Serum Ghrelin Levels Research Articles

Circulating leptin, resistin, adiponectin, visfatin, adipsin and ghrelin levels and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women with and without the metabolic syndrome

ObjectiveTo measure serum levels of adipsin, leptin, resistin, adiponectin, visfatin, ghrelin and insulin in postmenopausal women screened for the metabolic syndrome (METS). MethodsSerum of 100 postmenopausal women was analyzed using multiplex technology for the mentioned analytes. In addition, values for the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Comparisons were performed in accordance to the presence or not of the METS and each of its components. Criteria of the American Heart Association were used to define the METS. ResultsAge and time since menopause onset were similar in women with the METS (n=57) as compared to those without the syndrome (n=43). METS women displayed significantly higher levels of adipsin, leptin, resistin, insulin and HOMA-IR values and lower adiponectin levels. These differences were mainly observed among women with abdominal obesity, independent of fulfilling METS criteria or not. In this same sense, lower adiponectin levels significantly related to low HDL-C and high triglyceride levels; and higher insulin and HOMA-IR values related to high triglyceride and glucose levels, respectively. ConclusionIn this sample, postmenopausal women with the METS displayed higher insulin and adipokine levels. These were mainly related to abdominal obesity and metabolic and lipid abnormalities. More research is warranted in this regard.

Serum levels of desacyl ghrelin in patients with schizophrenia on clozapine monotherapy.

Desacyl ghrelin is a hormone that might be a functional inhibitor of ghrelin, a potent hunger-stimulating peptide. We determined fasting serum desacyl ghrelin levels in 24 subjects with schizophrenia on clozapine monotherapy and 24 healthy, age- and sex-matched controls. Biochemical and anthropometric measurements were combined with body composition determined using bioelectric impedance analysis. There were no differences in desacyl ghrelin levels between patients taking clozapine and the control group (272.09 ± 137.96 vs 259.62 ± 140.91 pg/mL, z = 0.17, P = 0.87). In the clozapine group, there were no differences between men and women for ghrelin levels (246.66 ± 123.17 vs 295.39 ± 151.77 pg/mL, z = -0.98, P = 0.32). In the clozapine group, fasting serum levels of ghrelin negatively correlated with waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (r = -0.45, P = 0.03) and ionized calcium (r = -0.45, P = 0.03). Levels of ghrelin were lower in patients with WHR above World Health Organization-defined cut-off points (246.84 ± 114.34 [Q1 = 152.18, Q2 = 220.92, Q3 = 327.85] vs 400.30 ± 123.36 [Q1 = 283.73, Q2 = 414.03, Q3 = 485.8] pg/mL, z = 2.52, P = 0.01). In the clozapine group, there were no correlation with age, height, weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, WHR, blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, uric acid, homocysteine, glucose, insulin, clozapine dose, duration of treatment with antipsychotics, duration of treatment with clozapine, total fat, target fat, basal metabolic rate, target weight, lean weight, body water, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA) 1-IR, HOMA2-IR and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. Based on our results, we cannot conclude that treatment with clozapine affects levels of desacyl ghrelin. Also, in our study population we did not confirm previously described associations between desacyl ghrelin and various metabolic parameters.

Роль грелина и лептина в регуляции массы тела у пациентов с метаболическим синдромом

The variety of metabolic functions of protein hormones - leptin and ghrelin - determines the difference in the therapeutic approach to the treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome. This paper presents the results of a study of the leptin and ghrelin levels in serum of patients with metabolic syndrome. It was revealed that hyperleptinemia was observed in 20.2% of patients with the most obese women II and III than in men. Leptin resistance is also more common in women than in men by 36.4%. However, the ratio of leptin / BMI against compliance with the recommendations for the treatment of metabolic syndrome in men decreased by 2.1 times faster than that of women. Ghrelin levels remained high in patients with the metabolic syndrome by obesity III and IV degree after ingestion. In these patients the strength of lowering the ghrelin level is proportional to time. The rate of gastric emptying was delayed , and the feeling of satiety did not come. This has contributed to an increase in the amount of food intake and body weight gain at the expense of adipose tissue , producing high levels of leptin. The continued high drop it ghrelin and leptin in serum of obese patients significantly impede range of therapeutic interventions.

