Meta-analysis Links Lower Kisspeptin Levels to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women, characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and often infertility. Kisspeptin, a crucial neuropeptide, plays a vital role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which governs reproductive function. While individual studies have explored the relationship between kisspeptin and PCOS, a comprehensive, quantitative synthesis of these findings has been lacking, leaving the precise nature and consistency of serum kisspeptin alterations in women with PCOS unclear.

The meta-analysis, pooling data from 15 eligible studies, revealed a significant and consistent association between PCOS and altered serum kisspeptin levels. Specifically, women with PCOS exhibited significantly lower circulating kisspeptin concentrations compared to healthy controls, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.85 (95% CI: -1.10 to -0.60, p<0.001). This reduction translates to an average decrease of approximately 35% in kisspeptin levels in PCOS patients across the included studies. Subgroup analyses suggested that the reduction in kisspeptin was more pronounced in PCOS patients with higher BMI (SMD: -1.02, p<0.01) and those with insulin resistance, though heterogeneity remained substantial. The most striking finding was that 78% of the included studies reported statistically significant lower kisspeptin levels in PCOS women, indicating a consistent pattern despite some inter-study variability.