Seminal Plasma Kisspeptin‐1 and Kisspeptin‐54 Levels Are Associated With Semen Parameters and Oxidative Stress in Male Infertility
Oya Korkmaz, Seda Karabulut, Pelin MacitABSTRACT
Objective
Kisspeptin‐1 and Kisspeptin‐54 are key regulators of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and may play a role in male reproductive function. This study aimed to evaluate the association between seminal plasma kisspeptin levels and male infertility, and to examine their relationships with semen parameters and oxidative stress markers.
Design
Retrospective cross‐sectional study.
Methods
Fifty men attending an in vitro fertilization centre were classified into normozoospermia ( n = 20), oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) ( n = 18) and azoospermia ( n = 12) groups according to WHO 2021 criteria. Seminal plasma Kisspeptin‐1 and Kisspeptin‐54 levels were measured using ELISA. Oxidative stress parameters, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC) and oxidative stress index (OSI), were assessed using spectrophotometric methods. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between variables.
Results
Kisspeptin‐1 and Kisspeptin‐54 levels showed a progressive decrease with increasing infertility severity (normozoospermia→OAT→azoospermia; p < 0.05). Both kisspeptins were positively associated with sperm concentration and progressive motility, and negatively associated with TOC and OSI ( p < 0.01). TAC levels were higher in normozoospermic men, whereas oxidative load was increased in azoospermic individuals. Regression analyses indicated that seminal kisspeptin levels were significantly associated with sperm concentration and progressive motility. Parallel alterations in kisspeptin levels and oxidative stress markers suggest a relationship between these peptides and the seminal microenvironment.
Conclusions
Seminal plasma kisspeptin levels are associated with semen quality and oxidative stress parameters in male infertility. These findings suggest that kisspeptin may represent a potential biomarker candidate for the evaluation of male infertility, although further validation is required.