Serum Ghrelin Levels Research Articles

Relationship between serum ghrelin levels, weight loss and quality of life in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Relationship between serum ghrelin levels, weight loss and quality of life in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Comparison of pre- and postpartum serum leptin, ghrelin, and lipid levels in sheep

Serum leptin and ghrelin play important roles in energy metabolism and inducing appetite during pregnancy and lactation. We investigated the serum levels of leptin and ghrelin and their relationship with the duration of lactation and serum biochemical responses during the prepartum (last week before lambing) and postpartum periods in sheep. They were also evaluated between pregnant and nonpregnant (control ewes) ewes. For these purposes, pregnant (n = 15) and control Awassi ewes (n = 15) that were 2 years of age were used in this study. Blood samples were collected 1 week before the expected date of lambing (baseline) and for 12 weeks after parturitions. Serum leptin, ghrelin, cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL, LDL, HDL, NEFA, and phospholipid levels were assayed. Leptin and ghrelin levels of the prepartum period in pregnant and control ewes were 4.5 ng/mL and 3.4 ng/mL (P < 0.05) and 75 pg/mL and 166 pg/mL (P < 0.01), respectively. The baseline value of ghrelin (81 pg/mL) decreased to 43 pg/mL within 1 week after parturition (P < 0.01). Serum ghrelin levels increased after 1 week. There was also a significant difference in serum ghrelin levels between control ewes and those a week before parturition in pregnant ewes (P < 0.001). The NEFA level was higher in pregnant than in control sheep (P < 0.001). In conclusion, leptin levels tended to decrease during the lactation period, which could be associated with a negative energy balance. Additionally, ghrelin levels tended to gradually increase during lactation to adapt to a negative energy balance. We think that variations in serum leptin and ghrelin might be used to monitor metabolic adaptation during lactation.

Electroacupuncture for functional dyspepsia and the influence on serum Ghrelin, CGRP and GLP-1 levels

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture for functional dyspepsia (FD), and explore the corresponding mechanism. MethodsSixty-four FD patients were randomly divided into electroacupuncture group and western medicine group, with 32 cases in each group. In electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture at Zúsānlĭ (足三里ST 36), Sānyīnjiāo (三阴交SP 6), Gōngsūn (公孙SP 4) and Nèiguān (内关PC 6) was performed for once a day, and the needles were retained for 30 min. In western medicine group, oral administration of mosapride citrate dispersible tablets in a dosage of 5 mg/time was carried out for 3 times a day. Treatment was conducted for 30 consecutive days in both groups. The scores of Leeds dyspepsia questionnaire (LDQ) and functional digestive disorder quality of life (FDDQL) of patients in both groups were recorded before and after treatment. Serum Ghrelin, CGRP and GLP-1 levels of patients were tested before and after treatment respectively, and the clinical efficacy of patients in both groups was evaluated after treatment. ResultsIn western medicine group, LDQ score after treatment was lower than that before treatment (P < 0.05), FDDQL score after treatment was higher than that before treatment, while the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). LDQ score in electroacupuncture group after treatment was lower than that before treatment (P < 0.05), and also lower than that in western medicine group at the same time point (P < 0.05). FDDQL score in electroacupuncture group after treatment was higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05), and also higher than that in western medicine group at the same time point (P < 0.05). In western medicine group, Ghrelin level after treatment was higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05), CGRP level reduced, and the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). GLP-1 level after treatment was also higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05). In electroacupuncture group, Ghrelin level after treatment was higher than that before treatment, CGRP level reduced, and GLP-1 level after treatment was also higher than that before treatment (both P < 0.05). According to the comparison of values of each index between electroacupuncture group and western medicine group after treatment, the differences were all statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The total effective rate in electroacupuncture group was 90.63% (29/32) which was higher than that in western medicine group 68.75%(22/32), and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). ConclusionElectroacupuncture at ST 36, SP 6, SP 4 and PC 6 can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of FD patients, and the mechanism might be related with the increase of serum Ghrelin and GLP-1 levels and the decrease of serum CGRP level.

