Ghrelin Levels Research Articles

Early nutritional programming in sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus) with dietary soybean meal: Assessment of growth performance, body composition, and expression of GH, IGF-I, and Ghrelin genes.

This study was performed to assess the impacts of introducing diets containing different levels of soybean meal (SBM) to sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus) larvae on growth performance, body composition, and molecular responses in the juvenile stage. The sterlet larvae (57.68 ± 0.66 mg) were weaned onto the formulated diets as follows: a control diet containing 60% fishmeal (FM), and three experimental diets with replacement levels of 15% (SBM15), 30% (SBM30), and 45% (SBM45) of FM with SBM. Then, a total of 260 fish (initial weight: 323.33 ± 11.76 mg) were fed the four different diets for 28 days in triplicates (phase 1, nutritional programming, NP). All treatments were then fed with the FM diet in phase 2 (common phase), and in phase 3 (challenge phase), all experimental groups (6.14 ± 0.08 g) were transitioned to SBM45 for 28 days. At the end of phases 1 and 2, growth performance showed no significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05), while significantly improved in SBM45 than the control at the end of phase 3 (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the groups in any phases for whole body composition (P > 0.05). Additionally, the total saturated fatty acids were significantly higher in SBM-based diets than FM at the end of phase 3 (P < 0.05). The mRNA of GH, IGF-I was significantly affected by variation of FM replacement level (P < 0.05). The expression level of Ghrelin was up-regulated in fish fed SBM at the end of phase 3 (P < 0.05). Our findings revealed that NP can positively enhance the adaptation of juvenile sterlet sturgeon to 45% SBM when exposed to the same diets at the larval stage. Further research is being carried out to provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of digestive performance for this species.

A link between ghrelin and major depressive disorder: a mini review.

Ghrelin is primarily responsible for regulating energy balance, as it increases appetite. However, in recent years, its new physiological functions have been discovered-it regulates lipogenesis, plays a role in the development of insulin resistance, and even acts protectively on heart muscle. Moreover, ghrelin was associated with many psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) or schizophrenia. Ghrelin levels were elevated in patients diagnosed with depression and in patients after suicide attempts. Moreover, ghrelin was connected to depression among postmenopausal women and was shown to be a predictive marker of MDD among the elderly. Ghrelin may influence mood disorders in various ways: by regulating stress response or inflammation or altering neurotransmission in the amygdala, dorsal raphe nucleus, or hippocampus, brain regions previously connected to the pathophysiology of MDD. Genetic variants of ghrelin and its receptor have also been associated with depression. Moreover, ghrelin can interfere with the antidepressant's action and may play a role in treatment resistance. This review highlights ghrelin's role in depression, summarizes the existing knowledge on the subject, and presents ideas for further research.

Comparing massa medicata fermentata before and after charred in terms of digestive promoting effect via metabolomics and microbiome analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMassa Medicata Fermentata, a fermented Chinese medicine, is produced by the fermentation of six traditional Chinese medicines. Liu Shenqu (LSQ) and charred Liu Shenqu (CLSQ) have been used for strengthening the spleen and enhancing digestion for over a thousand years, and CLSQ is commonly used in clinical practice. However, it is unclear whether there is a difference in the spleen strengthening and digestion effects between LSQ and CLSQ, as well as their mechanisms of action. Aim of studyThis study aims to compare the effects of LSQ and CLSQ on the digestive function of functional dyspepsia (FD) rats and reveal their mechanisms of action. Materials and methodsSPF grade SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group, model group, Liu Shenqu decoction low-dosage (LSQ LD) group, Liu Shenqu decoction high-dosage (LSQ HD) group, charred Liu Shenqu decoction low-dosage (CLSQ LD) group, and charred Liu Shenqu decoction high-dosage (CLSQ HD) group. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with reserpine to create an FD model and then treated by intragastric administration. During this period, record the weight and food intake of the animals. After 18 days of treatment, specimens of the gastric antrum, spleen, and duodenum of rats were taken for pathological staining and immunohistochemical detection of Ghrelin protein expression. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the concentration of relevant gastrointestinal hormones in serum. The 16 S rDNA sequencing method was used to evaluate the effect of cecal contents on the structure of the gut microbiota in experimental rats. Plasma metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) to further reveal their mechanism of action. ResultsLSQ and CLSQ improved the pathological tissue histological structure of FD rats and increased the levels of MTL and GAS hormones in serum and the levels of ghrelin in the gastric antrum, spleen, and duodenum, while reducing VIP, CCK, and SP hormone levels. The above results showed that the therapeutic efficacy of CLSQ is better than that of LSQ. Futhermore, the mechanism of action of LSQ and CLSQ were revealed. The 16 S rDNA sequencing results showed that both LSQ and CLSQ can improve the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. And metabolomic analysis demonstrated that 20 metabolites changed after LSQ treatment, and 16 metabolites underwent continuous changes after CLSQ treatment. Further analysis revealed that LSQ mainly intervened in the metabolic pathways of glycerol phospholipid metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism, but CLSQ mainly intervened in the metabolic pathways of ether lipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. ConclusionsBoth LSQ and CLSQ can improve functional dyspepsia in FD rats, but CLSQ has a stronger improvement effect on FD. Although their mechanisms of action are all related to regulating gastrointestinal hormone secretion, significantly improving intestinal microbiota disorders, and improving multiple metabolic pathways, but the specific gut microbiota and metabolic pathways they regulate are different.

