Seminal Plasma Kisspeptin-1 and Kisspeptin-54 Levels Are Associated With Semen Parameters and Oxidative Stress in Male Infertility

This study measured two kisspeptin peptides in seminal plasma from men with different fertility statuses and found that levels fell as infertility severity increased. Higher kisspeptin levels were linked to better sperm concentration and motility and to lower oxidative stress, suggesting kisspeptins could be a marker of male infertility.

Journal article — Retrospective cross-sectional study. Population: Men attending an in vitro fertilization centre. Sample size: 50 men.

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.

For researchers studying kisspeptin, this paper provides evidence that seminal plasma kisspeptin-1 and kisspeptin-54 track semen quality and oxidative stress in infertile men, suggesting a role in the seminal microenvironment. It does not establish kisspeptin as a validated biomarker or demonstrate causality, and it provides no data on kisspeptin outside the seminal compartment or on clinical outcomes.

Key findings

• Kisspeptin-1 and Kisspeptin-54 levels decreased progressively from normozoospermia to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) to azoospermia (p < 0.05).
• Both kisspeptins were positively associated with sperm concentration and progressive motility (p < 0.01).
• Both kisspeptins were negatively associated with total oxidant capacity (TOC) and oxidative stress index (OSI) (p < 0.01).
• Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was higher in normozoospermic men, whereas oxidative load was increased in azoospermic individuals.
• Regression analysis showed seminal kisspeptin levels were significantly associated with sperm concentration and progressive motility.

Limitations

• Authors state further validation is required.
• Retrospective cross-sectional design prevents causal inference.
• Single-centre study with a small sample size (n = 50).
• Findings are associative; no mechanistic or interventional evidence.

The record

• Journal: Clinical endocrinology
• Published: 2026-08-07
• PMID: 42566672 — DOI: 10.1111/cen.70199

Peptide profiles: Kisspeptin.

All indexed evidence: Kisspeptin trials & papers.

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