The association of serum ghrelin, GIP, insulin, and leptin levels with sleep quality and cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors.

10122Background: Sleep disruption leads to metabolic alterations such as increased appetite and reduced insulin sensitivity. Sleep disruption often co-occurs and is likely associated with cancer-re...

Adipokine levels in overweight women with early-onset gestational diabetes mellitus.

The study of adipokines in overweight women with early-onset (diagnosed before 20weeks) gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) could help to understand the ethiopathological mechanisms of this disorder. Our aim was to assess adipokine levels in overweight pregnant women with early-onset GDM compared to patients with standard-onset (diagnosed at 24-28weeks) GDM and to glucose-tolerant women at the same gestational ages. This nested case-control study included 133 overweight pregnant women: 33 with early-onset (diagnosed < 20weeks) GDM; 40 with standard-onset (diagnosed ≥ 24weeks) GDM and 60 glucose-tolerant (normal oral glucose tolerance tests < 20 and ≥ 24weeks). Adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin and ghrelin serum levels were measured by ELISA. Adiponectin serum levels were significantly lower in early-onset GDM women than in standard-onset GDM patients or controls matched for gestational age. Leptin serum levels were significantly higher in women with early-onset GDM than in controls. Women with early-onset GDM had lower adiponectin/leptin ratio than those with standard-onset GDM. There were no significant differences in resistin, ghrelin and visfatin serum levels among the participants. Our results suggest that, compared to overweight glucose-tolerant women and patients with standard-onset GDM, overweight women with early-onset GDM have unbalanced adipokine levels, suggesting that they have a more inflammatory profile.

The effects of valproate and topiramate use on serum insulin, leptin, neuropeptide Y and ghrelin levels in epileptic children

PurposeAlthough some drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy are known to affect body weight, the hormonal factors responsible have not been sufficiently described. The purpose of this study was to compare insulin, leptin, neuropeptide Y and ghrelin levels in children with epilepsy receiving monotherapy with topiramate (TPM) and valproic acid (VPA), the drugs whose effects on body weight have been most discussed, with those of a control group. Method48 patients (25 VPA, 23 TPM) aged between 6 and 15.5 years, presenting to the Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty Pediatric Neurology Clinic, diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy or location-related idiopathic epilepsy, and receiving VPA or TPM monotherapy for at least 6 months were included in the study. Twenty-five healthy subjects with similar demographic characteristics were enrolled as the control group. Blood samples were collected from the patient and control groups after fasting for at least 10–12 h and again 1 and 2 h postprandially. Body mass index (BMI) values were calculated for all cases. VPA levels, glucose, insulin, leptin, neuropeptide Y and ghrelin were investigated in all three separate blood samples. ResultsAge, height, weight and BMI were similar between the patient and control groups. Significant weight gain was observed throughout treatment in the VPA group compared to the TPM group. High fasting and postprandial insulin levels were observed in the VPA group. VPA group leptin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels were also higher than in the TPM and control groups. No significant difference was determined in ghrelin levels in the patient groups compared to the controls. ConclusionLow blood sugar not being observed, even though insulin levels are high, after fasting and in the postprandial period in epileptic children receiving VPA is indicative of insulin resistance. The elevation in leptin and neuropeptide Y levels observed in the VPA group also suggest this.

Curcuminoids Plus Piperine Modulate Adipokines in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenol derived from tumeric that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties with effects on adipokine and ghrelin levels. Adiponectin, leptin and ghrelin modulate energy homeostasis but each has modulatory effects on inflammatory cytokines and the immune system. Therefore, this analysis was performed to investigate the effect of curcumin on adiponectin, leptin and ghrelin. A double blind randomised control trial comparing curcumin 1000mg with 10mg of piperine daily to placebo over a 12 week period. 118 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited out of which 50 control and 50 active subjects completed the trial. Adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. Between group comparison of the magnitude of changes showed serum levels of leptin (p<0.001), TNF-α (p<0.001) and leptin:adiponectin ratio (p<0.001) to be significantly reduced while serum adiponectin levels were elevated in the curcuminoids versus placebo group (p=0.032). Changes in serum ghrelin levels did not differ between the study groups (p=0.135). Curcumin supplementation increased adiponectin, whilst the the leptin:adiponectin ratio (a measure of atherosclerosis) and leptin levels were decreased independent of weight change and reflected a decrease in the inflammatory TNF-α levels.