Human milk-specific fat components enhance the secretion of ghrelin by MGN3-1 cells.

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are a major fat component in human milk. Since gastric lipase produces 1,2-diacylglycerol from TAGs, we focused on the bioactivity of human milk-derived diacylglycerols in stomach cells. Ghrelin is produced in the stomach and acts as an important regulator of growth hormone secretion and energy homeostasis. In this study, we showed that 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OP) increased ghrelin secretion, whereas 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OPO), a major component of human milk TAGs, did not increase ghrelin secretion in the ghrelin-secreting cell line, MGN3-1. Therefore, diacylglycerol OP may directly contribute to the regulation of ghrelin secretion. We also found that 2-palmitoylglycerol and 1- and 2-oleoylglycerol increased ghrelin secretion. Finally, we demonstrated that intracellular cAMP levels and preproghrelin and ghrelin O-acyl transferase expression levels were enhanced by OP treatment in MGN3-1 cells. This may represent an example of a novel mother-infant interaction mediated by fat components derived from human breast milk.

Study of the relationship between ghrel in hormone and nitric oxide in patients with chronic kidney disease in thi-qar governorate – IRAQ

Objective: When abnormalities in kidney structure or function are evident for more than three months, it is referred to as chronic kidney disease (CKD), a complicated and progressive chronic disorder that can have devastating health effects. Either reduced glomerular filtration rate or indicators of renal injury could be evident. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are increasingly choosing PD, HD, and kidney transplantation as treatments to extend their lives because of the development of renal replacement therapies, such as kidney transplantation, hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and continuous renal replacement therapy (which is frequently used for acute renal failure). Loss of muscle mass may result from dialysis treatments that increase protein breakdown and decrease protein synthesis. These reactions continue after dialysis. The purpose of this research is to look into the connection between the ghrelin. Materials and Method: In order to determine the blood lipid profile and Ghrelin hormone levels, 90 individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) on dialysis were divided into 45 males, 45 females, and 90 healthy subjects. The Ghrelin hormone concentration was compared with the other biochemical parameters, and the relationship between the hormones Ghrelin and Nitric Oxide was also found. Results: Ninety healthy subjects and ninety chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with dialysis had their blood lipid profiles and Ghrelin hormone and nitric oxide levels measured. The results included a comparison of the hormone's concentration with other biochemical parameters and the identification of the hormone's relationship with nitric oxide. Results: When compared to the control group, dialysis patients' nitric oxide levels significantly decreased (p≤0.05). There were no discernible variations in the levels of serum nitric oxide between the sexes. (p &lt; 0.05).Ghrelin levels in the blood serum of dialysis patients were significantly lower than those in the control group (p≤0.05). Additionally, it was demonstrated that the level of the hormone Ghrelin was significantly lower in females than in males (p≤0.05). Conclusion: When comparing dialysis patients to the control group, we detect a significant drop in the levels of Ghrelin Hormone and Nitric Oxide in patients with chronic kidney disease.It follows that low nitric oxide and ghrelin levels in chronic renal disease patients can cause kidney failure to progress to an advanced degree and eventually require dialysis.

