Serum ghrelin level is associated with cardiovascular risk score

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Ghrelin, a peptide hormone, is known for its role in growth hormone release and has demonstrated beneficial hemodynamic effects.
• Ghrelin receptors are widely distributed in cardiovascular tissues, suggesting a potential role in cardiovascular function.
• The influence of cardiovascular risk factors on plasma ghrelin levels remains an area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between plasma ghrelin levels and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors.
• To determine if common risk factors like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes impact ghrelin concentrations.
• To assess the association between ghrelin levels and calculated global cardiovascular risk.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-eight subjects (65% women, mean age 61.7 years) were evaluated for cardiovascular risk factors.
• Plasma ghrelin levels were quantified using a commercial ELISA kit.
• Global cardiovascular risk was assessed using the European SCORE system.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in plasma ghrelin levels were observed between patients with and without individual cardiovascular risk factors.
• A negative correlation was found between ghrelin levels and age (r = -0.32, p < 0.05).
• Lower ghrelin levels were significantly correlated with a higher calculated risk of fatal cardiovascular events within 10 years (r = -0.25, p = 0.015).

Conclusions:

• Low serum ghrelin concentrations are associated with increased global cardiovascular risk, as determined by the European SCORE scale.
• This study did not establish a direct relationship between specific major cardiovascular risk factors and plasma ghrelin levels.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between ghrelin and cardiovascular health.