Possible association of ghrelin/obestatin balance with cardiometabolic risk in obese subjects with Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common gastric infection associated with extragastric conditions. The association between H. pylori infection and obesity is unclear. H. pylori may affect gut hormones involved in food intake and energy expenditure. The aim of this study is to evaluate ghrelin/obestatin balance and leptin in obese subjects with H. pylori infection. Sixty healthy volunteers were divided into: obese and non-obese groups. Each group was divided into H. Pylori positive or H. pylori negative. Anthropometric parameters, H. pylori status, serum glucose, insulin level, and lipid profile were estimated with calculation of Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Serum levels of ghrelin, obestatin, and leptin were evaluated. Significant increase was found in serum glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR ratio in obese subjects with positive H. pylori as compared to other groups. H. pylori positive obese subjects showed significantly increased ghrelin, ghrelin/obestatin balance, and leptin with a significant decrease in obestatin as compared to negative subjects. Ghrelin/obestatin ratio positively correlated with weight, body mass index, waist, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, cholesterol, triglycerides, low density cholesterol and also with H. pylori antigen in the same group. It can be concluded that ghrelin, obestatin, and leptin are affected by presence of H. pylori seropositivity in obese subjects. The higher ghrelin levels and ghrelin/obestatin ratio with lowered obestatin could be considered as a gastro-protective effect against inflammation induced by H. pylori.

Association of the Metabolomics Footprint, Body Fat and Serum Levels of Leptin, Ghrelin and Adiponectin In Shift Workers. Pilot Study

Obesity prevalence in Mexico is higher than in other countries (70%). Cross‐sectional studies with rotation shifts have observed that sleep disruption affects dietary intake and hormonal regulation (Adiponectin/Leptin/Ghrelin). Proposed mechanism is an increase on expression of fatty acid transport molecules, which would induce weight gain and adiposity, and increase the risk of developing obesity. Metabolomics analysis could help us to know if metabolic changes of lipid products have susceptibility to contribute to hormonal alterations and accumulation of fat mass. Our main objective was to determine if there was an association of metabolomics footprint, body fat and serum levels of leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin in workers with one week shift rotation schedule. We designed a prospective cohort, internal pilot study (n=30). Participants: shift workers (14‐day follow‐up) both sex (20–60 years old), work scheduled morning and night, and agree to participate by signing informed consent duly explained. We collect anthropometric data, dietary intake, physical activity and serum's metabolomics to establish the differences in the metabolomic footprint and identify the most important variables of the groups, by a principal component analysis (PCA), random forest and partial least squares (PLS) in R statics software. Serum concentrations of leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin will be determined by immunoassay. Results: We have observed 15 subjects, 9 woman and 6 man, main age 30.2 ± 6.5, 3 ± 2.6 years working in that schedule. In the nocturnal shift, we found weight gain (71.3vs70.8kg), increased intake of carbs, lipids and water; and more sedentary hours with statistical significances (table 1). We identify 5 principal components (45% variance explicated), the more representative metabolites were cyclobutane, cycloheptane and 1Iodo‐2methyl; the first two are low when the subjects are in the morning shift and increase when they rotate to the night shift, inverse case as for the compound 1Iodo‐ 2methyl. Conclusions: The metabolites increased in the night shift could be related to the metabolic pathway of lipogenesis, product of a higher carbs intake during the night and more hours of sedentary lifestyle, finally showing gain of fat mass in the morning shift.Support or Funding InformationThe authors acknowledge grants from National Council for Science and Technology‐National Problems (#2015‐1340) Table 1. Descriptive statistics variable analysisThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The Relations Among Serum Ghrelin, Motilin and Gastric Emptying and Autonomic Function in Autoimmune Gastritis

