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Ghrelin alterations during experimental and human sepsis.
I Nikitopoulou1, E Kampisiouli2, E Jahaj2
1GP Livanos and M Simou Laboratories, 1st Department of Critical Care & Pulmonary Services, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Cytokine
|December 13, 2019
Summary
Ghrelin levels, including active ghrelin, significantly increase during sepsis in both human patients and an experimental model. Higher active ghrelin levels correlate with better outcomes, suggesting a protective role in sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Ghrelin, a gastric hormone, exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ghrelin levels in patients experiencing sepsis.
- To examine ghrelin levels in an experimental model of sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Consecutive ICU admissions were screened; 34 patients who developed sepsis were enrolled.
- Blood samples were collected at baseline and sepsis onset for hormone and cytokine analysis.
- An experimental sepsis model using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice was employed.
Main Results:
- Serum total and active ghrelin concentrations were significantly elevated in septic patients compared to baseline.
- Active ghrelin levels in sepsis inversely correlated with SOFA score and ICU length of stay.
- In mice, LPS treatment increased ghrelin, leptin, TNFα, and IL-6; ghrelin administration reduced IL-6.
Conclusions:
- Active and total ghrelin levels increase during sepsis in both clinical and experimental settings.
- The inverse correlation of active ghrelin with severity scores suggests a potential protective role in sepsis.
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