Ghrelin - Physiological Functions and Regulation

Overview

Journal Eur Endocrinol

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2018 Apr 11

PMID 29632576

Citations 50

Authors

Mona Mohamed Ibrahim Abdalla

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide predominantly secreted from the stomach and stimulates appetite and growth hormone (GH) release. Studies have provided evidence that ghrelin exercises a wide range of functions, including regulation of food intake and energy metabolism, modulation of cardiovascular function, stimulation of osteoblast proliferation and bone formation and stimulation of neurogenesis and myogenesis. In the gastrointestinal system, ghrelin affects multiple functions, including secretion of gastric acid, gastric motility and pancreatic protein output. Most of these functions have been attributed to the actions of acylated ghrelin. The balance among its secretion rate, degradation rate and clearance rate determines the circulating level of ghrelin. This review explains what ghrelin is, its physiological functions and the factors that influence its level.

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