BackgroundGastric emptying (GE) of solids is delayed and autonomic dysfunction is detected in autoimmune gastritis (AIG). The goals of this study were to: (1) compare serum levels of ghrelin and motilin in subjects with delayed and normal GE and (2) investigate whether circulating antimyenteric antibodies (CAA), serum ghrelin levels and motilin levels have any effect on autonomic function. Materials and MethodsNoninvasive cardiovascular reflex tests were used in order to evaluate the autonomic function. GE was evaluated by a standard 2-hour scintigraphic test. Serum ghrelin and motilin levels were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and CAA were tested by immunofluorescence. ResultsThe serum ghrelin and motilin levels in the patients with delayed GE (n = 22) were significantly decreased compared to the normal GE patients (n = 19), (67.55 ± 8.81 versus 126.79 ± 25.81pg/mL, P < 0.001 and 279.59 ± 111.12 versus 500.42 ± 155.95pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). Whereas, the serum ghrelin and motilin levels in the patients with deranged autonomic function (n = 26) were significantly decreased compared to the patients with normal autonomic function (n = 15), (80.73 ± 28.46 versus 127.79 ± 28.06pg/mL, P < 0.001 and 316.92 ± 160.47 versus 490.20 ± 141.02pg/mL, P < 0.001, respectively). None of the patients were positive for CAA. ConclusionsGhrelin and motilin levels in AIG subjects with delayed GE and deranged autonomic function were significantly decreased. The decrease in serum ghrelin and plasma motilin levels in AIG suggest their potential role in the delayed GE observed in these subjects.

Gastric mucosal devitalization is safe and effective in reducing body weight and visceral adiposity in a porcine model

The early improvement in metabolic profile after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) indicates that the significant benefits of metabolic surgery are gastric in origin. We have previously demonstrated that devitalization of the gastric mucosa (without a reduction in gastric volume) in metabolically disturbed obese rats results in an improvement of obesity and its associated comorbidities. The aims of this study were to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of gastric mucosal devitalization (GMD) in a large animal (porcine) model. A 3-arm (GMD versus SG versus sham [SH]) prospective randomized controlled trial with an 8-week follow-up period was performed. The primary endpoint was relative weight loss. Secondary endpoints were absolute body weight, abdominal visceral adiposity, abdominal subcutaneous adiposity, organ lipid content, and serum ghrelin level. GMD resulted in a significant relative weight loss of 36% over SH at 8 weeks (P< .05). There was no significant difference in relative weight loss between GMD and SG at 4 weeks; however, SG resulted in a 29% superior relative weight loss at 8 weeks (P< .05). With regard to visceral adiposity, there was a significant benefit of GMD over SH at 8 weeks. Despite differences in relative weight loss, there was no significant difference in visceral adiposity between SG and GMD at 8 weeks. Significant improvements in GMD over SH were noted with regard to skeletal and heart muscle lipid content. GMD pigs at 8 weeks demonstrated regeneration of the gastric mucosa without ulceration or significant scarring. Despite mucosal regeneration, the abundance of serum ghrelin was significantly lower in the GMD cohort compared with the SG and SH cohorts. GMD was technically feasible and resulted in relative weight loss and an improvement in visceral adiposity. The benefits noted were out of proportion to what would be expected with weight loss alone.

Serum levels of spexin and kisspeptin negatively correlate with obesity and insulin resistance in women.

