Ghrelin as a Survival Hormone

Publication date: December 2017 Source:Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 28, Issue 12 Author(s): Bharath K. Mani, Jeffrey M. Zigman Ghrelin administration induces food intake and body weight gain. Based on these actions, the ghrelin system was initially proposed as an antiobesity target. Subsequent studies using genetic mouse models have raised doubts about the role of the endogenous ghrelin system in mediating body weight homeostasis or obesity. However, this is not to say that the endogenous ghrelin system is not important metabolically or otherwise. Here we review an emerging concept in which the endogenous ghrelin system serves an essential function during extreme nutritional and psychological challenges to defend blood glucose, protect body weight, avoid exaggerated depression, and ultimately allow survival.
Source: Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research