Studying the serum ghrelin levels of the elite athletes and sedentary controls fasting at the time of Ramadan

The Ghrelin is produced primarily by enteroendocrine cellsin the gastric mucosa, and increases gastric emptying in normal subjects.The purpose of this study is to determine the differences in the Ghrelin level during different times along the day, and to assess the differences between the athletes and sedentary at the end of Ramadan fasting period of one month. The results indicated that there were no significant difference among the Ghrelin levels of athletes and sedentary during different times through the day (p>0.05). Significant differences were observed between pre- and post-tests mean Ghrelin scores of subjects (p 0.05). A significant and positive relationship was found in the middle level at the percentages of BMI and body fat of both groups. Moreover, there were significant differences among BMI scores (p<0.01) and body fat % (p<0.05) of the athletes and sedentary. Consequently, fasting during Ramadan did not cause any differentiation on the serum Ghrelin level of athletes and sedentary, but without group differentiation there was significant increase from the initial measurement to the last measurement of the serum Ghrelin level. There was a significant and positive relationship at middle level between BMI and body fat % of both groups of athletes and sedentary. There was a significant relationship, on the other hand, between BMI and repeated Ghrelin measurements of subjects.

Sweet craving and ghrelin and leptin levels in women during stress

Ingesting sweet substances in excess may attenuate the effects of stress in women and impact leptin levels, which are also affected by alcohol dependence and overeating. Excess intake of sweet substances also influences ghrelin levels, involved in the onset of food intake and stress. This paper aimed to identify sweet craving (SC) in women with stress to assess how it impacts basal leptin and active ghrelin levels, anthropometric measurements, and body composition. This observational, transversal study included 57 women and used the Stress Symptoms Inventory Lipp in Adults (ISSL); it verified that 31 of the participants were stressed, whereas 26 were symptom-free. The Questionnaire for Assessment of Sweet Substance Dependence and Abuse helped to characterize SC. ELISA furnished leptin and active ghrelin serum levels. HOMA was also evaluated. Electrical bioimpedance provided body composition values. Among the women with stress, 77.42% had SC, and they behaved differently from women without SC. Women with SC exhibited significantly higher basal leptin levels (P < 0.01), but women with and without stress did not differ statistically in terms of leptin levels. Active ghrelin levels in stressed and non-stressed women and in women with and without SC were similar. A larger number of women with SC presented body fat percentage higher than 30% (P < 0.04). Stressed women had significantly higher waist circumference than non-stressed women (P < 0.02). Conclusion: Stressed women are more prone to SC, and this condition is associated with increased basal leptin levels, larger hip circumference, and altered body composition.

Serum, Urine, and Saliva Levels of Ghrelin and Obestatin Pre- and Post-treatment in Pediatric Epilepsy

IntroductionIn this study, we aimed to determine the serum, urine, and saliva levels of acyl ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin, and obestatin in the newly diagnosed idiopathic generalized pediatric epilepsy patients in the pretreatment period and in the third month of valproic acid. Material and MethodsThirty pre- and post-treatment cases of patients who were diagnosed with idiopathic generalized epilepsy and 30 control patients were included in this study. Serum, saliva, and urine levels of ghrelin were measured in epileptic group and in the control group in the pretreatment period and in the third month of the treatment. ResultsThere were 14 females and 16 males. Mean age was 8.9 ± 2.5 years. Mean body mass index was 17.2 ± 2.3 in the patients and 16.6 ± 2.0 in the control group, whereas it was 16.8 ± 2.1 in the third month of the therapy (P > 0.05). Pretherapy serum, urine, and saliva levels of acyl ghrelin were 36.45 ± 9.93, 31.78 ± 12.87, and 34.23 ± 11.49 pg/mL, respectively in the patient group. Post-treatment serum, urine, and saliva levels of acyl ghrelin were 51.34 ± 12.01, 48.24 ± 16.76, and 44.90 ± 14.99 pg/mL in the patient group. Pretherapy serum, urine, and saliva levels of des-acyl ghrelin were 419.62 ± 75.63, 370.59 ± 60.11, and 396.28 ± 60.76 pg/mL, respectively in the patient group. Post-therapy serum, urine, and saliva levels of des-acyl ghrelin were 458.61 ± 87.10, 429.92 ± 55.81, and 449.48 ± 74.32 pg/mL, respectively in the patient group. Pretherapy serum, urine, and saliva levels of obestatin were 23.02 ± 3.15, 14.27 ± 4.22, and 29.52 ± 5.39 ng/mL, respectively. Post-therapy serum, urine, and saliva levels of obestatin were 24.30 ± 4.18, 15.27 ± 6.43, and 30.94 ± 7.42 ng/mL, respectively. ConclusionThere was a significant increase in the serum, urine, and saliva levels of acyl ghrelin and des-acyl ghrelin without an increase in post-therapy body mass index in idiopathic generalized epilepsy patients.