Spexin (SPX) and kisspeptin (KISS) are novel peptides relevant in the context of regulation of metabolism, food intake, puberty and reproduction. Here, we studied changes of serum SPX and KISS levels in female non-obese volunteers (BMI<25 kg/m(2)) and obese patients (BMI>35 kg/m(2)). Correlations between SPX or KISS with BMI, McAuley index, QUICKI, HOMA IR, serum levels of insulin, glucagon, leptin, adiponectin, orexin-A, obestatin, ghrelin and GLP-1 were assessed. Obese patients had lower SPX and KISS levels as compared to non-obese volunteers (SPX: 4.48+/-0.19 ng/ml vs. 6.63+/-0.29 ng/ml; p<0.001, KISS: 1.357+/-0.15 nmol/l vs. 2.165+/-0.174 nmol/l; p<0.01). SPX negatively correlated with BMI, HOMA-IR, insulin, glucagon, active ghrelin and leptin. Positive correlations were found between SPX and QUICKI index, McAuley index, serum levels of obestatin, GLP-1 and adiponectin and orexin-A Serum KISS negatively correlated with BMI, HOMA-IR, serum levels of insulin, glucagon, active ghrelin and leptin. KISS positively correlated with QUICKI index, McAuley index and adiponectin. In summary, SPX and KISS show negative correlations with obesity, insulin resistance indices, and hormones known to affect insulin sensitivity in females. Both, SPX and KISS could be therefore relevant in the pathophysiology of obesity and insulin resistance.

The effects of interaction of Dopaminergic and Kisspeptin neural pathways on Ghrelin secretion in rats

Dopamine, kisspeptin and ghrelin are important factors for regulating the reproduction and food intake. Finding the effective central or peripheral factors on ghrelin secretion attracted the attention of most researches. In the present experimental study, the effects of dopamine, kisspeptin and the GPR54 receptor signaling pathway role in the mediating the dopamine effects was determined on ghrelin secretion. Forty Wistar male rats weighing 220-250g in 8 groups received saline, 1nmol kisspeptin, 5, 15 or 45 microgram dopamine hydrochloride, simultaneous injections of 1nmol peptide 234 and kisspeptin, 15microgram dopamine and kisspeptin or peptide234 and 15microgram dopamine via third cerebral ventricle respectively. Blood samples were collected via tail vein. Mean serum ghrelin concentrations were determined by rat ghrelin kit and ELISA method. Kisspeptin significantly decreased mean serum concentration compared to saline group, while 15 or 45 microgram dopamine significantly increased mean serum ghrelin level compared to saline group. Kisspeptin significantly blocked the stimulatory effects of dopamine on ghrelin secretion compared to dopamine group. Dopaminergic and kisspeptin/GPR54 signaling pathways may interact to control the ghrelin secretion at hypothalamic level. Stimulatory effects of dopamine on ghrelin secretions could exert partly via decreasing the activity of hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons.

Cav 1.2 and Cav 2.2 expression is regulated by different endogenous ghrelin levels in pancreatic acinar cells during acute pancreatitis.

Ghrelin influences pancreatic endocrine and exocrine functions, regulates intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i levels, and has an anti-inflammatory role in acute pancreatitis. This study investigated the role of endogenous ghrelin in the expression of Cav1.2 (L-type of Ca2+ channel) and Cav2.2 (N-type of Ca2+ channel) in acute pancreatitis. For this purpose, acute edematous pancreatitis (AEP) and acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) rat models were established. Cav1.2 and Cav2.2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in the pancreatic tissues of rats; ghrelin, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serum levels were detected using ELISA. Next, in AR42J cells with either knock-out or overexpression of ghrelin, Cav1.2 and Cav2.2 expression was examined using western blot analysis, and intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i was detected with confocal microscopy. In this study, the ghrelin serum level was highest in the ANP group and was higher in the AEP group than the normal group. Expression of Cav1.2 and Cav2.2 in the ANP and AEP groups was higher than in the respective control groups. The serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in the ANP group compared to the other groups. Cav1.2 and Cav2.2 expression and [Ca2+]i decreased in ghrelin knockdown AR42J cells but increased in ghrelin overexpressing cells. In conclusion, Cav1.2 and Cav2.2 expression increased in ANP. The [Ca2+]i level, which is mediated by Cav1.2 and Cav2.2 expression, is directly regulated by ghrelin in pancreatic acinar cells, and serum ghrelin levels may be involved in the severity of acute pancreatitis.

