Kisspeptin and GPR54 Receptor Expression in Endometrial Cancer Tissue

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the female genitalia. Depending on the type and stage of EC, different classical treatment methods are used. Those methods could be supported by targeted medicine—a form of cancer therapy based on the influence of certain substances on specific cellular mechanisms, resulting in the inhibition of cell division in the tumor. The basic condition is the presence of receptors for those agents in the malignant cells. Kisspeptin (KISS) is a natural peptide with properties inhibiting the growth of metastatic cells; moreover, it induces apoptosis in them. KISS has also a predictive value—its lower expression correlates with a poor prognosis. KISS has a favorable toxicity profile—it does not cause significant side effects. The study aims to analyze the expression of KISS and its receptor in cells of various histological types of the EC in correlation with concomitant diseases and biometric characteristics. ABSTRACT: Kisspeptin (KISS) is a natural peptide—discovered in 1996 as a factor inhibiting the ability to metastasize in malignant melanoma. This protein plays also a regulatory role in the process of puberty, the menstrual cycle, spermatogenesis, implantation and development of the human placenta. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of KISS and its receptor GPR54 in endometrial cancer (EC) tissue, depending on the histological type of cancer, its stage, various demographic characteristics, and clinical conditions in 214 hysterectomy patients. Expression of KISS and GPR54 was confirmed in 99.5% and 100% of the cases, respectively. Hormone replacement therapy and the coexistence of the anti-Müllerian type 2 receptor in cancer tissue enhanced KISS expression. Smoking, on the other hand, decreased KISS expression. GPR54 expression increased with the advancement of the disease (according to FIGO classification). Also, the presence of the anti-Müllerian type 2 receptor in EC increased the level of GPR54. Hypertension, age and miscarriage harmed the presence of GPR54. The histological type of cancer, diabetes type 2, body mass index, hormonal contraception, number of deliveries, birth weight of newborns, breastfeeding time, and the presence of AMH in EC tissue were not associated with the expression of either KISS nor GPR54. The KISS level was also significantly related to the GPR54 level. Considering that KISS is a non-toxic peptide with antimetastatic properties, further investigation is essential to determine the clinical significance of this peptide.