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Ghrelin Actions on Somatotropic and Gonadotropic Function in Humans
Giovanna Motta1, Stefano Allasia1, Ezio Ghigo1
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science
|March 5, 2016
Summary
Ghrelin, a stomach hormone, regulates growth hormone and appetite. It also significantly impacts reproductive functions, influencing puberty and gonadal activity in humans and animals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Ghrelin, a peptide hormone primarily from the stomach, is the natural ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a).
- Initially recognized for its role in GH release and appetite stimulation, ghrelin's broader functions are increasingly understood.
- Ghrelin influences multiple endocrine axes beyond GH and energy balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review ghrelin's actions on the growth hormone/IGF-I axis.
- To elucidate ghrelin's role in modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of ghrelin in catabolic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ghrelin's endocrine functions.
- Analysis of ghrelin's direct and indirect effects on pituitary and hypothalamic cells.
- Examination of ghrelin's influence on reproductive parameters in various species.
Main Results:
- Ghrelin directly stimulates pituitary cells and modulates hypothalamic GHRH release, impacting GH secretion.
- Ghrelin exhibits inhibitory effects on gonadotropin pulsatility and plays a role in puberty onset.
- Evidence suggests ghrelin's involvement in regulating spermatogenesis, follicular development, and ovarian functions.
Conclusions:
- Ghrelin is a pleiotropic hormone with significant roles in both the GH/IGF-I and gonadal axes.
- Ghrelin's modulation of reproductive functions highlights its complexity beyond appetite and GH regulation.
- Ghrelin presents potential as a therapeutic agent for managing catabolic states.
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