The interaction between apolipoprotein B insertion/deletion polymorphism and macronutrient intake on lipid profile and serum leptin and ghrelin levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

We aimed to study whether macronutrient intake could modify the association between ApoB Ins/Del and lipid profile, and serum leptin and ghrelin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. In this study, 700 T2DM patients were recruited. Anthropometric, biochemical and molecular data were collected, and Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The interactions were tested using ANCOVA. Del-allele carriers with high-MUFA and carbohydrate (≥ 12 and ≥ 54% of energy, respectively) had significantly higher TG (P = 0.04) and LDL-C (P = 0.02) compared to Ins/Ins homozygotes, and these were not significant in subjects with low-MUFA and -carbohydrate (< 12 and < 54%, respectively). A significant interaction was observed between ApoB Ins/Del and diet on TG in both unadjusted (P = 0.03) and adjusted models (model 2 and 3, P = 0.04 and P = 0.04, respectively), and on LDL-C only in adjusted models (model 2 and 3, P = 0.03 and P = 0.029, respectively). Besides, Del-allele carriers with protein, SFA, MUFA and n-3PUFA of ≥ 14, 9, 12 and 0.6%, respectively, had a significant increase in their serum leptin than Ins/Ins homozygotes (P < 0.05). However, these associations were not significant between the two genetic groups in subjects with low intakes of protein, SFA, MUFA and n-3PUFA. Moreover, Del-allele carriers with low carbohydrate (< 54%) had significantly higher leptin and ghrelin than Ins/Ins homozygotes (P < 0.05), however, in high-carbohydrate group, leptin and ghrelin were not significantly lower. These findings indicate that the interaction between ApoB Ins/Del and dietary intake of MUFA, SFA, n-3PUFA, carbohydrate and protein could modulate the serum levels of TG, LDL-C, leptin and ghrelin in T2DM patients.

Decreased Serum Levels of Ghrelin and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Premenopausal Women With Metabolic Syndrome.

We aimed to investigate the association between serum levels of ghrelin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with MetS and its components in premenopausal women. 43 patients with MetS and 43 healthy controls participated in this study. Participants' body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were measured. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C), fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, BDNF and ghrelin determined. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was also calculated. Participants in MetS group had higher waist-to-hip ratios, elevated SBP and DBP, and higher serum levels of TG, FBS and insulin when compared with the control group. Serum ghrelin and BDNF levels were significantly lower in participants with MetS than in the healthier control subjects. There was a strong, positive correlation between serum ghrelin and BDNF levels. Both proteins negatively correlated with TG, FBS, HOMA-IR and positively with HDL-C. Furthermore, serum BDNF levels negatively associated with insulin levels. The findings indicate that variations occur in the circulating level of ghrelin and BDNF proteins in MetS patients. A strong correlation between serum ghrelin and BDNF suggests that production, release or practice of these 2 proteins might be related mechanically.

The relationship between serum ghrelin levels and bone metabolism markers and severity anemia in non-diabetic hemodialysis patients; a pilot study

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a consequence of progressive and irreversible destruction of nephrons, mainly due to uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure. Ghrelin is a peptide hormone which could play a substantial role in hunger sensation, may increase body fat percentage and might adjust the long-term body weight and is mostly secreted in the stomach. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between ghrelin levels and various biochemical and demographic indices in a group of non-diabetic hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: Around 39 non-diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis in Hajar hospital at Shahrekord city were enrolled. Results: The mean age of patients was 57.10±20.20 years. Their mean weight was 56.65 ±16.25 kg. Their hemoglobin level mean was 10.43±1.84 g/dL. The serum ghrelin level had a positive but not significant correlation with the age, dialysis quality, dosage, calcium level, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathormone, vitamin D and hemoglobin in these patients. Conclusions: More studies in this subject of hemodialysis patients to define the exact role of ghrelin in hemodialysis patients are recommended.

Apelin-13 increased food intake with serum ghrelin and leptin levels in male rats.

