Serum Ghrelin Levels Research Articles

Urine and serum ghrelin, sCD80 and sCTLA-4 levels in doxorubicin-induced experimental nephrotic syndrome.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is an immune-mediated disorder associated with hyperlipidemia. NS has been proposed to be mediated through CD80-related T cell immune response, which could be blocked using soluble cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated s(CTLA)-4. Although ghrelin is a hormone-modulating lipid metabolism and suppressing immune system, the precise role of ghrelin in NS is not well established. We evaluated the levels of ghrelin, soluble CD80 (sCD80) and sCTLA4 in serum and urine in doxorubicin-induced NS in rats. We also investigated the relation between their levels and the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, albumin and urine protein. While urinary ghrelin levels were significantly lower in the nephrotic rats compared to the control group, serum ghrelin levels were comparable in the nephrotic and control rats. In contrast, serum and urinary sCD80 and sCTLA4 levels were higher in the nephrotic rats than the controls. The urinary ghrelin levels were negatively correlated with the levels of serum triglyceride, TC and urine protein, sCD80 and sCTLA4. The urine sCD80 levels were positively correlated with the TC, urine protein and urine sCTLA4 levels, and negatively correlated with the serum albumin. The urine sCTLA4 levels were positively correlated with the TC and urine protein levels and negatively correlated with the serum albumin levels. In regression analysis, the urine ghrelin levels significantly relate to urine sCD80 levels. Besides, hyperlipidemia in NS did not appear to be related to serum ghrelin levels. Low urine ghrelin levels might be relevant to pathogenesis of doxorubicin-induced NS. The reduction in urine ghrelin levels might also be associated with increased levels of urine sCTLA4 and sCD80 which reflect proteinuria.

Increased Ghrelin Levels and Unchanged Adipocytokine Levels in Major Depressive Disorder.

One of the hypotheses of the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) proposes that there is a relationship between adipocytokine and ghrelin levels and depression. Patients with major depression with a BMI ≤25 kg/m2 between the ages of 11 and 18 years (n = 30) were compared with a healthy control group (n = 30). Both groups were evaluated across a pretreatment period (MD-PT) and an improved period (MD-I). We measured serum leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and ghrelin levels and other parameters related to metabolic syndrome, such as glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA]), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TCHOL). Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin levels did not differ across groups; however, ghrelin levels were increased in the MD-I group compared with the control and MD-PT groups (p < 0.05). HOMA levels were also higher in the MD-PT group than in the control group (p < 0.05). After treatment, there was no difference in this measurement. The relationship between adipocytokines and major depression may be dependent on ghrelin levels as a result of antidepressant treatment and subsequent obesity.

Effects of isotretinoin on body mass index, serum adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin levels in acne vulgaris patients.

IntroductionIsotretinoin has been successfully used for the treatment of acne vulgaris.AimTo investigate the effects of isotretinoin on body mass index (BMI), to determine whether isotretinoin causes any changes in serum adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin levels in acne vulgaris patients, and to correlate variables.Material and methodsThirty-two patients were included in this study. Oral isotretinoin was begun at a dose of 0.5–0.6 mg/kg and raised to 0.6–0.75 mg/kg. Pretreatment and posttreatment third-month BMI and adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin serum levels were measured.ResultsThe pre- and posttreatment BMI values were not significantly different. In addition, serum adiponectin and leptin levels were significantly increased following isotretinoin therapy while serum ghrelin levels were not different.ConclusionsIsotretinoin may exert its anti-inflammatory activity by increasing leptin and adiponectin levels.

Increased serum ghrelin in preeclampsia: is ghrelin a friend or a foe?

To investigate maternal serum ghrelin levels in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and to explore the relationship between ghrelin level and disease severity. This case-control study included 40 healthy pregnant women, 42 women with mild preeclampsia, and 40 women with severe preeclampsia. The groups were matched in terms of maternal and gestational age and body mass index. Serum ghrelin levels were measured via enzyme immunoassay. Serum ghrelin levels were significantly higher in women with mild and severe preeclampsia than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Although serum ghrelin levels were somewhat higher in the severe compared to the mild preeclampsia group, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In the control group, no significant correlation was observed between ghrelin level and any other parameter, but in the preeclampsia group, serum ghrelin levels were negatively correlated with uterine artery Doppler index values and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (all p-values < 0.05). Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure (β = 0.493, p = 0.023) was independently associated with serum ghrelin level. Elevated blood ghrelin levels were correlated with disease severity in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia.

