Figure 1.
Schematic diagram depicting how kisspeptin involved with PCOS. Both kisspeptin neuron and KND-y neuron can generate and release kisspeptin, which binds with the receptors expressed by GnRH neuron, facilitating the release of GnRH. Therefore, over-expressed kisspeptin is expected to cause an enhanced HPG-axis activity, leading to a higher LH/FSH ratio and excessive androgen secretion, which disturbs the function and morphology of ovary and making acne and hirsutism more susceptible. KND-y neuron, Kisspeptin-Neurokinin B-Dynorphin Neuron; kp, Kisspeptin; GnRH, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; LH, Luteinizing Hormone; FSH, Follicular-stimulating Hormone; PR, Progesterone receptor; ERα, Estrogen receptor-α.
Feedback of sex steroid for KND-y neuron has been confirmed.
Feedback of steroid for Kisspeptin neuron has not been confirmed yet.