Ghrelin

Ghrelin is a hormone that is produced and released mainly by the stomach with small amounts also released by the small intestine, pancreas and brain. Ghrelin has numerous functions. It is termed the 'hunger hormone' because it stimulates appetite, increases food intake and promotes fat storage.

Ghrelin 3D predicted

Production and Release

Ghrelin is produced and released mainly by the stomach. Small amounts are also released by the small intestine, pancreas and brain. The production and release of ghrelin are influenced by nutritional status: its levels increase before meals and decrease after meals, a mechanism that makes it a potent stimulator of growth hormone (GH) secretion.

Functions

Ghrelin has numerous functions. It is known as the 'hunger hormone' because it stimulates appetite, increases food intake and promotes fat storage. In addition, ghrelin influences energy use, stimulates the secretion of growth hormone, and influences body weight. Ghrelin also has protective effects on the cardiovascular system and plays a role in the control of insulin release.

Role in Disease

Alterations in ghrelin levels have been observed in a variety of disease states, suggesting a role for this hormone in these conditions. For example, elevated ghrelin levels have been found in patients with anorexia nervosa, a disorder characterized by a distorted body image and self-imposed starvation. Conversely, decreased ghrelin levels have been observed in obesity.

See Also

• Hormone
• Stomach
• Small Intestine
• Pancreas
• Brain
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Obesity

References

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