Serum ghrelin levels in patients with Behcet's disease.

IntroductionBehcet’s disease (BD) is a chronic, relapsing, systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology.AimTo measure serum ghrelin levels in BD patients and healthy controls and to investigate its association with metabolic syndrome (MetS).Material and methodsThirty BD patients and 30 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Ghrelin levels were measured in blood samples using ELISA.ResultsThe mean serum ghrelin level in BD patients (28.57 ±14.04) was significantly lower compared to healthy controls (40.72 ±23.21) (p = 0.01). The mean serum ghrelin level in BD patients who had MetS (24.18 ±12.73) was lower compared to BD patients who did not have MetS (30.77 ±14.45), but this difference was not significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionsGhrelin levels were lower in BD patients compared to healthy controls. There was no association between reduced ghrelin levels and MetS; however, there was a negative correlation between ghrelin levels and disease activity.

Irregular External Gastric Stimulation is Associated with Suppression of Serum Ghrelin Levels and Prolonged Decrease in Weight: A Novel Method for Sustaining Weight Loss

Introduction: Weight regain is a major obstacle for most dietary procedures. Gastric stimulation has been shown to affect hormone levels. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of irregular external gastric stimulation on longterm weight reduction. Methods: External gastric stimulation was performed by holding a rotator device on the abdomen of mice for 5 minutes in a regular or irregular manner. Mice were assessed for body weight and serum ghrelin levels. Results: External gastric stimulation was associated with a significant decrease in serum ghrelin levels. Irregular external gastric stimulation was associated with a prolonged effect on body weight reduction compared with regular stimulation. By the end of week 5, the body weight of untreated control mice had increased compared with a slight weight increase in mice treated with regular stimulation, while there was a significant continued decrease in the body weight of mice treated with irregular stimulation. Conclusions: Irregular gastric stimulation is associated with a prolonged effect on weight loss and provides a method for overcoming the brain-gut axis accommodation of weight loss.

Effects of sleeve gastrectomy with jejuno-jejunal or jejuno-ileal loop on glycolipid metabolism in diabetic rats.

To explore the effect of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) with jejuno-jejunal or jejuno-ileal loop on glycolipid metabolism in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats, which were induced by high-fat diet (HFD), nicotinamide and low-dose streptozotocin, underwent sham operations, SG, SG with jejuno-ileal loop (SG-JI) and SG with jejuno-jejunal loop (SG-JJ) followed by postoperative HFD. Then, at the time points of baseline and 2, 12 and 24 wk postoperatively, we determined and compared several variables, including the area under the curve for the results of oral glucose tolerance test (AUCOGTT), serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol and ghrelin in fasting state, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body weight, calorie intake, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and insulin secretions after glucose gavage at dose of 1 g/kg. At 2 wk postoperatively, rats that underwent SG, SG-JJ and SG-JI, compared with sham-operated (SHAM) rats, demonstrated lower body weight, calorie intake and ghrelin (P < 0.05 vs SHAM), enhanced secretion of insulin and GLP-1 after glucose gavage (P < 0.05 vs SHAM), improved AUCOGTT, HOMA-IR, fasting serum triglyceride and cholesterol (AUCOGTT: 1616.9 ± 83.2, 837.4 ± 83.7, 874.9 ± 97.2 and 812.6 ± 81.9, P < 0.05 vs SHAM; HOMA-IR: 4.31 ± 0.54, 2.94 ± 0.22, 3.17 ± 0.37 and 3.41 ± 0.22, P < 0.05 vs SHAM; Triglyceride: 2.35 ± 0.17, 1.87 ± 0.23, 1.98 ± 0.30 and 2.04 ± 0.21 mmol/L, P < 0.05 vs SHAM; Cholesterol: 1.84 ± 0.21, 1.53 ± 0.20, 1.52 ± 0.20 and 1.46 ± 0.23 mmol/L). At 12 wk postoperatively, rats receiving SG-JJ and SG-JI had lower body weight, reduced levels of triglyceride and cholesterol and elevated level of GLP-1 compared to those receiving SG (P < 0.05 vs SG). At 24 wk after surgery, compared with SG, the advantage of SG-JJ and SG-JI for glucolipid metabolism was still evident (P < 0.05 vs SG). SG-JI had a better performance in lipid metabolism and GLP-1 secretion of rats than did SG-JJ. SG combined with intestinal loop induces better glycolipid metabolism than simple SG, with the lipid metabolism being more improved with SG-JI compared to SG-JJ.