Targeted metabolomics revealed the mechanisms underlying the role of Liansu capsule in ameliorating functional dyspepsia

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLiansu capsule could alleviate dyspeptic symptoms; however, the mechanisms underlying its role in treating functional dyspepsia (FD) remain unclear. Aim of the studyTo elucidate the mechanism underlying the efficacy of Liansu capsule in alleviating FD symptoms. Materials and methodsThirty-six male mice were randomly divided into the following six groups: control, model, low-strength Liansu, moderate-strength Liansu, high-strength Liansu, and domperidone groups. Small intestine propulsion rate, gastric residual rate and histopathological analysis were performed to evaluate efficacy of Liansu capsule. Levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, phosphorylation of p65, ghrelin and gastrin were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence assays. Targeted metabolomic analyses, western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were used to explore the mechanism of Liansu capsule in ameliorating FD. ResultsThe Liansu capsule significantly ameliorated the symptoms of FD, and markedly increased the levels of ghrelin and gastrin. Moreover, Liansu capsule significantly downregulated the levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and inhibited the phosphorylation of p65. Targeted metabolomic analyses showed that Liansu capsule significantly reduced the levels of deoxycholic acid and hyodeoxycholic acid, which were significantly elevated in the model group. Furthermore, these results showed that deoxycholic acid and hyodeoxycholic acid markedly promoted the levels of Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) in vitro. whereas, Liansu capsule significantly reduced the levels of TGR5, phosphorylated STAT3, and KLF5. ConclusionOur findings indicated that Liansu capsule improved FD by regulating the deoxycholic acid/hyodeoxycholic acid-TGR5-STAT3-KLF5 axis. The findings reveal a novel mechanism underlying the role of Liansu capsule, which may be a promising therapeutic strategy for FD.

Differences in the levels of the appetite peptides ghrelin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine, and glucagon-like peptide-1 between obesity classes and lean controls.

This study was designed to compare basal concentrations of the gastrointestinal appetite modulators ghrelin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) between obesity classes and obesity classes and controls. The study included 49 healthy controls with body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m² and 62 individuals with obesity with BMI ≥30 kg/m². Basal ghrelin, PYY, and GLP-1 concentrations of the samples were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay commercial kit (SunRed Human). Other biochemical parameters were measured by a clinical chemistry autoanalyzer (Beckman Coulter AU 5800) in the biochemistry laboratory. Compared with the control group, ghrelin, PYY, and GLP-1 levels were significantly lower in the obese group (P < .05). The PYY concentration was significantly different between obese groups (P < .05). The PYY and GLP-1 levels were significantly different between obesity class I and obesity class III. In addition, ghrelin levels were significantly different between obesity class II and obesity class III. Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between BMI and serum ghrelin, GLP-1, and PYY concentrations. Low basal ghrelin, GLP-1, and PYY hormones in the obese group compared with the control group indicate impaired appetite regulation in this population. The significant difference in PYY levels between obese groups was associated with increasing obesity grade.

Leptin, Nesfatin-1, Orexin-A, and Total Ghrelin Levels in Drug-Naive Panic Disorder.

This study aimed to examine the changes in serum nesfatin-1, leptin, orexin-A, and total ghrelin levels of patients diagnosed with drug-naive panic disorder (PD) before and after six weeks of the treatment and to compare the findings with the healthy subjects. The neuropeptides were measured in venous blood samples taken from 32 patients and 32 healthy subjects. The blood samples of the patients who used paroxetine 20 mg/day plus alprazolam 0.5 mg/day were retaken again after six weeks. Measurements were performed with the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Serum nesfatin-1, leptin, orexin-A and total ghrelin levels of the patient group were found to be significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). When the serum nesfatin-1, leptin, orexin-A and total ghrelin levels of the patient group were compared before and after treatment, significant differences were found in terms of orexin-A and total ghrelin levels (p=0.046, p<0.001, respectively). However, no significant differences were found in terms of nesfatin-1and leptin levels (p=0.205, p=0.988, respectively). This study reports that PD, like other anxiety disorders, may affect serum nesfatin-1, leptin, orexin-A, and total ghrelin levels, and there may be a relationship between PD treatment and the levels of these neuropeptides. The variability of this relationship among the neuropeptides examined indicates that various factors other than treatment play a role in this process.

