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Regulation of Food Intake

Regulation of Food Intake

Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...

Hormonal Regulation

Hormonal Regulation

Hormones regulate a significant portion of digestion through activation of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system of digestion contains many different hormones all with multiple functions that are both, directly and indirectly, involved in digestion.

Primary Motives: Hunger and Thirst

Primary Motives: Hunger and Thirst

Hunger and thirst are fundamental physiological drives crucial for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring the survival of both humans and animals. These drives are regulated through complex interactions between the brain, hormones, and sensory receptors.
Hunger arises when the brain detects changes in the body's nutrient levels, including glucose, lipids, amino acids, and hormones such as ghrelin and leptin. The hypothalamus plays a central role in hunger regulation. The lateral hypothalamus acts...

Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation

Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation

During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...

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

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The hunger hormone ghrelin in cachexia.

Alessio Molfino, Gianfranco Gioia, Maurizio Muscaritoli

Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy

|January 8, 2013

Summary

Cachexia, a condition of muscle and fat loss, is linked to reduced appetite and increased energy use. Ghrelin hormone shows promise in managing cachexia, but more research is needed for conclusive results.

Area of Science:

Endocrinology and Metabolism
Physiology
Pathology

Background:

Cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by muscle and adipose tissue wasting, decreased appetite, and increased energy expenditure.
It significantly contributes to morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life in patients with chronic diseases.
Ghrelin, a key hormone regulating hunger and energy homeostasis, is implicated in cachexia pathophysiology.

Discussion:

Ghrelin's role in stimulating appetite and maintaining energy balance suggests therapeutic potential for cachexia.
Studies in experimental models and in cancer and uremic patients indicate promising results for ghrelin-based interventions.
Understanding ghrelin's central and peripheral actions is crucial for developing effective cachexia treatments.

Key Insights:

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Last Updated: May 15, 2026

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

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The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia

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Ghrelin influences hunger, energy homeostasis, and body composition.
Therapeutic targeting of ghrelin pathways may combat muscle and fat loss in cachexia.
Current evidence suggests ghrelin's potential, particularly in cancer-related cachexia.

Outlook:

Further clinical investigations are essential to confirm ghrelin's efficacy and safety in diverse cachexia populations.
Exploring different ghrelin agonists or modulators could optimize treatment strategies.
Long-term studies are required to assess the sustained impact of ghrelin-based therapies on cachexia outcomes.