kisspeptin and KISS1R expression. This review evaluates the role of kisspeptin in insulin secretion, resistance and regulation of appetite as well as its implications in GDM.

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  1. Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa and Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    Ezekiel Musa & Naomi S. Levitt

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    Mushi Matjila

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  1. Ezekiel Musa
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Musa, E., Matjila, M. & Levitt, N.S. Kisspeptins and Glucose Homeostasis in Pregnancy: Implications for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus—a Review Article. Reprod. Sci. 29, 321–327 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-020-00437-7

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