Changes in hormonal status after restrictive bariatric interventions

The purpose of the work was to study the impact of bariatric surgeries on hormonal status in patients with morbid obesity. The ghrelin levels were evaluated in 26 morbidly obese patients who underwent restrictive bariatric surgeries (13 gastric plications and 13 gastric sleeve resections). The initial level of ghrelin in the blood of the patients with morbid obesity was lower compared to the levels observed with normal body weight. We did not observe the reduction of ghrelin level expected after the resection of the fundus ghrelin-producing part of the stomach. The clinical study indicates that changes in gastric volume after restrictive bariatric interventions (sleeve resection or gastric plication) are accompanied by a slight increase in blood ghrelin levels. This increase is greater the higher the percentage of body weight loss after surgery. More in-depth study of this topic will help identify new strategies for treating morbid obesity in the future.

Ghrelin and depressive symptoms in patients with first-episode drug-naïve major depressive disorder: The mediating role of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the global burdens of disease, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. An increasing amount of research indicates that ghrelin regulates mood in patients with MDD. Still, current results are inconsistent, and the mechanisms underlying how ghrelin modulates depressive symptoms are inconclusive, especially in first-episode drug-naïve MDD patients. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship and potential mechanism between ghrelin and first-episode drug-naïve MDD. Ninety first-episode drug-naïve MDD patients and 65 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) as a measure of depressive symptoms. Plasma levels of ghrelin and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) hormones were measured in all participants. Compared to HCs, the ghrelin levels were higher in the MDD (p < .001) and still showed significance after covarying for sex, age, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Ghrelin was positively related to corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH) levels (r = .867, p < .001), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels (r = .830, p < .001), and cortisol levels (r = .902, p < .001) in partial correlation analysis. In addition, there was a positive correlation between HAMD total score and ghrelin levels (r = .240, p = .026). Other than that, the HAMD total score also had a positive correlation with the CRH (r = .333, p = .002) and cortisol (r = .307, p = .004) levels. Further mediation analysis demonstrated that the relationship between ghrelin and HAMD total score was mediated by CRH (ab-path; β = .4457, 95% CI = 0.0780-1.0253, c-path; β = .2447, p = .0260, c'-path; β = -.2009, p = .3427). These findings revealed that plasma ghrelin provides a pivotal link to depressive symptoms in first-episode drug-naive MDD patients. CRH mediated the relationship between ghrelin and HAMD total score. It might provide new insights into understanding the pathogenesis of MDD, contributing to intervention and treatment from this approach.

Differential Diagnosis of Post Pancreatitis Diabetes Mellitus Based on Pancreatic and Gut Hormone Characteristics.

Distinguishing different types of diabetes is important in directing optimized treatment strategies and correlated epidemiological studies. Through detailed analysis of hormone responses to mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT), we aimed to find representing characteristics of post-acute pancreatitis diabetes mellitus (PPDM-A) and post-chronic pancreatitis diabetes mellitus (PPDM-C). Participants with PPDM-A, PPDM-C, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and normal controls (NCs) underwent MMTT. Fasting and postprandial responses of serum glucose, C-peptide, insulin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), ghrelin, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY) were detected and compared among different groups. Focused analysis on calculated insulin sensitivity and secretion indices were performed to determine major causes of hyperglycemia in different conditions. Participants with PPDM-A were characterized by increased C-peptide, insulin, glucagon, and PP, but decreased ghrelin, GIP, and PYY compared with NCs. Patients with PPDM-C showed secretion insufficiency of C-peptide, insulin, ghrelin, and PYY, and higher postprandial responses of glucagon and PP than NCs. In particular, both fasting and postprandial levels of ghrelin in PPDM-C were significantly lower than other diabetes groups. PYY responses in patients with PPDM-A and PPDM-C were markedly reduced. Additionally, the insulin sensitivity of PPDM-A was decreased, and the insulin secretion for PPDM-C was decreased. Along with the continuum from acute to chronic pancreatitis, the pathological mechanism of PPDM changes from insulin resistance to insulin deficiency. Insufficient PYY secretion is a promising diagnostic marker for distinguishing PPDM from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Absent ghrelin secretion to MMTT may help identify PPDM-C.