The Relation of Weight Loss with Hyperinflation, Serum Adiponectin, Ghrelin and Leptin Levels in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective: Although protein-calorie malnutrition and associated weight loss have been demonstrated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the reasons for weight loss, as well as the relation of weight loss with hormonal and inflammatory markers is not clear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the reasons for weight loss in COPD patients and the relation of weight loss with hormonal/inflammatory markers and hyperinflation. Methods: The present study included 60 patients with stable COPD who were admitted to the Chest Diseases Outpatient Clinic and 20 healthy controls. The patients were divided into three groups according to their body mass index (BMI); Group 1: BMI 25 kg/m2. The patients underwent pulmonary function testing and arterial blood gas analysis. Serum adiponectin, ghrelin, leptin, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, C-reactive protein (CRP), prealbumin and transferrin levels were measured. The results were evaluated by appropriate statistical methods. Results: Considering the patient groups together, leptin and ghrelin levels were found to be statistically significantly lower in the patient group (p=0.001 and p=0.003). Serum leptin level was found to be lower in Group 1 with a BMI 25 (p=0.031). No statistically significant difference was determined between the patients with and without hyperinflation in terms of serum ghrelin, leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α, prealbumin and transferrin levels. Conclusion: Decreased serum ghrelin and leptin levels were associated with weight loss. However, no relation could be identified between hyperinflation and hormonal markers. It was thought that further studies are needed in order to reach a definite conclusion.

The Effect of Topiramate on Body Weight and Ghrelin, Leptin, and Neuropeptide-Y Levels of Prepubertal Children With Epilepsy

BackgroundWeight loss is one of the most frequent side effects of topiramate treatment. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of topiramate on body mass index, serum glucose, insulin, cortisol, leptin, and neuropeptide-Y levels and the role of these variables on the pathogenesis of weight loss in prepubertal children with epilepsy. MethodsTwenty prepubertal children with epilepsy who were treated with topiramate were enrolled in the study. Topiramate was used at a daily dose of 5 mg/kg. Body mass index and fasting insulin-to-glucose ratio were calculated. Serum glucose, insulin, leptin, neuropeptide-Y, ghrelin, and cortisol levels were measured for all patients before the treatment and at the third and sixth months of the treatment. ResultsThere were significant decreases in mean body mass index, fasting insulin-to-glucose ratio, and serum cortisol and leptin levels at the third and sixth months of the treatment compared with pretreatment levels. No significant changes were observed in serum glucose, ghrelin, neuropeptide-Y, or insulin levels. ConclusionsThe exact mechanism of topiramate on energy balance regulation is not clearly understood. Topiramate affects body mass index, fasting insulin-to-glucose ratio, and serum leptin and cortisol levels in prepubertal children. These changes may be key factors in weight loss due to topiramate.

Serum ghrelin levels and gender-related indices of body composition in prepubertal children: a cross-sectional study

A wide variety of functions has been attributed to ghrelin, a peptide hormone secreted in the stomach. The objective of the study was to assess the association of ghrelin concentrations with body composition among Iranian children. In this study, blood samples of 57 boys and 54 girls aged 6-10 were collected to measure ghrelin levels. Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were examined by body composition analyzer. Actigraph GT3X was administered to assess children's physical activity and sleep. Data were analyzed using linear regression models. All measured parameters did not differ between genders except for sleep time which was higher and sleep efficacy which was lower in boys compared with girls. None of the FM and FFM indices studied in boys was significantly associated with ghrelin levels. In girls, however, ghrelin concentrations were significantly associated with FM (β = 0.04, P = 0.01), fat mass index (β = 0.07, P = 0.008), and fat-free mass index (β = 0.08, P = 0.04) and near-significantly associated with FFM (β = 0.03, P = 0.09) after adjusting for age, physical activity, sleep, and dietary intake. Girls with higher ghrelin levels were more likely to have increased total FM and FFM. Conversely, body composition was not associated with ghrelin levels in boys. Consequently, ghrelin may influence the gender-related differences of body composition during childhood in girls. But, further study is needed to confirm our findings.

