Relationship between craving and ghrelin, adiponectin, and resistin levels in patients with alcoholism

Alcoholism is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. The most widely accepted hypothesis of its etiology is multidimensional and includes biological, psychological, and sociological factors. The biological factors have been the focus of investigation. In recent years, pathways related to nutrition and the relationship between alcohol addiction and craving have been studied. Our aim was to explore the relationship between the appetite hormones (adiponectin, ghrelin, and resistin) and alcohol craving.

Blood samples were obtained from 107 male patients over a 7-day period. Levels of adiponectin, resistin, and ghrelin, the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) score, and the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) score were assessed on days 0 and 7. Adiponectin, resistin, and ghrelin levels were also tested in 83 healthy males in the control group.

The sample group consisted of 190 males (107 patients and 83 healthy controls). Comparison of alcohol craving scales with biological markers in the patient group showed a positive correlation between adiponectin levels and the OCDS compulsive subscale scores, and a positive correlation between ghrelin levels and the OCDS total and compulsive subscale scores and the PACS resistance subscale scores. Resistin levels were negatively correlated with the OCDS total, obsessive subscale, and compulsive subscale scores.

Although we did not observe a significant relationship between craving and any of the 3 biomarkers on day 0, craving was positively correlated with the levels of adiponectin and ghrelin and negatively correlated resistin levels on day 7. Our findings support the hypothesis that appetite hormones are trait markers for alcohol craving. Nevertheless, more conclusive results require future studies that evaluate the relationship between these hormones and withdrawal/detoxification period or long-term soberness.