In this study, we aimed to explain the role of apelin-13 on body weight, food and water intake with serum leptin, ghrelin, neuropeptid Y (NPY) and peptid YY (PYY) levels in male rat. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats were used for the study. The rats were injected SP (0.9 %) intraperitoneally (i.p) in the control group and 30 (AP30), 100 (AP100) and 300 (AP300) µg/kg apelin-13 in the study groups, respectively, 10 min before the transition to dark period, for 10 days. During the experimental period, with light and dark periods of food and water intake, body weights were recorded in rats. Rats were euthanized and serum samples were obtained. In serum samples leptin, ghrelin, NPY and PYY levels were measured with specific ELISA kit. Apelin-13 was increased body weights in all three (AP30, AP100 and AP300) groups compared with the control group. AP100 and AP300 groups had increased food intake in the dark and the cumulative period, but in the light period food intake values were not significantly increased (p > 0.05). As for the value of water intake, compared with the control group, all dose of apelin-13 increased water intake during the dark and the cumulative period. There was no significant change in water intake in the light period. On the other hand, compared with the control group, serum leptin levels were found to increase in the groups administered 100 and 300 µg/kg of apelin-13 (p < 0.05). Ghrelin levels were found high in all groups treated with apelin-13. Serum levels of NPY decreased only in the 300 µg/kg apelin-13 treated group (p 0.05). Apelin-13 increases body weight in rats as well as food and water intake (dark and cumulative period). Additionally, ghrelin can mediate the orexigenic effect of apelin-13 in the regulation of food intake (Fig. 4, Ref. 37).

The effect of balneotherapy on sleep, clinical symptoms, serum ghrelin and leptin levels in fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled single blind study

EnglishObjectives: The aim of the study was to observe the effect of balneotherapy on sleep and clinical symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia and to investigate whether this effect is related to changes of serum ghrelin and leptin levels. Material and Method: Seventy female patients with fibromyalgia, diagnosed according to ACR 2010 criteria were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Seven patients from control group and eight patients from treatment group dropped out from the study with different reasons. The patients in the treatment group had thermal water bath at 38°C for 20 minutes a day, and mudpack treatment afterwards on back region at 45°C five days in a week, for two weeks. Control group did not receive any treatment. Visuel Analoge Scale, patient's global assessments, physician's global assessments (VAS), tender point count (TPC), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), leptin and ghrelin were outcome measures of the study. Patients were assessed at the beginning of the study, twelfth day and at the end of the first month. Results: Improvements in outcome measures such as pain (VAS), physician's global assessments (VAS), FIQ, HAQ, BDI, and ISI was observed in treatment group at the end of the treatment. In between-group comparisons, treatment group was found to be superior for improvement TPC, HAQ, ISI and FIQ scores at the end of the treatment. Leptin levels elevated statistically significant in the treatment group. Conclusion: Findings suggests that balneotherapy improves sleep and clinical symptoms in fibromyalgia and this effect may related to elevated leptin levels. English(1), (1), (1), (1), (1), (1) (1)

GHRELIN ACTIVATION BY INGESTION OF MEDIUM-CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES IN HEALTHY ADULTS: A PILOT TRIAL

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of dietary supplementation of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and its effects on ghrelin activation in healthy adults. Methods: The present study examined two protocols with six healthy volunteers: 1) 12-hour profiles of the plasma levels of acylated and desacyl ghrelin without MCT ingestion, and 2) changes in serum ghrelin levels after oral ingestion of 45 g/day of MCTs for 1 week. Results: At baseline, serum acylated and desacyl ghrelin levels were 18.2±10.3 and 77.1±23.4 fmol/mL, respectively. The ratio of acylated/desacyl ghrelin was 19%. There were no significant differences in the 12-hour profiles of acylated and desacyl ghrelin. Significant increases were observed in all sampling times of serum acylated ghrelin after 1-week MCTs ingestion. The ratio of acylated/desacyl ghrelin increased to 37.7%. Conclusions: Oral ingestion of MCTs increased serum acylated ghrelin levels in healthy adults, suggesting that MCTs administration stimulates food intake.