Effect of kisspeptin-54 treatment on VEGF and PEDF levels in granulosa cells in experimental OHSS model

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Kisspeptin-54 on ovarian morphology and VEGF, PEDF, PKA and PKC levels in OHSS rat model. Material and method: Immature female Sprague-dawley rats (n=30, 25 days old, 30-40gr) were randomly divided into 5 groups (control, sham, OHSS model, short-term kisspeptin-54 administrated OHSS model and long-term kisspeptin-54 administrated OHSS model). Serum LH and FSH levels were determined by ELISA. qRT-PCR analysis was performed for VEGF, PEDF, PKA, PKC in isolated oocytes and granulosa cells from right ovaries. Oocytes were stained with an immunofluorescence method for alpha-tubulin. Left ovarian tissues were evaluated morphologically and by immunohistochemical methods for VEGF, PEDF, PKA, PKC. Results: In OHSS group, dilatation in fallopian tubes, abnormal increase in weight and volume in ovaries were observed. It was determined that effects decreased in short- and long-term Kisspeptin-54 administrated groups.It was observed that while developing follicles and corpus luteums decreased, cystic and atretic follicles increased in OHSS group, developing follicle and corpus luteum increased and atretic and cystic follicles decreased in Kisspeptin-54 administrated groups. It was found that VEGF, PKA, PKC levels increased in mRNA and protein levels, while PEDF levels decreased in granulosa cells in OHSS group. It was indicated that these effects improved in Kisspeptin-54 groups. It was observed that oocytes were immature in all groups and mature oocytes were ovulated before sacrification. It was determined that long-term Kisspeptin-54 administrated group was more effective than short-term administration. Conclusions: It was determined that Kisspeptin-54 had reducing of OHSS symtoms. Kisspeptin-54 is thought to be an agent that can be trigger oocyte maturation in women at risk of OHSS.