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Enriched protein diet-modified ghrelin expression and secretion in rats.
M T Vallejo-Cremades1, L Gómez-García, M Chacatas-Cortesao
1Research Unit, Servicio de Cirugía Experimental, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Paseo de la Castellana 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain.
Regulatory Peptides
|July 17, 2004
Summary
A high-protein diet significantly increases ghrelin levels in rats, impacting growth hormone and IGF-1. This suggests dietary protein can nutritionally manipulate ghrelin secretion.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Gastrointestinal integrity and function are influenced by nutrition and growth factors.
- Ghrelin, a growth hormone secretagogue from the GI tract, links diet and growth signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of dietary macronutrients on ghrelin expression and secretion.
- To explore ghrelin's role in intestinal trophic status.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were fed high-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat, or standard diets with controlled caloric intake.
- Blood and tissue samples were collected after fasting and refeeding at specific time points.
Main Results:
- Fasting rats on a high-protein diet exhibited elevated ghrelin plasma levels compared to other diet groups.
- Ghrelin levels decreased post-refeeding, with a notable exception in the high-protein group.
- High-protein diet correlated with lower growth hormone and IGF-1 levels.
Conclusions:
- Ghrelin secretion is significantly influenced by dietary protein.
- A protein-enriched diet leads to increased ghrelin levels in rats.
- Dietary manipulation of ghrelin may affect growth factor signaling.