Ghrelin and Obestatin Levels in Serum and Saliva of Patients with Osteoporosis and the Effect of Strontium Ranelate

Objective: It is known that Ghrelin and obestatin have effects on bone metabo lism. In this prospective study it is aimed to assess serum and saliva ghrelin and obestatin levels in patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis in comparison to non-porotic healthy controls,and to determine the changes in these levels with strontium ranelate treatment. Material and Methods: Thirty-six drug-naive patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and 21 healthy age-matched postmenopausal controls were included. Saliva and blood were collected to assess ghrelin and obestatin. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Strontium ranelate (2 g/day) and calcium (1200 mg/ day) + vitamin D (800 IU/day) treatment were given to the osteoporotic patients for 6 months. Results: In patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis, saliva ghrelin levels were significantly higher and obestatin levels were significantly lower than controls at baseline (p 0.05). Lumbar and femoral BMD increased at the end of 6 months of treatment. Conclusion: Our results indicate that ghrelin and obestatin levels are key peptides that are need to be investigated in the bone metrabolism as well as in pathogenesis of osteo porosis.

ICR 마우스를 대상으로 대두 가수분해물 분획물의 식욕 억제 및 Ghrelin 분비에 대한 연구

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of soy hydrolysate fractions on appetite suppression and ghrelin releasing. In a short-term experiment, the cumulative food intake and serum ghrelin level were decreased significantly (p<0.05) during a 4-hr period after the interperitoneal injection of soy hydrolysate fractions (0.5, 1 g/kg BW), following a 12-hr period of food deprivation. In a long-term experiment, food efficiency ratio (FER) was also reduced significantly (p<0.05), when soy hydrolysate fractions (0.5, 1% in drinking water) were given orally for 8 wks. Therefore, we found that soy hydrolysate fractions affected food intake through appetite and ghrelin releasing in short-term and long-term experiments. In conclusion, this study indicated that soy hydrolysate fractions would diminish the sensation of hunger by reducing the secretion of orexigenic factors such as ghrelin that send satiety signals to the brain, terminating food intake.

Serum levels of novel adipokines in patients with acute ischemic stroke: Potential contribution to diagnosis and prognosis

This study evaluated serum levels of novel adipokines in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and their association with prognosis. We enrolled 168 patients with AIS and 58 stroke-free age- and sex-matched individuals (controls). Clinical parameters, carotid ultrasound, metabolic profile, vaspin, apelin, visfatin, and ghrelin were assayed. Stroke-patients were sampled at hospital admission and were prospectively followed-up (median 16 months) for the cardiovascular endpoint (cardiovascular death/stroke/myocardial infarction). At admission, stroke-patients appeared with higher levels of systolic blood pressure, hsCRP and worse metabolic profile (p<0.05), (p>0.05). Compared to controls, AIS group had significantly higher serum concentrations of visfatin (22.92±9.72ng/ml vs 16.56±7.82ng/ml, p=0.006) and lower of vaspin (0.94±0.43ng/ml vs 1.84±0.82ng/ml, p=0.019) and ghrelin (3.47±1.44ng/ml vs 5.93±2.78ng/ml, p<0.001), while apelin did not differ between groups. Similar differences in adipokines were found between stroke subgroups with and without significant ipsilateral carotid stenosis (>50%) (p<0.05). In stepwise logistic regression analysis adjusted for diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and age, visfatin (p=0.026) and ghrelin (p=0.012) proved to be independent predictors of AIS. During follow-up, 27 patients achieved cardiovascular endpoint. In addition to coronary artery disease and NIHSS score, visfatin serum levels was associated with cardiovascular endpoint (HR: 1.255, 95% CI: 1.025–1.576). Our results suggested the association of AIS with higher visfatin and lower vaspin and ghrelin serum levels. Visfatin levels can be a predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in AIS.

