Author(s): LISTA, M., ANTINOZZI, C., DI LUIGI, L., SGRÒ, P., ZONCU, L., Institution: ECAMPUS UNIVERSITY, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 2713

INTRODUCTION:
Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide that plays an important role in the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. Kisspeptin hypothalamic expression stimulates Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) production and modulates the pulsatile secretion of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). LH and FSH regulate reproductive function in males and females. In males, LH stimulates testosterone production. In females, LH stimulates ovarian androgen secretion. In endurance sport, athletes show a lot of reproductive dysfunctions. In men, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and lower testosterone levels are observed; in women, hypothalamic amenorrhea is observed. These dysfunctions have been associated with altered GnRH pulsatility, potentially linked to altered kisspeptin activity. Literature evidence suggests an inverse relationship between chronic endurance training and hypothalamic kisspeptin expression. Training load and energy availability can influence kisspeptin regulation. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the acute effect of maximal aerobic exercise on serum kisspeptin concentrations in well trained males.
METHODS:
Six healthy, well trained male university students were recruited to perform a maximal incremental test on cycle ergometer. (60 rpm, every 3 minutes, until exhaustion, workload increased by 30 Watts) blood samples were collected at baseline before the exercise (Pre), immediately post exercise (Post), and at 15 and 30 minutes post exercise. Serum kisspeptin concentration were measured and changes from baseline (Pre) were calculated.
RESULTS:
Kisspeptin increased immediately post exercise (changes Post – Pre: +1.3). At 15 minutes post exercise values remained slightly above baseline (changes Post 15 – Pre: +0.4) At 30 minutes post exercise concentration returned to pre-exercise baseline (changes Post 30 – Pre: -0.2).
CONCLUSION:
Maximal aerobic exercise stimulates an acute increase in circulating kisspeptin in well trained male university students. Although limited by the small sample size, these findings indicate that kisspeptin is responsive to high intensity exercise. Further research is needed to clarify the influence of exercise modality, training load, intensity and energy availability on kisspeptin regulation and its potential role in related with chronic hormonal regulation and reproductive dysfunction.