Ghrelin as a target for gastrointestinal motility disorders

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders affect coordinated propulsive movements in the gut.
• Ghrelin and its receptor (GRLN-R) agonists stimulate GI motility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest findings on GRLN-R agonists for treating GI motility disorders.
• To highlight preclinical and clinical prokinetic effects of ghrelin and novel mimetics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
• Critical discussion of evidence for GRLN-R agonists in GI hypomotility.

Main Results:

• Ghrelin and novel ghrelin mimetics demonstrate prokinetic effects on the GI tract.
• Evidence supports the potential of GRLN-R agonists to normalize GI motility.

Conclusions:

• GRLN-R agonists hold therapeutic potential for GI hypomotility disorders.
• Further research supports their use in conditions like gastroparesis, post-operative ileus, and constipation.