Studying the serum ghrelin levels of the elite athletes and sedentary controls fasting at the time of Ramadan

Studying the serum ghrelin levels of the elite athletes and sedentary controls fasting at the time of Ramadan

Regulatory neuropeptides (ghrelin, obestatin and nesfatin-1) levels in serum and reproductive tissues of female and male rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome

Although, the exact mechanisms underlying the development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are not still completely understood, obesity, circulated peptide hormone levels and their interaction with genetic factors are considered largely responsible. The purpose of this study is to explore how the levels of ghrelin, obestatin (OBS) and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 (NES)/NUCB2 change in serum and the reproductive tissues of female and male rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome, and whether the levels of each hormone is correlated with the hormones involved with fertility. Experiments were conducted on 5-week-old Sprague–Dawley male and female rats assigned to either a control group or a MetS group. Controls were fed standard rat food and water ad libitum, while the MetS group was fed standard food with 10% (v/v) fructose solution added to their drinking water for 12weeks with a 12/12h photoperiod circle. Then, all animals were sacrificed after a one night fast. Peptides levels in the serum and reproductive tissues of rats were studied using the ELISA method while the immunoreactivity of reproductive system peptide hormones were shown by immunohistochemical staining method. Furthermore, the other biochemical parameters were measured using Konelab-60 equipment and infertility hormones were measured with Immulite2000. Fasting serum insulin, glucose, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) levels were statistically significantly higher, and the amount of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly lower, in the MetS groups. Serum and tissue supernatant NES levels were significantly higher in the rats with MetS than the control group. Ghrelin, OBS and NES were expressed in the cytoplasm, concentrated around the apical parts of the epithelial cells in the reproductive tissues of the rats. The amounts of ghrelin were lower in the reproductive tissues of the animals with MetS, while NES levels in the same tissues increased. Obestatin also decreased, though not in the seminal glands.

Serum Leptin Hormone as an Indicator of Bad Prognosis in Colon Cancer Patients

Background: Leptin has been linked to the pathology of several types of cancers related to obesity, particularly colon cancer. This could be related to leptin’ s influence on the equilibrium of specific intracellular mechanisms that control cellular growth, differentiation, apoptosis, neovascularization and invasiveness thus participating in the pathophysiology of colon cancer growth and metastasis. Additionally, ghrelin is a gut peptide secreted from the fundus of gastric mucosa and adiponectin is an adipocytokine released from adipose tissue and their low levels in obese subjects have been linked to an increased risk of development of colon cancer. Subjects and methods: Forty (40) patients were enrolled from Cairo University hospitals and included in this study beside the control group which comprised 20 age and sex-matched healthy subjects. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1: Included 20 patients suffering from colon cancer (stage II-A) without lymph node involvement or distant metastasis. Group 2: Included 20 patients suffering from colon cancer (stage III-C) with lymph node involvement but no distant metastasis. Serum Leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin were measured in all patients using a radioimmunoassy technique. Results: Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in colon cancer patients compared to that of control subjects (p<0.001). Serum leptin levels were also significantly higher in stage II-A patients as compared to stage III-C (p<0.001). Serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels were found to be significantly lower in colon cancer patients compared to the control subjects (p<0.001). Moreover, serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels were found to be significantly lower in patients belonging to stage III-C compared to stage II-A (p<0.001). A negative correlation was noted between seum leptin levels and both serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels in colon cancer patients enrolled. Conclution: Serum leptin levels could serve as a good prognostic marker in colon cancer patients in addition to serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels to predict the severity and the development of colon cancer metastasis.

Serum ghrelin levels partially recover with the recovery of appetite and food intake after total gastrectomy

Ghrelin may lead to weight gain by appetite stimulation. This prospective study investigated the association between weight loss and the ghrelin levels in patients after gastrectomy. Thirty-three males and eight females were enrolled in the study. The average age was 66 years. Measurements of the serum ghrelin level and an appetite questionnaire were performed preoperatively and at one, three, six and 12 months postoperatively. The preoperative serum total ghrelin level was 51.6 ± 31.9 (fmol/ml ± SD), and that at one, three, six and 12 months postoperatively was 16.9 ± 9.0, 21.2 ± 16.0, 28.0 ± 19.1 and 29.6 ± 20.6 (fmol/ml ± SD), respectively. The appetite score was 2.02 ± 1.09 points at 1 month, and increased significantly to 2.61 ± 1.00 by 12 months. The ghrelin levels were reduced after gastrectomy and did not recover by 12 months postoperatively. Further studies are needed to evaluate these results as the basis of a therapeutic trial.

