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The Pathologic Roles and Therapeutic Implications of Ghrelin/GHSR System in Mental Disorders
Qianshuo Mao1, Jinjia Wang1, Zihan Yang1
1Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China.
Depression and Anxiety
|April 14, 2025
Summary
Ghrelin, a hormone, influences psychiatric disorders by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Research highlights its potential in treating conditions such as depression and schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid hormone that binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR).
- GHSR is notably expressed in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands.
- Ghrelin's interaction with GHSR subtype 1a mediates its biological effects, including those related to psychosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on ghrelin's role in psychiatric disorders.
- To explore ghrelin's mechanisms influencing neurotransmitter systems and axes.
- To emphasize ghrelin's therapeutic potential for mental health conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on ghrelin and psychiatric disorders.
- Analysis of ghrelin's influence on neurotransmitters (dopamine, GABA, 5-HT) via HPA axis, brain-gut axis, and mesolimbic dopamine system.
- Examination of ghrelin's activation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and dopamine neurons.
Main Results:
- Ghrelin significantly impacts the onset of psychosis by modulating key neurotransmitters.
- Ghrelin activates NPY in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in a GHSR-dependent manner.
- Ghrelin influences dopamine levels and the reward system, potentially linking it to conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Conclusions:
- Ghrelin plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of various psychiatric disorders.
- Ghrelin's modulation of neurotransmitter systems presents a promising target for novel psychiatric treatments.
- Further research into ghrelin-based therapies could offer new avenues for managing depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.
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