Prokinetics stimulate the increase of ghrelin in mice.

OBJECTIVES: Intestinal motility is regulated by several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides including dopamine and acetylcholine as well as ghrelin. Metoclopramide and domperidone are long-standing treatment options for dysmotility, and erythromycin is suggested in selected patients. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of mentioned prokinetics on ghrelin levels. METHODS: Serum ghrelin levels were estimated by using enzyme-linked immunoassay following a single administration of domperidone, metoclopramide, or erythromycin. RESULTS: Our results showed that both antidopaminergic and cholinergic prokinetics increase the circulating ghrelin levels. There was no significant difference between enteral and parenteral control groups. Also, statistical analysis revealed that neither prokinetic was superior to the other in regard to its ghrelin stimulating effect. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that the circulating levels of ghrelin increase by the administration of antidopaminergic and cholinergic prokinetics. Hence, this effect on ghrelin may partly be responsible for the motility­stimulating actions of domperidone, metoclopramide, and erythromycin (Fig. 2, Ref. 39).

Co-administration of cisplatin and curcumin does not alter mood-associated behaviors.

OBJECTIVES: Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II)) is a widely-used platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent which has dose-limiting side-effects. Also, the drug resistance is another instance that decreases treatment success in cisplatin chemotherapy. The growing body of evidence suggests that curcumin, a polyphenolic compound extracted from the spice turmeric, may exert synergistic effects and sensitize malign cells to cisplatin, while alleviating cytotoxicity-related side-effects. The present study was aimed to investigate mood-associated interactions between cisplatin and curcumin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups as control, curcumin (300 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 5 weeks), cisplatin (5 mg/kg/week, i.p. for 5 weeks), and curcumin plus cisplatin (same doses as above). The open field, elevated plus maze, and forced swim tests were engaged to evaluate mood-associated behaviors. RESULTS: We demonstrated that depression- and anxiety-like behaviors were not altered by the administration of curcumin along with the chronic cisplatin treatment. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, we concluded that curcumin might be regarded as a safe adjuvant in cisplatin chemotherapy in terms of the mood-associated behaviors (Fig. 4, Ref. 41).