Metabolic and histopathological effects of sleeve gastrectomy and gastric plication: an experimental rodent model

IntroductionObesity has recently become a major health problem, and researchers have been directed to work toward the development of surgical techniques, with new mediators playing an important role in nutrition. Gastric plication (GP) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) have become popular recently. These are widely used techniques in bariatric surgery.ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to compare the efficiency of SG and GP techniques on rats.MethodsWistar-Hannover rats (n=18) were divided into three equal groups, namely SG, GP, and control. Blood samples were taken before the operation and on the 30th day after the operation. The weights of all rats were recorded both on first day and the 30th day after the operation. Serum gastrin, ghrelin, and leptin levels were also measured on the same days. For histopathological examination, gastrectomy was performed after the animals were sacrificed.ResultsAverage weight loss was 10% for the SG group and 6.5% for the GP group. One month after the operations, the decrease in the ghrelin and leptin levels of GP and SG groups was significant compared with the levels of the control group. Gastrin levels of the SG group increased significantly compared with those of the control group. Histopathological examination revealed that there was significant decrease in the ghrelin and leptin levels of the GP and SG groups compared with those of the control group. Foveolar hyperplasia (FH), cystic glandular dilatation, and fibrosis were significantly higher in the GP and SG groups compared with the control group.ConclusionAlthough GP is not as effective as SG in terms of weight loss, it provides the same effectiveness in decreasing ghrelin and leptin levels. Histopathological findings revealed that FH, fibrosis, and the cystic glandular dilatation development rates were similar.

Bariatric Left Gastric Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Obesity: A Review of Gut Hormone Involvement in Energy Homeostasis.

The global population is becoming more overweight and obese, leading to increases in associated morbidity and mortality rates. Advances in catheter-directed embolotherapy offer the potential for the interventional radiologist to make a contribution to weight loss. Left gastric artery embolization reduces the supply of blood to the gastric fundus and decreases serum levels of ghrelin. Early evidence suggests that this alteration in gut hormone balance leads to changes in energy homeostasis and weight reduction. The pathophysiologic findings and current evidence associated with the use of left gastric artery embolization are reviewed. The prevalence of obesity continues to increase at an alarming rate, and, thus far, advances in medical management have been relatively ineffective in slowing this trend. Lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are effective initially, but most patients regain the weight in the long term. Bariatric surgery is the most effective strategy for achieving long-term weight loss; however, as with all surgical procedures, it has potential complications.

Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children: Nutritional Status and Associations with Serum Leptin, Ghrelin, and IGF-1 Levels.

Helicobacter pylori is associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, malignancy and lymphoma, and extra-gastrointestinal conditions. H. pylori infection is negatively associated with children's growth. Chronic inflammation of the stomach that results in the loss of appetite and, dysregulation of neuroendocrine hormones such as leptin, and ghrelin are the probable reasons of this negative association. The objective of this study is to determine the serum levels of leptin, ghrelin, and IGF-1 in H. pylori-infected children and their relations with growth. A hundred and sixty-one school children aged between 6 and 14 years were selected randomly from five primary schools representing a cross section of population. Demographic and sociocultural characteristics, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Serum H. pylori IgG, insulin-like growth factor-1, leptin, and ghrelin levels were measured in all children. The children were grouped according to the nutritional status and Helicobacter pylori seropositivity. Nutritional indices were compared among groups in association with serum leptin, ghrelin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels. H. pylori IgG positivity was found in 34.2%, and 14.9% of children were malnourished. H. pylori seropositivity was significantly higher in older ages (10.32 ± 2.26 vs 9.53 ± 2.36 years, p = .036), and body weight and height Z scores were significantly lower in H. pylori-seropositive children (-0.33 ± 1.08 vs 0.04 ± 1.26, p = .044 and 0.13 ± 0.92 vs 0.23 ± 0.91, p = .018 respectively). H. pylori seropositivity was found to be an independent risk factor for shorter body height (p = .01). Serum leptin, ghrelin, and IGF-1 levels were not associated with H. pylori IgG seropositivity (0.35 vs 0.55 ng/mL, p = .3; 3267.4 ± 753.0 vs 2808.3 ± 911.4 pg/mL, p = .06; 470 ± 176 vs 521 ± 179 ng/mL, p = .32, respectively). Children infected with H. pylori are prone to short stature. This effect seems to be independent of neuroendocrine hormones.