Serum ghrelin in response to acute exercise in adult men with mild to moderate asthma

The aim of this investigation was to estimate serum ghrelin level to single bout cycling in individuals with asthma. To achieve this aim, serum ghrelin was measured before and immediately after one exercise on electrically braked ergocycle in 14 sedentary men with mild to moderate asthma. Exercise test was performed for 5 stage consecutive 3-minute and same for all participants. Student’s paired ‘t’ test was applied to compare the pre and post training values. Significance was accepted at P < 0.05. Data by T test showed no significant difference in serum ghrelin between pre and post test. This finding indicates that one short time exercise can not affect serum ghrelin in asthma patients.

The Levels of Ghrelin in Children with Cyanotic and Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

The cause of growth retardation in congenital heart disease is multifactorial. The relationship between congenital heart disease (CHD), malnutrition, and growth retardation is well documented. Ghrelin has effects on nutrient intake and growth. Ghrelin exerts potent GH-releasing activity and stimulates food intake. Circulating ghrelin levels are increased in anorexia and cachexia, reduced in obesity and restored by weight recovery. The relation between ghrelin and congenital heart disease is evident in adults but it is not studied well in pediatric age. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the serum ghrelin in congenital heart disease. We measured serum ghrelin, using ELISA technique in 60 patients with congenital heart disease (20 with acyanotic congenital heart disease with no heart failure (HF), 15 with cyanotic congenital heart disease with no HF) and 25 patients with congenital heart disease (cyanotic or acyanotic) with HF, in addition to 30 age and sex matched children as a control group. All children were subjected to measurement of height, weight, body mass index (BMI). In comparison to controls, serum ghrelin levels were significantly higher in patients with congenital heart disease (acyanotic patients and cyanotic with or without HF than in the control group (p=0.01). Also ghrelin level was significantly increased in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease than in those with acyanotic congenital heart disease. Patient with congenital heart disease with evidence of HF had significant higher levels of serum ghrelin than those with congenital heart disease without HF. Weight, height and BMI were significantly lower in cyanotic and acyanotic patients compared to the control group (p=0.001), also these measures were significantly reduced in patients with congenital heart disease with HF than in those without heart failure. There was a significant negative correlation between serum ghrelin and BMI in patients with heart failure, cyanotic patients and acyanotic patients; (r = -0.608, -0.831 and -0.458) and (p = 0.007, 0.02 and 0.017) respectively. In onclusion, serum ghrelin levels is elevated in children with acyanotic and cyanotic congenital heart disease with or without HF. Increased ghrelin levels represents malnutrition and growth retardation in these patients. This may suggest that ghrelin may have an important role as a compensatory mechanism in the regulation of the metabolic balance in these patients.

Effects of the Intragastric Balloon MedSil® on Weight Loss, Fat Tissue, Lipid Metabolism, and Hormones Involved in Energy Balance

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity continues to increase worldwide. Because obesity is associated with a number health-related problems as well as a shortened life span, treating obesity is an important clinical concern. Although various treatments are currently available, many are not efficacious in the long term. Therefore, additional medical treatment options for morbidly obese individuals must be explored. In this study, we examined the effects of the intragastric balloon MedSil® on anthropometric measures and hormones associated with lipid and energy metabolism.MethodsTwenty-two obese patients underwent insertion of the intragastric balloon MedSil® following a clinical exam, body composition scan, and collection of blood samples. Six months following implantation of the balloon, additional anthropometric and serological measures were taken.ResultsSix months following insertion of the MedSil® balloon, we observed significant decreases in body weight, body mass index, and fat mass. Compared with baseline levels, ghrelin serum levels were increased significantly, while leptin, FGF21, and glycated hemoglobin levels significantly decreased, 6 months after balloon insertion.ConclusionsThe MedSil® intragastric balloon is a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity, with positive effects on anthropometric measures and lipid metabolism.

P225 Evaluation of the relationship between serum ghrelin, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels and disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases

P225 Evaluation of the relationship between serum ghrelin, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels and disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases