Weight-Reducing Dietary Intervention Increases the Ability of Hyperinsulinemia to Suppress Serum Ghrelin Concentration in Individuals with Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide secreted mainly by the stomach. Serum ghrelin concentrations are suppressed after a meal, probably due to insulin release. Individuals with obesity are characterized by a lower fasting serum ghrelin and a lower ghrelin decrease after a meal. The effect of weight loss on the ability of insulin to suppress serum ghrelin concentration remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of weight-reducing dietary intervention on the ability of hyperinsulinemia to suppress serum ghrelin concentration in young individuals with uncomplicated obesity. METHODS: We examined 38 individuals with marked overweight or obesity, who underwent a 12-wk dietary intervention program. Serum ghrelin concentration was measured before and after a 2-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, both pre- and post-intervention. Twenty normal-weight individuals served as a control group and were examined at baseline only. RESULTS: Individuals with overweight/obesity were characterized by a lower fasting serum ghrelin concentration than normal-weight individuals (P = 0.006). Insulin decreased serum ghrelin concentration in both groups (P < 0.001); however, this decrease was markedly lower in individuals with overweight/obesity than in normal-weight individuals (99.70 ± 136.37 vs. 215.45 ± 250.28 pg/mL; P = 0.026). Fasting serum ghrelin concentration increased after the intervention. After weight-reducing dietary intervention, the decrease in serum ghrelin concentration after the clamp was significantly greater than the pre-intervention value (99.70 ± 136.37 vs. 221.82 ± 228.75 pg/mL; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Weight-reducing dietary intervention restores the ability of hyperinsulinemia to suppress serum ghrelin concentration. It may suggest an enhanced feeling of satiety after moderate weight loss in individuals with overweight/obesity.

A case control study investigating the methylation levels of GHRL and GHSR genes in alcohol use disorder.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a relapsing disease described as excessive use of alcohol. Evidence of the role of DNA methylation in addiction is accumulating. Ghrelin is an important peptide known as appetite hormone and its role in addictive behavior has been identified. Here we aimed to determine the methylation levels of two crucial genes (GHRL and GHSR) in ghrelin signaling and further investigate the association between methylation ratios and plasma ghrelin levels. METHODS: Individuals diagnosed with (n = 71) and without (n = 82) AUD were recruited in this study. DNA methylation levels were measured through methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM). Acylated ghrelin levels were detected by ELISA. The GHRL rs696217 polymorphism was analyzed by the standard PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: GHRL was significantly hypermethylated (P < 0.0022) in AUD between 25 and 50% methylation than in control subjects but no significant changes of GHSR methylation were observed. Moreover, GHRL showed significant positive correlation of methylation ratio between 25 and 50% with age. A significant positive correlation between GHSR methylation and ghrelin levels in the AUD group was determined (P = 0.037). The level of GHRL methylation and the ghrelin levels showed a significant association in the control subjects (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: GHSR and GHRL methylation levels did not change significantly between control and AUD groups. However, GHRL and GHSR methylations seemed to have associations with plasma ghrelin levels in two groups. This is the first study investigating the DNA methylation of GHRL and GHSR genes in AUD.

Exploring the impact of lifestyle and environmental exposures on appetite hormone levels in children and adolescents: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Appetite hormones are considered a promising target in fighting obesity as impaired appetite hormone levels have already been associated with obesity. However, further insights in the drivers of appetite hormone levels are needed. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the associations of fasting appetite hormone levels with lifestyle and environmental exposures in children and adolescents. METHODS: A total of 534 fasting blood samples were collected from children and adolescents (4-16y,50% boys) and appetite hormone levels (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), pancreatic polypeptide (PP), leptin and ghrelin) were measured. Exposures included dietary quality (fiber-rich food intake, sugar propensity, fat propensity), psychosocial stress (happiness, negative emotions, negative life events and emotional problems), sleep duration, physical activity and environmental quality (long term black carbon (BC), particulate matter <2.5 µM (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure, and green space in a 100 m and 2000 m radius around the residence). A multi-exposure score was calculated to combine all the exposures at study in one measure. Associations of individual exposures and multi-exposure score with appetite hormone levels were evaluated using linear mixed regression models adjusting for sex, age, socioeconomic status, waist-to-height ratio and multiple testing. RESULTS: GLP-1 was associated with air pollution exposure (NO2 ß* = -0.13, BC ß* = -0.15, PM2.5 ß* = -0.16, all p < 0.001). Leptin was associated with green space in a 100 m radius around the residence (ß* = -0.11; p = 0.002). Ghrelin was associated with negative emotions (active ghrelin ß* = -0.16; p = 0.04, total ghrelin ß* = -0.23; p = 0.0051) and happiness (active ghrelin ß* = 0.25; p < 0.001, total ghrelin ß* = 0.26; p < 0.001). Furthermore, total ghrelin levels were associated with the multi-exposure score, reflecting unhealthy exposures and lifestyle (ß* = -0.22; p = 0.036). DISCUSSION: Our findings provide new insights into the associations of exposures with appetite hormone levels, which are of high interest for preventive obesity research. Further research is crucial to reveal the underlying mechanisms of the observed associations.

Effect of Diet before Bariatric Surgery on Ghrelin Level through DNA Methylation.

INTRODUCTION: The ghrelin system, which generates the appetite hormone, is harmed by obesity, a problem of worldwide public health. An efficient way to cure obesity is through bariatric surgery. This randomized controlled study's objective was to assess preoperative diet-related DNA methylation of Ghrelin (GHRL) levels in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: The 50 patients who volunteered to participate in the trial were randomly divided into two groups. The study group followed the very low-calorie diet for 2 weeks. The control group did not follow any diet. The physiological parameters, weight, and DNA methylation levels of the patients were assessed. RESULTS: The percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) in the control and study groups was determined as 47.1% and 51.5%, respectively. The study group's GHRL percentage of methylated reference was 76.8%, whereas the control group's was 67.3%. It was concluded that the EWL and GHRL gene DNA methylation of the diet-treated study group were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the findings, the pre-op diet had a favorable effect on the patient's behavior modification. It has also been shown to increase postoperative weight loss and DNA methylation of the Ghrelin gene. The ghrelin gene has been muted by methylation, making hunger regulation more manageable.

Effects of 3.5-GHz radiofrequency radiation on energy-regulatory hormone levels in the blood and adipose tissue.

In recent years exposure of living beings to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from wireless equipment has increased. In this study, we investigated the effects of 3.5-GHz RFR on hormones that regulate energy metabolism in the body. Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups: healthy sham (n = 7), healthy RFR (n = 7), diabetic sham (n = 7), and diabetic RFR (n = 7). Over a month, each group spent 2 h/day in a Plexiglas carousel. The rats in the experimental group were exposed to RFR, but the sham groups were not. At the end of the experiment, blood and adipose tissues were collected from euthanized rats. Total antioxidant, total oxidant, hydrogen peroxide, ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and irisin were determined. Insulin expression in pancreatic tissues was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Whole body specific absorption rate was 37 mW/kg. For the parameters analyzed in blood and fat, the estimated effect size varied within the ranges of 0.215-0.929 and 0.503-0.839, respectively. The blood and adipose nesfatin-1 (p = 0.002), blood and pancreatic insulin are decreased, (p = 0.001), gherelin (p = 0.020), irisin (p = 0.020), and blood glucose (p = 0.040) are increased in healthy and diabetic rats exposed to RFR. While nesfatin-1 are negatively correlated with oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and insulin, ghrelin and irisin are positively correlated with oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. Thus, RFR may have deleterious effects on energy metabolism, particularly in the presence of diabetes.

Differential changes in appetite hormones post-prandially based on menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptive use: A preliminary study.

This was a preliminary study that examined whether appetite regulation is altered during the menstrual cycle or with oral contraceptives. Ten naturally cycling females (NON-USERS) and nine tri-phasic oral contraceptive using females (USERS) completed experimental sessions during each menstrual phase (follicular phase: FP; ovulatory phase: OP; luteal phase: LP). Appetite perceptions and blood samples were obtained fasted, 30, 60, and 90 min post-prandial to measure acylated ghrelin, active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and total peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY). Changes were considered important if p < 0.100 and the effect size was ≥medium. There appeared to be a three-way (group x phase x time) interaction for acylated ghrelin where concentrations appeared to be greater in USERS versus NON-USERS during the OP 90-min post-prandial and during the LP fasted, and 90-min post-prandial. In USERS, ghrelin appeared to be greater 90-min post-prandial in the OP versus the FP with no other apparent differences between phases. There were no apparent differences between phases in NON-USERS. There appeared to be a three-way interaction for PYY where concentrations appeared to be greater in USERS during the FP 60-min post-prandial and during the OP 30-min post-prandial. In USERS PYY appeared to be greater 60-min post-prandial during the OP versus the LP with no other apparent differences. There were no apparent differences between phases in NON-USERS. There appeared to be no effect of group or phase on GLP-1, or appetite perceptions. These data demonstrate small effects of menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptive use on the acylated ghrelin and total PYY response to a standardized meal, with no effects on active GLP-1 or perceived appetite, though more work with a large sample size is necessary.

Appetite, food intake, and gut hormone responses to glycomacropeptide protein ingestion in older adults: A feasibility, acceptability, and pilot study.

Glycomacropeptide (GMP) has a unique amino acid profile which may make less satiating than other dietary proteins. This study assessed the feasibility and likely acceptability of a leucine-enriched GMP drink and determined appetite response in older adults (OA). Thirteen OA (11f; 70 ± 4 years) were recruited for sensory assessments of a leucine-enriched GMP drink when mixed with water and with fruit smoothie, compared with whey protein isolate (WHEY). Participants also partook in a single focus group exploring acceptability to protein and supplementation. Separately, a counterbalanced, double-blind study with twelve OA (8f; 69 ± 3 years) was conducted to determine appetite and gut hormone responses. Fasting subjective appetite was recorded using visual analogue scales and a fasted venous blood sample was collected (to measures acyl-ghrelin, PYY, GLP-1, and CCK) before participants consumed either: GMP protein (27g + 3g leucine, 350 mL water), WHEY (30g, 350 mL water), or water. Participants rested for 240 min, with appetite measures and blood sampling throughout. An ad libitum pasta-based meal was then consumed. Sensory testing revealed low pleasantness rating for GMP in water vs. WHEY (16 ± 14 vs 31 ± 24, p = 0.016). GMP addition to smoothie reduced pleasantness (26 ± 21 vs. 61 ± 29, p = 0.009) and worsened the aroma (46 ± 15 vs. 69 ± 28, p = 0.014). The focus group revealed uncertainty of protein needs and a scepticism of supplements, with preference for food. Gut hormone response did not differ between GMP and WHEY (nAUC for all gut hormones p > 0.05). There was no difference between conditions for lunch ad libitum intake (549 ± 171 kcal, 512 ± 238 kcal, 460 ± 199 kcal for GMP, WHEY, and water, p = 0.175), or for subjective appetite response. Leucine-enriched GMP was not less satiating than WHEY, and low palatability and scepticism of supplements question the likely acceptability of GMP supplementation. Providing trusted nutritional advice and food enrichment/fortification may be preferred strategies for increasing protein intake in OA.

Sleep quality in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria and relation with Orexin-A, leptin, and ghrelin.

Background: Sleep can be affected in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The mechanisms of sleep regulation remain poorly understood. Orexin-A, a neuroexcitatory peptide, plays a role in coordinating sleep-wake states. Ghrelin and leptin are involved in sleep regulation through the orexin system. Objective: The effects of orexin-A, ghrelin, and leptin on sleep quality in patients with CSU have not been investigated. We aimed to determine the effects of CSU on sleep quality and the association between serum orexin-A, ghrelin, and leptin levels, and sleep quality in patients with CSU. Methods: Thirty-three patients with CSU and 34 sex- and age-matched controls were included in the study. Serum orexin-A, leptin, and ghrelin levels, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores were measured in patients with CSU and in the controls; also used were the chronic urticaria quality-of-life questionnaire score and the urticaria activity score used for 7 consecutive days. Results: Median (minimum-maximum) orexin-A, leptin, and ghrelin levels in patients were 385 pg/mL (90-495 pg/mL), 3.1 ng/mL (0-21.2 ng/mL), and 701.8 pg/mL (101.9-827.7 pg/mL), respectively. Median serum orexin-A and leptin levels were higher in the patients compared with the controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively), whereas the median serum ghrelin levels were similar to the controls (p = 0.616). The serum orexin-A level was positively correlated with ghrelin (r = 0.298, p = 0.014), PSQI sleep quality (r = 0.356, p = 0.003), and ESS (r = 0.357, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Serum orexin-A is associated with sleep quality in patients with CSU. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of ghrelin and leptin on sleep quality in patients with CSU.

Correlation analysis between the changes in plasma ghrelin level and weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy combined with fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy combined with fundoplication (LSGFD) can significantly control body weight and achieve effective anti-reflux effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between the alteration in Ghrelin levels and weight loss following SGFD, and to compare Ghrelin levels, weight loss and metabolic improvements between SG and SGFD, with the objective of contributing to the existing body of knowledge on SGFD technique in the management of patients with obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 115 obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery between March 2023 and June 2023 at the Department of Minimally Invasivew Surgery, Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The subjects were divided into two groups based on surgical methods: sleeve gastrectomy group (SG group, 93 cases) and sleeve gastrectomy combined with fundoplication group (SGFD group, 22 cases). Clinical data, such as ghrelin levels before and after the operation, were compared between the two groups, and the correlation between changes in ghrelin levels and weight loss effectiveness after the operation was analyzed. RESULTS: Three months after the operation, there was no significant difference in body mass, BMI, EWL%, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and uric acid levels between the SG and SGFD groups (P > 0.05). However, the SGFD group exhibited a significant decrease in body weight, BMI, and uric acid levels compared to preoperative levels (P < 0.05), while the decrease in ghrelin levels was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that ghrelin levels three months after the operation were influential in postoperative weight loss. CONCLUSION: The reduction of plasma Ghrelin level in patients after SGFD is not as obvious as that in patients after SG, but it can make obese patients get the same good weight loss and metabolic improvement as patients after SG. Ghrelin level at the third month after operation is the influencing factor of postoperative weight loss.

N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Correlates with Ghrelin and Acyl-Ghrelin in Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease.

Pro-B amino-terminal natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a diagnostic marker for heart failure (HF), a severe complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, its significance in CKD is not clear, as other factors, such as renal function, may also have an impact. Recent studies have shown that ghrelin treatment is effective in HF in the general population, but the impact of ghrelin on cardiac function in CKD patients is still unknown. Our study aimed to investigate the factors associated with NT-proBNP in pre-dialysis CKD patients and to evaluate the correlation between NT-proBNP and ghrelin and acyl-ghrelin, molecules determined using ELISA methods. In a cross-sectional observational study, we included 80 patients with pre-dialysis CKD, with a mean age of 68 years and 50% men. The median values for NT-proBNP were 351.8 pg/mL, for acyl ghrelin 16.39 pg/mL, and for ghrelin 543.32 pg/mL. NT-proBNP was correlated with ghrelin (p = 0.034, r = 0.24), acyl-ghrelin (p = 0.033, r = -0.24), estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.027, r = -0.25), serum urea (p = 0.006, r = 0.31), and ferritin (p = 0.041, r = 0.28). In multivariate analysis, ghrelin (p = 0.040) and blood urea (p = 0.040) remained significant predictors for NT-proBNP levels. NT-proBNP was a significant predictor for acyl-ghrelin (p = 0.036). In conclusion, in pre-dialysis CKD patients, a high value of NT-proBNP was associated with a high value of total ghrelin and a low value of acyl-ghrelin.

Exploring the Role of Metabolic Hormones in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between metabolic dysregulation and ALS pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metabolic hormones and disease progression in ALS patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 44 ALS patients recruited from a tertiary care center. Serum levels of insulin, total amylin, C-peptide, active ghrelin, GIP (gastric inhibitory peptide), GLP-1 active (glucagon-like peptide-1), glucagon, PYY (peptide YY), PP (pancreatic polypeptide), leptin, interleukin-6, MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), and TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha) were measured, and correlations with ALSFRS-R, evolution scores, and biomarkers were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficients. Subgroup analyses based on ALS subtypes, progression pattern of disease, and disease progression rate patterns were performed. Significant correlations were observed between metabolic hormones and ALS evolution scores. Insulin and amylin exhibited strong correlations with disease progression and clinical functional outcomes, with insulin showing particularly robust associations. Other hormones such as C-peptide, leptin, and GLP-1 also showed correlations with ALS progression and functional status. Subgroup analyses revealed differences in hormone levels based on sex and disease evolution patterns, with male patients showing higher amylin and glucagon levels. ALS patients with slower disease progression exhibited elevated levels of amylin and insulin. Our findings suggest a potential role for metabolic hormones in modulating ALS progression and functional outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore the therapeutic implications of targeting metabolic pathways in ALS management.

Ghrelin attenuates the inflammatory response induced by experimental endotoxemia in mice.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The aim of this research is to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of ghrelin in mice models of polymicrobial sepsis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: 35 male albino Swiss mice, ages 8-12 weeks, weighing 23-33g, were randomly separated into five groups n = 7; normal group was fed their usual diets until time of sampling, the sham group subjected to Anaesthesia and laparotomy, sepsis group subjected to cecal ligation and puncture, vehicle group was given an equivalent volume of intraperitoneal saline injections immediately after cecal ligation and puncture, and the ghrelin group was treated with 80 µg/kg of ghrelin intraperitoneal injections immediately following cecal ligation and puncture. Twenty hours after cecal ligation and puncture, mice were sacrificed; myocardial tissue and serum samples were collected. Serum IL-1ß, NF-κB, and TLR4 levels were measured, and inflammatory response's effects on cardiac tissue were evaluated. RESULTS: Results: The mean serum IL-1ß, NF-κB, and TLR4 levels were markedly elevated in the sepsis and vehicle groups than in the normal and sham groups. The mean serum levels of IL-1ß, NF-κB, and TLR4 were considerably lower in the ghrelin-treated group than in the vehicle and sepsis groups. Myocardium tissue of the normal and sham groups showed normal architecture. The sepsis and vehicle groups had a severe myocardial injury. The histological characteristics of ghrelin-treated mice differed slightly from those of the normal and sham groups. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Our study concluded that ghrelin exerts anti-inflammatory effects in polymicrobial sepsis, as indicated by a considerable decrease in the IL-1ß, NF-κB and TLR4 serum levels.

[Serum ghrelin changes after bariatric surgery]. / Kak izmenyaetsya uroven' grelina u patsientov, perenesshikh bariatricheskie vmeshatel'stva.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of bariatric surgery on serum ghrelin in patients with morbid obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We experimentally analyzed serum ghrelin in 96 rats. Of these, 84 rats underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and 12 rats comprised the control group (no surgery). We measured body weight and serum ghrelin using ELISA method after 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days after surgery. Serum ghrelin was studied before and after bariatric surgery in 23 patients with morbid obesity. RESULTS: Baseline serum ghrelin was lower in larger rats and obese patients compared to normal body weight. We found no decrease in serum ghrelin after resection of fundal ghrelin-releasing part of the stomach. CONCLUSION: Stomach volume changes after restrictive bariatric surgery (sleeve resection or gastroplication) are accompanied by mild increase in serum ghrelin. This increment is greater after more significant body weight loss after surgery. Similar researches will help to find new treatment strategies for pathological obesity.

Effect of a high-fat diet and chromium on hormones level and Cr retention in rats.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to determine how the administration of a high-fat diet supplemented with various forms of chromium to rats affects accumulation of this element in the tissues and levels of leptin, ghrelin, insulin, glucagon, serotonin, noradrenaline and histamine, as well as selected mineral elements. METHODS: The experiment was conducted on 56 male Wistar rats, which were divided into 8 experimental groups. The rats received standard diet or high fat diet (HFD) with addition of 0.3 mg/kg body weight of chromium(III) picolinate (Cr-Pic), chromium(III)-methioninate (Cr-Met), or chromium nanoparticles (Cr-NP). RESULTS: Chromium in organic forms was found to be better retained in the body of rats than Cr in nanoparticles form. However, Cr-Pic was the only form that increased the insulin level, which indicates its beneficial effect on carbohydrate metabolism. In blood plasma of rats fed a high-fat diet noted an increased level of serotonin and a reduced level of noradrenaline. The addition of Cr to the diet, irrespective of its form, also increased the serotonin level, which should be considered a beneficial effect. Rats fed a high-fat diet had an unfavourable reduction in the plasma concentrations of Ca, P, Mg and Zn. The reduction of P in the plasma induced by supplementation with Cr in the form of Cr-Pic or Cr-NP may exacerbate the adverse effect of a high-fat diet on the level of this element. CONCLUSION: A high-fat diet was shown to negatively affect the level of hormones regulating carbohydrate metabolism (increasing leptin levels and decreasing levels of ghrelin and insulin).

Temporal changes and prognostic value of plasma ghrelin level in patients with acute heart failure: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Plasma ghrelin levels can be elevated in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). This study aimed to analyze the temporal changes and prognostic value of ghrelin levels in patients with AHF. METHODS: This prospective study included patients with AHF at the Cardiology Department, Weifang People's Hospital (May 2018-October 2019), and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Plasma ghrelin levels were measured. Multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to evaluate whether ghrelin levels could predict major cardiac adverse events (MACEs) during a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Finally, 92 patients with AHF and 50 healthy controls were enrolled. Ghrelin levels were higher in patients with AHF at 1, 3, 12, and 24 h compared with controls (all P < 0.01). Ghrelin levels in the AHF group were higher at 3 and 12 h than at 1 and 24 h (P < 0.001). Ghrelin level at 3 h in patients with AHF was negatively correlated with the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction (both P < 0.05). MACEs occurred in 48 patients with AHF. Ghrelin levels were higher in the MACE group than in the non-MACE group at 1 (P = 0.011) and 3 h (P = 0.034). Multivariable regression showed that ghrelin level at 3 h was independently associated with MACEs [OR = 0.629, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.515-0.742, P = 0.010], but the area under the ROC curve was only 0.629 (95% CI 0.515-0.742). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma ghrelin levels are elevated in AHF and patients with MACEs during follow-up.

EFFECT OF 20-HOUR FASTING AND LOW FAT DIET ON GHRELIN HORMONE, GLUCOSE LEVEL AND LIVER FUNCTION IN ALBINO RATS MALE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: It aims to study the effect of fasting and low fat diet on ghrelin hormone, glucose level, the liver enzymes AST and ALT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The experimental study was conducted using 24 healthy young male albino rat weighing 95±5 gram and age 2 month, one-way (ANOVA) were employed to determine a significance of differences. RESULTS: Results: A significant increase p≤0.05 in glucose level of non-fasting control group compere with non-fasting low fat diet group, significant increase p≤0.05 in glucose level of control group fasting for 20h compared with low fat diet fasting for 20h group, significant decrease p≤0.05 when compares non-fasting low fat diet compares to 20h fasting low fat diet and significant decrease p≤0.05 when compares non-fasting control compares to 20h fasting control, while the effect of fasting and low fat diet on ghrelin hormone. A significant decrease p≤0.05 in ghrelin hormone level of non-fasting control group compere with non-fasting low fat diet group, significant increase p≤0.05 in ghrelin hormone of control group fasting for 20h compared with low fat diet fasting for 20h group, non-fasting control compares to 20h fasting control show a significant (p≤0.05) increase, Fasting with low fat diet cause a significant decrease p≤0.05 in ALT level, also in AST level there was a significant decrease p≤0.05 after 20h fasting. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The fasting and low fat diet have effected on ghrelin hormone, glucose level and fasting with low fat diet cause decrease in ALT level, also in AST level decrease after 20h fasting in male albino rats.

Associations between ghrelin and leptin and neural food cue reactivity in a fasted and sated state.

Food cue exposure can trigger eating. Food cue reactivity (FCR) is a conditioned response to food cues and includes physiological responses and activation of reward-related brain areas. FCR can be affected by hunger and weight status. The appetite-regulating hormones ghrelin and leptin play a pivotal role in homeostatic as well as hedonic eating. We examined the association between ghrelin and leptin levels and neural FCR in the fasted and sated state and the association between meal-induced changes in ghrelin and neural FCR, and in how far these associations are related to BMI and HOMA-IR. Data from 109 participants from three European centers (age 50±18 y, BMI 27±5 kg/m2) who performed a food viewing task during fMRI after an overnight fast and after a standardized meal were analyzed. Blood samples were drawn prior to the viewing task in which high-caloric, low-caloric and non-food images were shown. Fasting ghrelin was positively associated with neural FCR in the inferior and superior occipital gyrus in the fasted state. This was partly attributable to BMI and HOMA-IR. These brain regions are involved in visual attention, suggesting that individuals with higher fasting ghrelin have heightened attention to food cues. Leptin was positively associated with high calorie FCR in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the fasted state and to neural FCR in the left supramarginal gyrus in the fasted versus sated state, when correcting for BMI and HOMA-IR, respectively. This PFC region is involved in assessing anticipated reward value, suggesting that for individuals with higher leptin levels high-caloric foods are more salient than low-caloric foods, but foods in general are not more salient than non-foods. There were no associations between ghrelin and leptin and neural FCR in the sated state, nor between meal-induced changes in ghrelin and neural FCR. In conclusion, we show modest associations between ghrelin and leptin and neural FCR in a relatively large sample of European adults with a broad age and BMI range. Our findings indicate that people with higher leptin levels for their weight status and people with higher ghrelin levels may be more attracted to high caloric foods when hungry. The results of the present study form a foundation for future studies to test whether food intake and (changes in) weight status can be predicted by the association between (mainly fasting) ghrelin and leptin levels and neural FCR.

The endocrine effects of bitter tastant administration in the gastrointestinal system: intragastric versus intraduodenal administration.

Bitter tastants are recently introduced as potential hunger-suppressive compounds, the so-called "Bitter pill." However, the literature about bitter administration lacks consistency in methods and findings. We want to test whether hunger ratings and hormone plasma levels are affected by: 1) the site of administration: intragastrically (IG) or intraduodenally (ID), 2) the bitter tastant itself, quinine hydrochloride (QHCl) or denatonium benzoate (DB), and 3) the timing of infusion. Therefore, 14 healthy, female volunteers participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled six-visit crossover study. After an overnight fast, DB (1 µmol/kg), QHCl (10 µmol/kg), or placebo were given IG or ID via a nasogastric feeding tube. Blood samples were taken 10 min before administration and every 10 min after administration for a period of 2 h. Hunger was rated at the same time points on a visual analogue scale. ID bitter administration did not affect hunger sensations, motilin, or acyl-ghrelin release compared with its placebo infusion. IG QHCl infusion tended to suppress hunger increase, especially between 50 and 70 min after infusion, simultaneously with reduced motilin values. Here, acyl-ghrelin was not affected. IG DB did not affect hunger or motilin, however acyl-ghrelin levels were reduced 50-70 minutes after infusion. Plasma values of glucagon-like peptide 1 and cholecystokinin were too low to be properly detected or to have any physiological relevance. In conclusion, bitter tastants should be infused into the stomach to reduce hunger sensations and orexigenic gut peptides. QHCl has the best potential to reduce hunger sensations, and it should be infused 60 min before food intake.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Bitter tastants are a potential new weight-loss treatment. This is a noninvasive, easy approach, which should be received with considerable enthusiasm by the public. However, literature about bitter administration lacks consistency in methods and findings. We summarize how the compound should be given based on: the site of administration, the best bitter compound to use, and at what timing in respect to the meal. This paper is therefore a fundamental step to continue research toward the further development of the "bitter pill."