Fasting total ghrelin levels are increased in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

BackgroundA control study was designed to investigate circulating Ghrelin levels in adolescent girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and controls. Eating behavioral disorders, endocrine disorders, abnormal growth pattern and osteopenia have been well documented in AIS. Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone produced by the stomach which reflects body weight changes and stimulates growth hormone secretion. Recently, it has been shown to be associated with bone metabolism and eating behavior. However, the circulating levels of ghrelin have never been evaluated in AIS patients.MethodsForty nine AIS girls and 15 controls were included. Anthropometric parameters and fasting circulating total ghrelin were measured. Curve severity was evaluated in AIS girls. The relationships between ghrelin and age, body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), BMI Z-score and corrected anthropometric parameters were analyzed in AIS girls and controls.ResultsThere was no significant difference in body weight, height, BMI or BMI Z-score between AIS and controls. Serum ghrelin level was 1.8 fold higher in AIS girls than in controls. Elevation of ghrelin levels remained significant when corrected BMI or corrected BMI Z-score were considered. Unlike in controls, positive correlations were found between ghrelin and age in AIS girls with a gradual increase of circulating ghrelin with age.ConclusionsWe have observed significantly higher circulating ghrelin levels in AIS than in controls with a positive correlation with age. This pilot-study suggests that ghrelin signaling might play a role in the initiation or development of AIS. Further studies are needed to validate theses results.

Association of Ghrelin Gene Polymorphisms and Serum Ghrelin Levels with the Risk of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Liver Diseases in a Chinese Population.

BackgroundThe functions of ghrelin (GHRL) include anti-inflammatory effects, reduction of the fibrogenic response, protection of liver tissue, and regulation of cell proliferation. Genetic variations in the GHRL gene may play an important role in the development of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, we investigated whether GHRL gene polymorphisms and its serum levels are associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related diseases risk in a Chinese population.Methods176 patients with CHB, 106 patients with HBV-related LC, 151 patients with HBV-related HCC, and 167 healthy controls were recruited in the study. Genotyping of GHRL rs26311, rs27647, rs696217, and rs34911341 polymorphisms were determined with the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) and DNA sequencing. The serum GHRL concentrations were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsBinary logistic regression analyses adjusting for gender and age revealed that a significant increased risk of LC was found in the GHRL rs26311 GC genotype and combined GC+CC genotypes when compared with the GG genotype (GC vs. GG: OR = 1.671, 95% CI = 1.013–2.757, P = 0.044; GC+CC vs. GG: OR = 1.674, 95% CI = 1.040–2.696, P = 0.034). In subgroup analysis by gender, binary logistic regression analyses adjusting for age showed that the GHRL rs26311 C allele and combined GC+CC genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk to LC in males (C vs. G OR = 1.416, 95% CI = 1.017–1.972, P = 0.040; GC+CC vs. GG: OR = 1.729, 95% CI = 1.019–2.933, P = 0.042). In addition, we found significant decreased serum GHRL levels in LC patients compared with the healthy controls. However, there was no significant association of the GHRL rs26311 polymorphism with serum GHRL levels in LC patients.ConclusionsThese observations suggest that the GHRL rs26311 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk to HBV-related LC, especially in men. We also found an inverse association of serum GHRL levels with LC.

Ghrelin, adipokines, metabolic factors in relation with weight status in school-children and results of a 1-year lifestyle intervention program.

BackgroundOverweight in Guadeloupe is a public health matter affecting children and adults. In the present study we evaluated the metabolic profile, including serum ghrelin, leptin and adiponectin levels, in normal weight, overweight and obese school children and we analyzed the potential changes in anthropometric and metabolic risk factors after a 1-year lifestyle intervention program.MethodsParameters were assessed at baseline and at 1 year. Three groups (G) were defined according the International Obesity Task Force reference values, G1: normal weight / G2: overweight / G3: obese. The lifestyle intervention included dietary counseling, regular physical activity and family support.ResultsA total of 120 children (G1: n = 44, G2: n = 39, G3: n = 37), aged 11– 15 years and 59 % girls were enrolled. Obese children showed significant lower HDL-C, adiponectin and ghrelin concentrations, higher triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, insulin and leptin levels and also higher frequencies of abdominal obesity (G1: 2.3 %, G2: 28.2 %, G3: 73 %) and insulin resistance (GI: 39 %, G2: 72 %, G3: 89 %) than the other groups. In the overall sample, the linear regressions exploring the associations of ghrelin, adiponectin and leptin with age, gender, BMI z-score, HOMA-IR and tanner stage as independent variables showed strong associations of leptin levels with weight status and insulin resistance at baseline. The models accounted for 58 % of variability in leptin levels compared with 26 and 15 % for adiponectin and ghrelin levels respectively.In 83 children who completed the program, significant decreases in BMI z-score in overweight and obese children were noted. Leptin levels decreased significantly only in the obese group whereas adiponectin concentrations increased significantly in the three groups,In obese children, a significant correlation was found between changes in BMI Z-score, and changes in leptin levels (r = 0.39; P = 0.049) but not with changes in adiponectin levels.ConclusionsAbdominal obesity and insulin resistance were highly prevalent in obese children highlighting their risk of metabolic complications in adulthood. A 1-year long lifestyle intervention was associated with improvement in BMI z-score and metabolic parameters.

Efficacy of Gum Chewing on Bowel Movement After Open Colectomy for Left-Sided Colorectal Cancer

Prolonged intestinal paralysis can be a problem after gastrointestinal surgery. Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested the efficacy of gum chewing for the prevention of postoperative ileus. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of gum chewing for the recovery of bowel function after surgery for left-sided colorectal cancer and to determine the physiological mechanism underlying the effect of gum chewing on bowel function. This was a single-center, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, prospective randomized trial. The study was conducted at a general hospital in Japan. Forty-eight patients with left-sided colorectal cancer were included. The patients were randomly assigned to a gum group (N = 25) and a control group (N = 23). Four patients in the gum group and 1 in the control group were subsequently excluded because of difficulties in continuing the trial, resulting in the analysis of 21 and 22 patients in the respective groups. Patients in the gum group chewed commercial gum 3 times a day for ≥5 minutes each time from postoperative day 1 to the first day of food intake. The time to first flatus and first bowel movement after the operation were recorded, and the colonic transit time was measured. Gut hormones (gastrin, des-acyl ghrelin, motilin, and serotonin) were measured preoperatively, perioperatively, and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10. Gum chewing did not significantly shorten the time to the first flatus (53 ± 2 vs. 49 ± 26 hours; p = 0.481; gum vs. control group), time to first bowel movement (94 ± 44 vs. 109 ± 34 hours; p = 0.234), or the colonic transit time (88 ± 28 vs. 88 ± 21 hours; p = 0.968). However, gum chewing significantly increased the serum levels of des-acyl ghrelin and gastrin. The main limitation was a greater rate of complications than anticipated, which limited the significance of the findings. Gum chewing changed the serum levels of des-acyl ghrelin and gastrin, but we were unable to demonstrate an effect on the recovery of bowel function.

Relationship between Serum Leptin, Ghrelin and Dietary Macronutrients in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women. It may involve an impairment in physiologic regulation of leptin and ghrelin. There is limited, controversial data on the relation of dietary components with leptin and ghrelin in PCOS, so the current study has been conducted to explore the effects of different macronutrients on serum levels of leptin and ghrelin in PCOS and healthy subjects. In this case-control study, we randomly choose 30 PCOS pa- tients and 30 healthy age and body mass index (BMI) matched controls. Intake of macronutrients [protein, total fat, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), carbohydrate, dietary fiber] and energy were assessed using 3-day, 24-hour food recall and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). Fasting hormonal status was measured for each participant. PCOS women had higher levels of serum leptin, insulin, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH), whereas sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was lower compared to healthy women. There was no significant difference in mean ghrelin concentrations between the groups. Among PCOS women, independent of BMI and total energy intake, we observed an inverse association between leptin concentration and total dietary fat (β=-0.16, P<0.05) and saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake (β=-0.58, P<0.05). This relationship was not seen in the healthy subjects. There was no significant association between ghrelin and macronutrients in PCOS and healthy participants. Certain habitual dietary components such as fat and SFA may decrease serum leptin, whereas ghrelin is not influenced by these in PCOS women. More studies are needed to better clarify the effects of dietary macronutrients on serum leptin and ghrelin.

