[Grelin: biological significance and prospects for use in endocrinology]

Ghrelin is a peptide consisting of 28 amino acid residues that is secreted in the stomach and to a lesser extent in other organs. It is a stimulant of growth hormone secretion (GHS), promoting the release of GH by activating the so-called GHS-receptors. These receptors are predominantly concentrated in the hypothalamic-pituitary region, but are also found in other tissues, which explains the wide range of effects of GHR, including stimulation of the secretion of GH, prolactin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH); effects on sleep and behavior, increased appetite and a positive energy balance; diabetic effect on carbohydrate metabolism, control of gastric secretion and peristalsis. In addition, the experiments have repeatedly shown the positive inotropic effect of ghrelin on the heart, vasodilation, and cell proliferation. The wide biological spectrum of action of ghrelin makes it promising to study and apply new knowledge in various fields of medicine: endocrinology, gastroenterology, immunology, oncology and cardiology.