Kisspeptin to measure GnRH neuron function in people with and without post-COVID-19 syndrome
Official title: Kisspeptin to Quantify GnRH Neuronal Function in Health and Disease
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT07224490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will give one intravenous kisspeptin dose and take frequent blood samples to see if people with post-COVID-19 syndrome have different GnRH/LH hormone responses than people who had COVID but did not develop long COVID.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 2030 |
| Study ends | May 2030 |
| Registry record updated | July 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07224490 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults who had prior COVID infection—either diagnosed with post-COVID-19 syndrome (cases) or recovered without post-COVID-19 syndrome (controls)—women aged 18–45 and men aged 18–60 with normal blood pressure and acceptable hemoglobin who are not on or can stop medications that affect the reproductive axis.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are pregnant, actively using illicit drugs, drinking heavily, have unstable medical or psychiatric conditions, or cannot discontinue medications that affect the reproductive axis are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-site, Phase 1 case-control protocol gives a single IV bolus of kisspeptin (0.313–13.19 μg/kg) to people with post-COVID-19 syndrome and to controls who had prior COVID infection without ongoing post-COVID symptoms. Participants undergo 1–2 hours of blood sampling every 10 minutes to define LH pulse characteristics before and after kisspeptin administration. The study compares neuroendocrine responses between groups to quantify GnRH neuronal function with high temporal resolution. Eligible adults include females 18–45 and males 18–60 who meet blood pressure and hemoglobin criteria and are not taking (or can wash out) medications that affect the reproductive axis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could show whether post-COVID-19 syndrome alters GnRH/LH signaling and help guide diagnosis and future treatments for reproductive symptoms after COVID.
How similar studies have gone: Kisspeptin has been used in prior human studies to provoke GnRH/LH responses and map reproductive neuroendocrine function, but using it specifically to study post-COVID-19 syndrome is a novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Female (ages 18-45 years) or Male (ages 18-60 years) * No current or recent use of a medication (including hormonal replacement) that, in the opinion of a study investigator, can modulate the reproductive axis or willing to complete an appropriate washout for that particular medication and its method of administration * For women, negative serum hCG pregnancy test * For cases, diagnosis of post-covid-19 syndrome * For controls, history of prior covid infection but no diagnosis of post-covid-19 syndrome Exclusion Criteria * Any condition (medical, mental, or behavioral) that, in the opinion of a study investigator, would likely interfere with participation in/completion of the protocol or the interpretation of results * Active use of illicit drugs (not including marijuana) * For women, * Pregnant * Trying to become pregnant during protocol participation * Breast feeding * Surgical or natural menopause
Where it's running
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: MGHKisspeptinResearch@partners.org
- Phone: 617-643-2308
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.