Weight Regain After Gastric Bypass: Influence of Gut Hormones.

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the gold standard bariatric operation. However, a major concern in late follow-up is the substantial weight regain. Understanding the role of gastrointestinal hormone secretion in this situation is relevant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of gastrointestinal hormones comparing postprandial secretion of ghrelin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and leptin between patients with weight regain and those with favorable weight control. Twenty-four patients with follow-up from 27 to 59 months were divided into two groups according to sustained weight loss: group A (14 patients) had sustained weight losses, and group B (10 patients) had significant weight regain. Basal serum levels of ghrelin, GIP, GLP-1, and leptin after fasting and 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after a standard meal were measured. There was no difference in the ghrelin secretion. There was a difference in the GIP secretion, with a higher percentage increase in 30 min in group A (330% × 192.2%; p = 0.01). There were also differences in the GLP-1 secretion, with higher increases in absolute (p = 0.03) and percentage values after 30 min in group A (124% × 46.5%; p = 0.01). There was also a difference between baseline leptin values, with higher levels in group B (p = 0.02). The secretion of gut hormones in patients with weight regain after RYGB is different from that in patients with satisfactory weight outcome. After meal stimulation, reduced levels of GIP and GLP-1 may indicate the influence of gut hormones in the process of weight regain.

Abstract P049: Relationship between Serum Ghrelin levels and Primary Hypertension: A Meta Analysis

Background: Ghrelin is a novel gut derived peptide hormone suggested to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of Primary Hypertension (HTN). It is hypothesized that ghrelin regulates arterial blood pressure via modulation of central sympathetic activity and peripheral nitric oxide dependent vasodilatory mechanisms. The aim of the present study is to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between serum ghrelin levels and HTN. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, CINHAL and COCHRANE databases for studies reporting serum ghrelin levels in the HTN and non HTN study population. We included case controls, cohort and cross-sectional studies. We calculated the weighted standardized mean difference (SMD) in serum ghrelin levels between the HTN and control groups. Results: Our search strategy yielded 309 articles and we included 8 studies enrolling 1659 participants. The median age of the HTN group was 52 yrs. (IQR 47-56) compared to 49 yrs.(IQR 39-54) in the control group. The median body mass index in the HTN group was 28 kg/m2 (IQR 27-34) compared to 25 kg/m2 (IQR 23-27) in the control group. The median percentage of female population in the HTN group was 48 % (IQR 37-61) compared to 51 %(IQR 32-57) in the control group. The unweighted median serum ghrelin levels in the HTN group were 733 pg/ml (IQR 571-5607) compared to 857 pg/ml (IQR 592-7387) in the control group. The SMD of serum ghrelin level was -1.381 (95% CI -2.089,-0.673) p&lt;0.001 comparing those in the HTN group and control group. Conclusion: Serum ghrelin levels are significantly and negatively associated with HTN. Further studies are needed to address potential confounding factors and confirm this association.

Effect of H. pylori infection on gastrin, ghrelin, motilin, and gastroesophageal reflux.

To evaluate the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux and possible mechanisms in Helicobacter pylori infection. Symptoms of H. pylori-infected children, their total gastroesophageal reflux episodes, acid exposure percentage, gastrin, ghrelin, and motilin levels were evaluated before and after H. pylori eradication. Forty-two H. pylori-infected children were eligible for this study. Acid exposure % and total reflux episodes before and after H. pylori eradication were 10.2%±14.8% vs. 7.71%±5.0% and 94.7%±102.1% vs. 64.6%±55.0%, respectively (p=0.28, p=0.082). There was an insignificant change in the serum gastrin (93.4±153.8 pmol/L vs. 1.28±149.4 pmol/L, p=0.67), ghrelin (7.69±197.5 pg/mL vs. 8.36±299.5 pg/mL, p=0.274), and motilin (75.1±81.2 pg/mL vs. 97.2±80.5 pg/mL, p=0.206) levels after eradication. Gastrin and ghrelin levels were negatively correlated after H. pylori eradication (r=-0.38, p=0.031). There was no association between gastroesophageal reflux episodes and gastrin, ghrelin, and motilin levels (r=0.25 and p=0.11; r= 0.24 and p=0.13; r=-0.23 and p=0.14, respectively). H. pylori infection is neither protective nor harmful in the gastroesophageal reflux. Neither ghrelin nor motilin levels was associated with gastroesophageal reflux. None of gastrin, ghrelin, and motilin levels was affected by H. pylori infection. There is an inverse association between gastrin and ghrelin levels after H. pylori eradication.

