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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood

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Published on: April 28, 2016

Ghrelin and glucose homeostasis.

P J D Delhanty¹, A J van der Lely

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. p.delhanty@erasmusmc.nl

|March 15, 2011

Summary

Ghrelin impacts growth hormone and insulin secretion, but also promotes obesity and diabetes. Blocking ghrelin may prevent diabetes, though research into its complex role and therapeutic strategies is ongoing.

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Metabolic Research
Physiology

Background:

Ghrelin is a key hormone regulating growth hormone (GH) and insulin secretion, and glucose metabolism.
It plays a role in the physiological response to fasting and energy balance.
Pharmacological studies highlight ghrelin's obesogenic and diabetogenic properties, potentially linked to energy storage during food scarcity.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the physiological roles of ghrelin in metabolism and its implications for diabetes.
To review the potential of ghrelin blockade as a therapeutic strategy for metabolic disorders.
To discuss alternative approaches like targeting the ghrelin/des-acyl ghrelin ratio and GOAT activity.

Main Methods:

Review of existing physiological and pharmacological studies on ghrelin.

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Analysis of correlations between ghrelin levels and type 2 diabetes/insulin resistance.

Evaluation of therapeutic strategies including ghrelin receptor antagonism and modulation of ghrelin acylation.

Main Results:

Ghrelin influences pancreatic islet function and glucose homeostasis.
A negative correlation exists between ghrelin levels and type 2 diabetes/insulin resistance, though causality is unclear.
Ghrelin receptor antagonism can lead to weight gain, necessitating alternative strategies.

Conclusions:

Ghrelin blockade shows potential for preventing diabetogenic effects, but direct antagonism has drawbacks.
Modulating the ghrelin/des-acyl ghrelin ratio and blocking GOAT activity are promising alternative therapeutic avenues.
Further investigation into the long-term effects of these novel treatments is required.