Gut peptides before and following Roux-En-Y gastric bypass: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic search was conducted in Medline Ovid, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up until March 2021 following PRISMA guidelines. Studies included evaluated ghrelin, GLP-1, PYY or appetite sensation via visual analogue scales (VASs) before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in adults. A multilevel model with random effects for study and follow-up time points nested in study was fit to the data. The model included kcal consumption as a covariate and time points as moderators. Among the 2559 articles identified, k = 47 were included, among which k = 19 evaluated ghrelin, k = 40 GLP-1, k = 22 PYY, and k = 8 appetite sensation. Our results indicate that fasting ghrelin levels are decreased 2weeks post-RYGB (p = 0.005) but do not differ from baseline from 6weeks to 1-year post-RYGB. Postprandial ghrelin and fasting GLP-1 levels were not different from pre-surgical values. Postprandial levels of GLP-1 increased significantly from 1week (p < 0.001) to 2years post-RYGB (p < 0.01) compared with pre-RYGB. Fasting PYY increased at 6months (p = 0.034) and 1year (p = 0.029) post-surgery; also, postprandial levels increased up to 1year (p < 0.01). Insufficient data on appetite sensation were available to be meta-analyzed.

Hypothalamic subregion alterations in anorexia nervosa and obesity: Association with appetite-regulating hormone levels.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and obesity are weight-related disorders with imbalances in energy homeostasis that may be due to hormonal dysregulation. Given the importance of the hypothalamus in hormonal regulation, we aimed to identify morphometric alterations to hypothalamic subregions linked to these conditions and their connection to appetite-regulating hormones. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained from 78 patients with AN, 27 individuals with obesity and 100 normal-weight healthy controls. Leptin, ghrelin, and insulin blood levels were measured in a subsample of each group. An automated segmentation method was used to segment the hypothalamus and its subregions. Volumes of the hypothalamus and its subregions were compared between groups, and correlational analysis was employed to assess the relationship between morphometric measurements and appetite-regulating hormone levels. While accounting for total brain volume, patients with AN displayed a smaller volume in the inferior-tubular subregion (ITS). Conversely, obesity was associated with a larger volume in the anterior-superior, ITS, posterior subregions (PS), and entire hypothalamus. There were no significant volumetric differences between AN subtypes. Leptin correlated positively with PS volume, whereas ghrelin correlated negatively with the whole hypothalamus volume in the entire cohort. However, appetite-regulating hormone levels did not mediate the effects of body mass index on volumetric measures. Our results indicate the importance of regional structural hypothalamic alterations in AN and obesity, extending beyond global changes to brain volume. Furthermore, these alterations may be linked to changes in hormonal appetite regulation. However, given the small sample size in our correlation analysis, further analyses in a larger sample size are warranted. Using an automated segmentation method to investigate morphometric alterations of hypothalamic subregions in AN and obesity, this study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between hypothalamic alterations, hormonal appetite regulation, and body weight, highlighting the need for further research to uncover underlying mechanisms.

Maternal supplementation with konjac glucomannan improves maternal microbiota for healthier offspring during lactation.

The maternal diet during gestation and lactation affects the health of the offspring. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a significantlyfunctional polysaccharide in food research, possessing both antioxidant and prebiotic properties. However, the mechanisms of how KGM regulates maternal nutrition remain insufficient and limited. This study aimed to investigate maternal supplementation with KGM during late gestation and lactation to benefit both maternal and offspring generations. Our findings indicate that KGM improves serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the KGM group displayed a significant increase in the feed intake-related hormones neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY), Ghrelin, and adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (AMPK) levels. KGM modified the relative abundance of Clostridium, Candidatus Saccharimonas, unclassified Firmicutes, and unclassified Christensenellaceae in sow feces. Acetate, valerate, and isobutyrate were also improved in the feces of sows in the KGM group. These are potential target bacterial genera that may modulate the host's health. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis unveiled significant correlations between the altered bacteria genus and feed intake-related hormones. More importantly, KGM reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in milk, further improved IL-10levels, and reduced zonulin levels in the serum of offspring. In conclusion, maternal dietary supplementation with KGM during late gestation and lactation improves maternal nutritional status by modifying maternal microbial and increasing lactation feed intake, which benefits the anti-inflammatory capacity of the offspring serum. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Impact of a Proprietary Blend of Yeast Cell Wall, Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Zinc Proteinate on Growth, Nutrient Utilisation, and Endocrine Hormone Secretion in Intestinal Cell Models.

