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Can kisspeptin be a new treatment for sexual dysfunction?

Bakker, Julie

2025 • In Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

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https://hdl.handle.net/2268/330373

DOI
10.1016/j.tem.2025.03.002

PubMed
40189467

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Keywords :

GnRH; amygdala; gonadotropins; hypothalamus; kisspeptin; olfaction; sexual motivation

Abstract :

[en] The neuropeptide kisspeptin activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and influences neural circuits controlling sexual behavior. Animal studies have determined its sex-specific roles in reproductive behaviors, whereas human research has linked kisspeptin to increased brain activity in regions associated with sexual and emotional processing, making it a potential treatment for disorders of sexual desire. Here I discuss the current evidence on the promise of kisspeptin as a therapy for sexual dysfunction, highlight the challenges currently hindering its application, and advocate future studies focusing on sex-specific effects and interactions within the neuroendocrine system. Understanding its broader physiological roles and improving delivery methods will be key to unlocking kisspeptin's therapeutic potential.

Disciplines :

Neurosciences & behavior

Author, co-author :

Bakker, Julie ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences biomédicales et précliniques > Biologie de la différenciation sexuelle du cerveau

Language :

English

Title :

Can kisspeptin be a new treatment for sexual dysfunction?

Publication date :

05 April 2025

Journal title :

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism

ISSN :

1043-2760

eISSN :

1879-3061

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Funders :

F.R.S.-FNRS - Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique

Available on ORBi :

since 07 April 2025

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