Investigating Helicobacter pylori-related pyloric hypomotility: functional, histological, and molecular alterations.

Multiple theories have been proposed describing the pathogenic mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-associated gastric motility disorders. We assessed ex vivo pyloric activity in H. pylori-infected rats, and tried to explore the associated ghrelin hormone alteration and pyloric fibrogenesis. In addition, miR-1 was assessed in pyloric tissue samples, being recently accused of having a role in smooth muscle dysfunction. Ninety adult male Wistar albino rats were assigned into nine groups: 1) control group, 2) sterile broth (vehicle group), 3) amoxicillin control, 4) omeperazole control, 5) clarithromycin control, 6) triple therapy control, 7) H. pylori- group, 8) H. pylori-clarithromycin group, and 9) H. pylori-triple therapy group. Urease enzyme activity was applied as an indicator of H. pylori infection. Ex vivo pyloric contractility was evaluated. Serum ghrelin was assessed, and histological tissue evaluation was performed. Besides, pyloric muscle miR-1 expression was measured. The immunological epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers; transforming growth factor ß (TGFß), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and E-cadherin-3 were also evaluated. By H. pylori infection, a significant (P < 0.001) reduced pyloric contractility index was recorded. The miR-1 expression was decreased (P < 0.001) in the H. pylori-infected group, associated with reduced serum ghrelin, elevated TGFß, and α-SMA levels and reduced E-cadherin levels. Decreased miR-1 and disturbed molecular pattern were improved by treatment. In conclusion, H. pylori infection was associated with reduced miR-1, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and pyloric hypomotility. The miR-1 may be a target for further studies to assess its possible involvement in H. pylori-associated pyloric dysfunction, which might help in the management of human H. pylori manifestations and complications.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work is investigating functional, histopathological, and molecular changes underlying Helicobacter pylori hypomotility and is correlating these with miR-1, whose disturbance is supposed to be involved in smooth muscle dysfunction and cell proliferation according to literature. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition and reduced ghrelin hormone may contribute to H. pylori infection-associated hypomotility. H. pylori infection was associated with reduced pyloric miR-1 expression. Targeting miR-1 could be valuable in the clinical management of pyloric hypofunction.

Six-month changes in ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1 with weight loss are unrelated to long-term weight regain in obese older adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Weight loss (WL) and subsequent regain are complex physiologic processes, and our understanding of the hormonal changes associated with these processes continues to evolve. We aimed to examine the effects of behavioral WL on 6-month changes in ghrelin and GLP-1 and evaluate the effects of these changes in gut hormones on weight regain among older adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-seven obese (BMI: 33.5 (3.5) kg/m2) older adults (66.9 ± 4.7 years, 71.2% female, 67.6% white) were randomized to WL (WL; n = 68), WL plus aerobic training (n = 79), or WL plus resistance training (n = 75) for 18 months. Ghrelin, GLP-1, power of food scale (PFS), and weight were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months. RESULTS: There was no differential treatment effect on change in either gut hormone, however, there was a significant time effect across all groups (p < 0.001), with increases in ghrelin (∆ = +106.77 pg/ml; 95% CI = + 84.82, +128.71) and decreases in GLP-1 (∆ = -4.90 pM; 95% CI = -6.27, -3.51) at 6-month. Ratings on the PFS decreased from baseline to 6-month and there was significant loss of weight from baseline to either 6- or 18-month, ∆ = -7.96 kg; 95% CI = -7.95, -8.78 and ∆ = -7.80 kg; 95% CI = -8.93, -6.65, respectively (p < 0.001). Changes in ghrelin and GLP-1 at 6-month did not predict weight regain from 6- to 18-month. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Among older adults with obesity and cardiometabolic disease, the intensive phase of dietary WL results in increasing levels of ghrelin and decreasing levels of GLP-1 that are unrelated to weight regain a year later. Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01547182).