In piglets, it is observed that early weaning can lead to poor weight gain due to an underdeveloped gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is unsuitable for an efficient absorption of nutrients. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate have demonstrated their ability to improve intestinal development by increasing cell proliferation, which is vital during this transition period when the small and large intestinal tracts are rapidly growing. Previous reports on butyrate inclusion in feed demonstrated significantly increased feed intakes (FIs) and average daily gains (ADGs) during piglet weaning. Similar benefits in piglet performance have been observed with the inclusion of yeast cell wall in diets. A proprietary mix of yeast cell wall, SCFAs, and zinc proteinate (YSM) was assessed here in vitro to determine its impact on cellular growth, metabolism and appetite-associated hormones in ex vivo small intestinal pig cells and STC-1 mouse intestinal neuroendocrine cells. Intestinal cells demonstrated greater cell densities with the addition of YSM (150 ppm) compared to the control and butyrate (150 ppm) at 24 h. This coincided with the higher utilisation of both protein and glucose from the media of intestinal cells receiving YSM. Ghrelin (an appetite-inducing hormone) demonstrated elevated levels in the YSM-treated cells on a protein and gene expression level compared to the cells receiving butyrate and the control, while satiety hormone peptide YY protein levels were lower in the cells receiving YSM compared to the control and butyrate-treated cells across each time point. Higher levels of ghrelin and lower PYY secretion in cells receiving YSM may drive the uptake of protein and glucose, which is potentially facilitated by elevated gene transporters for protein and glucose. Greater ghrelin levels observed with the inclusion of YSM may contribute to higher cell densities that could support pig performance to a greater extent than butyrate alone.

Assessment of adenohypophysis function and ghrelin level in children with biologically inactive growth hormone syndrome

Background. Mutations in the growth hormone (GH) gene cause various forms of biologically inactive growth hormone (BIGH) syndrome. Ghrelin potentiates the secretion of GH. Ade­nohypophysis hormones take part in human growth mechanisms. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) level is a criterion of GH activity. The purpose of the study was to assess the adenohypo­physis functions and to determine the role of ghrelin in patients with BIGH syndrome to optimize the diagnosis and treatment. Materials and methods. Anthropometric parameters were evalua­ted in 158 children with BIGH syndrome whose average age was 7.83 ± 1.23 years. The function of the adenohypophysis was evalua­ted accor­ding to the levels of somatotropin, thyroid-sti­mulating, adrenocorticotropic, luteinizing, follicle-stimulating hormone and their corresponding peripheral hormones, which were determined by radioimmunological methods and chemiluminescent immunoassay. A statistical analysis of the results was carried out. Results. The release of GH against the background of clonidine and insulin tests in patients with BIGH syndrome was higher than 10 ng/ml, the basal level of IGF-1 was significantly lower than the reference values. After a 4-day test for sensitivity to GH, the level of IGF-1 increased more than 2 times. Against the background of treatment with recombinant GH, serum thyroid-stimulating, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and cortisol indicators changed significantly, but their levels fluctuated within the reference values. Significant changes in ghrelin content were detected 120 minutes after falling asleep. Most children with BIGH syndrome had timely sexual development, precocious puberty was revealed in 19 children, the smallest was the group with delayed puberty (5 children). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone ana­logues were added to the GH treatment in case of unsatisfactory final growth. Conclusions. Normal/high levels of GH and reduced IGF-1 are characteristic of children with BIGH syndrome. In addition, these children have a significant increase in ghrelin in the first hours after falling asleep. The test for sensitivity to GH is a reliable diagnostic method. Thyroid and adrenal disorders were not found in patients with BIGH syndrome. Children with BIGH syndrome have normal sexual development with a tendency to precocious puberty. The simultaneous use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues in combination with GH preparations significantly improves patients’ final growth.

Changes in Circulating Acylated Ghrelin and Neutrophil Elastase in Diabetic Retinopathy.

