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Estrogen replacement therapy increases plasma ghrelin levels.
Eija Kellokoski1, Seppo M Pöykkö, Anna H Karjalainen
1Clinical Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FIN-90014 Oulu, Finland. eija.kellokoski@oulu.fi
Summary
Estrogen replacement therapy boosts active ghrelin levels in postmenopausal women, especially peroral estrogen. Transdermal therapy showed no significant increase, suggesting varied effects on this hormone.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Science
Background:
- Ghrelin is a peptide hormone with growth hormone-releasing and metabolic functions.
- Estrogen's role in regulating ghrelin and its metabolic impact is an area of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on plasma active ghrelin levels.
- To compare the impact of peroral (PE) versus transdermal estrogen therapy on active ghrelin.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 64 hysterectomized postmenopausal women.
- Measurement of plasma active ghrelin using radioimmunoassay (RIA) before and after 6 months of ERT.
- Analysis of correlations between ghrelin levels, estradiol, and plasma lipids.
Main Results:
- Overall ERT significantly increased plasma active ghrelin (P=0.002).
- Peroral estrogen therapy significantly elevated ghrelin levels (P=0.001), while transdermal therapy did not (P=0.332).
- Increased ghrelin correlated with increased estradiol and showed negative associations with total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen replacement therapy, particularly peroral, increases active ghrelin levels in postmenopausal women.
- The findings suggest a link between ERT, ghrelin, and lipid metabolism.
- Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these observed effects.