Investigating how a natural hormone called kisspeptin affects social and emotional brain processing
This study investigates how a natural hormone called kisspeptin affects how our brains process social situations and emotions. We're looking for men, both with and without autism, to help us understand this better. Autism can make social interactions and understanding feelings more challenging, and many autistic people experience anxiety in social settings. While kisspeptin is known for its role in reproduction, our past research suggests it also influences emotions. This study will use brain scans (fMRI) and questionnaires to see how kisspeptin changes brain activity related to emotions in both groups. By comparing these findings, we hope to gain insights into how the brain handles emotions, potentially helping future research support autistic individuals.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about understanding how our brains handle social situations and emotions. We know that conditions like autism can make these things quite different for people, often leading to challenges with making friends, understanding feelings, and sometimes causing more anxiety, especially in social settings. Because of this, scientists want to learn more about how the brain controls these important parts of our lives.
A natural hormone in our bodies, called kisspeptin, is at the heart of this research. While it's best known for its role in controlling hormones related to reproduction, new studies are showing that it might also play a part in how our brains work, including how we process certain feelings. We haven't yet looked at how kisspeptin affects people with autism, so this study is an important step.
The main goal is to explore how kisspeptin changes brain activity in areas linked to social and emotional processing. We'll be comparing men who have an autism diagnosis with men who don't. By looking at how kisspeptin affects both groups, we hope to get a clearer picture of how the brain helps us manage our emotions. This knowledge could be really helpful for future research aiming to support autistic people and improve their well-being.
Key takeaways
- Exploring how a natural hormone, kisspeptin, affects emotions and social behaviour.
- Compares men with and without autism.
- Involves brain scans (fMRI) and questionnaires.
- Aims to understand brain activity related to emotions.
- Could help future research to support autistic people.
- Kisspeptin is generally considered safe and naturally occurs in the body.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for men aged between 18 and 60 years old. You need to be right-handed and capable of understanding what the study involves and giving your permission to take part.
We are looking for two groups of men: one group who has been formally diagnosed with autism by the NHS or a recognised provider, and another group who does not have an autism diagnosis and has not shown signs of autism in a screening questionnaire.
You would not be able to take part if you have any serious health conditions, are on medications that might interfere with the study results, or have any metal implants in your body that would make an MRI scan unsafe. You also shouldn't have severe eyesight problems that would stop you from seeing study materials, or if you find it difficult to stay still or have claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces) that would prevent you from having an MRI scan.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a man aged between 18 and 60?
- Are you right-handed?
- Do you have a formal autism diagnosis OR no autism diagnosis?
- Can you understand and agree to take part in the study?
- Do you not have any metal implants that would stop you from having an MRI scan?
- Are you able to lie still and don't feel claustrophobic easily?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, your journey will start with a 'screening' visit at Charing Cross Hospital. During this visit, you'll meet the research team. They'll ask about your health history, do some basic checks like blood pressure, and you'll fill out questionnaires about your mood and thinking. If you have autism but haven't had a detailed diagnostic test recently, the team might do one to confirm your diagnosis.
After the screening, if you're eligible, you'll attend two main study visits, each lasting about 3 hours. These will take place at Hammersmith Hospital. At each visit, you'll receive a small injection under your skin – it will either be the kisspeptin hormone or a dummy treatment (salt water). You'll receive both, but on different days, and you won't know which one you're getting each time. You'll then have a brain scan called an fMRI, which shows parts of your brain that are active. While in the scanner, you'll do simple tasks related to emotions and social situations. We'll also take blood samples to check your hormone levels, and you'll complete more mood and anxiety questionnaires before and after the scan. Finally, you'll do a short attention test.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Imperial College LondonApproximateLondon, England
- Perceptive London Imaging CentreCity onlyLondon, England
Common questions
What is kisspeptin?
Kisspeptin is a natural hormone found in your body that helps control other hormones, especially those involved in reproduction. Recent studies suggest it can also affect how your brain works, including emotions.
What is an fMRI scan?
An fMRI scan is a type of brain scan that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of your brain and show which parts are active when you're doing certain tasks.
Will I know if I'm getting kisspeptin or the placebo?
No, you won't know when you're receiving the real hormone or the dummy injection (placebo). This is to ensure the study results are as fair and unbiased as possible.
How long will the study take in total?
After your initial screening visit, you will have two main study visits. Each of these visits will last about 3 hours.
Where does the study take place?
The screening visit is at Charing Cross Hospital, and the two study visits with the brain scans are at Hammersmith Hospital in White City, London.
How to find out more
Agathoklis Efthymiadis
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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