Background and Objectives: The role and the levels of ghrelin in diabetes-induced retinal damage have not yet been explored. The present study aimed to measure the serum levels of total ghrelin (TG), and its acylated (AG) and des-acylated (DAG) forms in patients with the two stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), non-proliferative (NPDR) and proliferative (PDR). Moreover, the correlation between serum ghrelin and neutrophil elastase (NE) levels was investigated. Materials and Methods: The serum markers were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 12 non-diabetic subjects (CTRL), 15 diabetic patients without DR (Diabetic), 15 patients with NPDR, and 15 patients with PDR. Results: TG and AG serum levels were significantly decreased in Diabetic (respectively, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 vs. CTRL), NPDR (p < 0.01 vs. Diabetic), and in PDR patients (p < 0.01 vs. NPDR). AG serum levels were inversely associated with DR abnormalities (microhemorrhages, microaneurysms, and exudates) progression (r = -0.83, p < 0.01), serum neutrophil percentage (r = -0.74, p < 0.01), and serum NE levels (r = -0.73, p < 0.01). The latter were significantly increased in the Diabetic (p < 0.05 vs. CTRL), NPDR (p < 0.01 vs. Diabetic), and PDR (p < 0.01 vs. PDR) groups. Conclusions: The two DR stages were characterized by decreased AG and increased NE levels. In particular, serum AG levels were lower in PDR compared to NPDR patients, and serum NE levels were higher in the PDR vs. the NPDR group. Together with the greater presence of retinal abnormalities, this could underline a distinctive role of AG in PDR compared to NPDR.

Changes in ghrelin, GLP-1, and PYY levels after diet and exercise in obese individuals.

Diet and exercise, which are the building blocks of obesity management, provide weight loss by creating a negative energy balance. However, the effect of energy deficit induced by long-term diet and exercise on appetite hormones remains unclear. The study was designed to determine the effect of a 12-week diet and exercise program applied to obese individuals on the levels of appetite hormones, namely, ghrelin, GLP-1, and PYY. A total of 62 obese individuals (BMI≥30) and 48 healthy controls (BMI 18.50-29.99) participated in the study. Appropriate diet (1000-1500 kcal/day) and exercise (at least 5000 steps/day) programs were applied to obese individuals according to age, gender, and BMI. The ghrelin, GLP-1, and PYY values of the participants were analyzed by the ELISA method and commercial kit by taking venous blood samples before and after 12 weeks of treatment. While ghrelin levels of individuals decreased significantly after diet and exercise, PYY levels increased significantly. However, despite the treatment applied, the GLP-1 and PYY levels of the case group did not reach the levels of the control group. Long-term diet and exercise intervention had a positive effect on appetite regulation hormones. It reduced ghrelin levels after treatment. Associated weight loss was facilitated. In the case group, increased satiety hormones after combined treatment supported the maintenance of body weight by increasing satiety.

Ghrelin concentration before and after bariatric surgery

Introduction. Aim of the work is to study the concentration of ghrelin before and after bariatric gastric surgery in patients with morbid obesity. Materials and methods. A study of ghrelin levels was carried out in 25 patients with morbid obesity who underwent restrictive bariatric surgery (13 gastroplications and 12 “sleeve resections” of the stomach). Results and discussion. The initial level of ghrelin in the blood in patients with morbid obesity was lower compared to the levels determined with normal body weight. We did not observe the expected decrease in ghrelin levels during resection of the fundic ghrelin-producing part of the stomach. Conclusion. A clinical study shows that changes in gastric volume after restrictive bariatric interventions (sleeve resection or gastropplication) are accompanied by a slight increase in blood ghrelin levels; this increase is greater the higher the percentage of body weight loss after surgery. Deeper study of this area will help identify new strategies for treating morbid obesity in the future.

Evaluation of serum levels of leptin and ghrelin in patients with celiac disease before and after treatment with a gluten-free diet

Background and Objective. Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune condition characterized by specific serological and tissue characteristics resulting from gluten consumption in genetically predisposed individuals. The only currently treatment available for CeD is strict lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), which leads to remission. This study aimed to evaluate leptin and ghrelin serum levels in celiac patients before and after treatment with a gluten-free diet. Patients and Methods. Thirty patients aged 3 to 50 years with CeD and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Serum levels of leptin and ghrelin in patients before GFD and after four months of GFD treatment were measured using ELISA kits. Results. The mean serum ghrelin concentration in celiac cases decreased from 653.6 pg/ml to 483.2 pg/ml after GFD treatment (p &lt; 0.001). Although the mean serum ghrelin concentration before treatment was not significantly different between the case and control groups, it was significantly lower in celiac patients than in the control group after treatment (p &lt; 0.001). The average concentration of serum leptin in the control group was significantly higher than before and after the treatment of celiac patients, but the average concentration of serum leptin in celiac patients did not change significantly after GFD treatment (p = 0.298). Conclusion. In conclusion, this study suggests that a GFD can positively affect the levels of leptin and ghrelin hormones in celiac patients. Key words: celiac disease, leptin, ghrelin, gluten-free diet