Plasma ghrelin concentrations are positively associated with carotid artery atherosclerosis in males

Abstract

Ghrelin, a peptide hormone from stomach, stimulates food intake and decreases fat utilization. Ghrelin binds to growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). GHSR density has been shown to be upregulated in atherosclerotic lesions, but the relationship between ghrelin concentration and atherosclerosis has not yet been studied. We, therefore, characterized the association between ghrelin concentration and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) in a population-based cohort of 1024 middle-aged (40-60 years) men and women. Intima-media thickness and the number of atherosclerotic plaques were determined ultrasonographically. Fasting plasma ghrelin concentrations were analysed using RIA-kit (PhoenixPeptide). There was a positive association between mean IMT and ghrelin concentration in the analysis of males before and after adjustments for the traditional risk factors of atherosclerosis [age, systolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), and smoking (ancova, P = 0.004 and P = 0.007, respectively)]. However, no such association was found in females (P = 0.985 and P = 0.915). There was no correlation between ghrelin and CRP concentrations or ghrelin and smoking. Ghrelin concentrations and carotid artery atherosclerosis are positively associated in males even after adjustment for the commonly recognized risk factors of atherosclerosis. Experimental and prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the role of ghrelin in atherosclerosis.