Ghrelin in psychiatric disorders - A review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Ghrelin is a 28-amino-acid peptide hormone regulating appetite and food intake.
• It influences central nervous system processes including sleep, mood, memory, and reward.
• Ghrelin's broad physiological roles link it to various psychiatric disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of ghrelin's role in psychiatric disorders.
• To summarize current knowledge on ghrelin's involvement in dementia, addiction, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
• To highlight the ghrelin system as a potential therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on ghrelin and psychiatric disorders.
• Analysis of animal models and human studies.
• Synthesis of findings regarding ghrelin's effects on psychopathology.

Main Results:

• Ghrelin demonstrates neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects, alleviating dementia symptoms in animal models.
• The ghrelin system is crucial in addiction pathophysiology, influencing drug reward and craving.
• Evidence suggests antidepressant effects of ghrelin, though its role in depression and anxiety is debated.
• Ghrelin's involvement in eating disorders is recognized but requires further elucidation.

Conclusions:

• The ghrelin system is implicated in a range of psychiatric disorders.
• Ghrelin shows potential for therapeutic interventions in conditions like dementia and addiction.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate ghrelin's complex role in mental health.