Roles of probiotics in regulating serum ghrelin levels and protecting pulmonary function of children with acute lung injury

Objective To investigate the regulatory effects of probiotics on ghrelin and their protective effects on pulmonary function of children during acute lung injury. Methods Fifty children with acute lung injury were recruited form Henan Provincial People's Hospital during 2010 to 2013 and randomly divided into two groups. In addition to regular therapy, those who received probiotics treatment were set up as the probiotics treatment group and the others were considered as the control group. Levels of ghrelin, surfactant protein A(SP-A), TNF-α and IL-6 in serum samples were measured before and 10 days after the corresponding treatments. Each patient was analyzed by pulmonary function test and echocardiography. The volume to peak expiratory flow (VPEF), ratio of time to reach peak tidal expiratory flow to total expiratory time (TPTEF/TE), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were recorded for statistical analysis. Results The levels of SP-A, TNF-α and IL-6 in serum samples from the probiotics treatment group were decreased on day 10 as compared with those of the control group [(195.9±54.3) ng/ml vs (245.5±56.4) ng/ml, (382.0±56.4) pg/ml vs (440.7±46.8) pg/ml, (221.5±62.6) pg/ml vs (303.5±83.9) pg/ml; P<0.05]. Children from the probiotics treatment group showed higher values of VPEF and TPTEF/TE on day 10 as compared with those without probiotics treatment [(25.3±4.5) ml vs (23.8±4.6) ml, (29.5±4.3) % vs (26.8±4.7) %; P<0.05]. Treatment of children with probiotics increased MAP and decreased PAP [(74.5±6.7) mmHg vs (71.9±6.9) mmHg, (25.5±6.4) mmHg vs (29.1±6.2) mmHg]. The levels of ghrelin in patients received probiotics treatment were higher than those of children without probiotics treatment [(329.3±49.6) pg/ml vs (296.6±48.5) pg/ml]. The levels of ghrelin showed negative correlations with the levels of SP-A, TNF-α, IL-6 and PAP on day 10, but positive correlations with TPTEF/TE and MAP (P<0.05). Conclusion Use of probiotics to children with acute lung injury could regulate the level of ghrelin, alleviate the inflammation of lungs and improve the recovery of lung function and circulation. Therefore, probiotics treatment had positive effects on the protection of pulmonary function. Key words: Probiotics; Acute lung injury; Ghrelin; Inflammatory factor

Ghrelin and resistin levels in children with epilepsy on valproic acid

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the weight gain associated with Valproic acid (VPA) use but it is still not clear. We aimed to investigate the effect of VPA on the level of two of the peptides involved in the regulation of the energy balance (ghrelin and resistin) in children with epilepsy and their relation to growth parameters, VPA level and characteristics of their epileptic disorder. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 34 children with epilepsy on VPA monotherapy. Growth parameters (weight, height and body mass index) were evaluated and trough serum VPA, serum ghrelin and resistin levels were measured and results were compared to the matched controls. Ghrelin levels were significantly higher in the patients than the control group (mean 110.2 ± 41.23 pg/mL and 55.73 ± 24.9 pg/mL, respectively), while resistin levels were not different in both groups (mean 1.68 ± 1.82 ng/mL and 1.0 ± 0.22 ng/mL). Levels of resistin were high in patients with idiopathic epilepsy compared to the control group. Ghrelin and resistin levels did not show a significant correlation to growth parameters. The degree of seizure control and the VPA levels did not seem to affect the results of either hormone. In conclusion, ghrelin levels are increased in children with epilepsy in comparison to healthy controls, which may be a part of hormonal dysfunction secondary to seizures. Our results did not demonstrate a role of VPA use in the observed changes.