Search Results (65)

Background: The coronavirus disease-19 pandemic affected millions of people and its long-term impact on the health of survivors is under evaluation. Objectives: In this study, we hypothesized that severe coronavirus disease-19 could promote long-term changes in the blood levels of hormones and growth factors known to be involved in the regulation of ageing. Methods: We evaluated 49 patients that recovered from severe COVID-19 and compared them with matched controls that were never infected by the virus. The blood levels of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, oxytocin, ghrelin, platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor-1, and transforming growth factor-beta were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: After six months of recovery, patients presented reduced blood levels of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and platelet-derived growth factor. Fifteen months after, the reductions in the blood levels of all four hormones/growth factors persisted. Conclusions: Our study advances the field by identifying hormones and growth factors involved in ageing that undergo persistent changes in patients that recover from severe COVID-19. Further studies could explore the potential of the identified hormones/growth factors as therapeutic targets for the late complications and accelerated ageing that may affect patients recovering from severe COVID-19. Full article

Introduction: Short sleep duration has been implicated in an increased body mass index (BMI), potentially through disruptions in appetite-regulating hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of sleep deprivation on circulating levels of these hunger hormones and their possible role in obesity. Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 141 participants were included in the analysis, with sleep deprivation typically manipulated through restricting sleep by 4–5 h or keeping participants awake for 24 h. Data on leptin and ghrelin levels were extracted from blood samples, and statistical analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Results: The results revealed no significant changes in ghrelin (SMD: −0.27, 95% CI: −1.00, 0.46, p = 0.4712) or leptin (SMD: 0.10, 95% CI: −0.22, 0.42, p = 0.5266) levels following sleep deprivation, contrary to prior studies suggesting a link between sleep loss and altered appetite regulation. Significant heterogeneity was observed for ghrelin levels (I² = 83.83%, p < 0.001), but not for leptin (I² = 21.86%, p = 0.4049). Variations in study design, including differences in blood sampling timing and participant BMI, may explain this variability. Conclusions: These findings suggest that, at least in the short term, sleep deprivation does not consistently affect leptin and ghrelin levels. Given the complex relationship between sleep and appetite regulation, future research should focus on standardized study designs, participant characteristics, and more precise measurements to further explore these mechanisms. Full article

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, is released pre-prandially and during periods of negative energy balance, exhibiting anti-fertility properties. In this study, twenty ewes were divided into two groups: a ghrelin-treated group receiving 1.25 μg/kg body weight (BW) of ghrelin per day via mini-pumps for 28 days and an untreated control group. Estrus was synchronized, superovulation was induced with FSH, and embryos and follicular fluid were collected six days post-estrus. Blood samples were taken to measure LH, progesterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations. Results indicated that in treated animals, preovulatory LH surge was weaker, and progesterone levels were lower than in controls. Differences were observed in the superovulatory response and the number of collected embryos, both being higher in controls. While AMH levels did not differ between groups at the beginning of the experiment, they were lower in treated animals at the time of FSH administration. Treated ewes exhibited a reduced number of small follicles, and their follicular fluid contained lower AMH concentrations than the controls. These findings suggest that ghrelin plays a direct role in regulating LH secretion from the pituitary and in controlling ovarian follicle development, highlighting the strong interaction between nutrition and fertility. Full article

Background/Objectives: The amino acid γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and acts as an autocrine and/or paracrine signaling molecule in various types of non-neuronal cells. On the other hand, GABA is a nutrient found in a variety of foods and is marketed as a health supplement based on a growing number of studies reporting health benefits in humans and recuperations in animal models of diseases. The present study sought to examine whether supplementation of GABA to young mice regulates their growth as well as glucose and lipid metabolism during physiological adolescence. Methods: Mice were supplemented with GABA over a 16-week period with subsequent anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine measurements. Results: Results showed that 16-week oral supplementation of GABA increased food consumption and body length while attenuating weight gain in male mice but not females. In addition, GABA treatment lowered the index of body fat (Lee index) and increased the expression of lipolytic enzymes in adipose and liver tissues of male mice without affecting blood glucose levels. Remarkably, supplementation of GABA significantly increased the protein expression of growth hormone (GH) in the pituitary gland of both male and female mice. However, it only substantially increased GH levels in the sera of male mice but not females. Moreover, GABA significantly increased the expression of the GH secretagogue peptide ghrelin in the stomachs of male mice only. Conclusions: Together these novel findings suggest that long-term GABA supplementation fundamentally influences the growth and lipid metabolism of males during adolescent development by stimulating ghrelin–GH production and secretion. The mechanisms of GABA-induced sex-dependent upregulations of ghrelin and GH, as well as lipid metabolism in adolescence, await further studies. Full article

Maternal obesity is an escalating public health concern that adversely affects pregnancy outcomes. Adipokines play a key role in regulating metabolism and fetal development, but their dynamic changes during pregnancy remain inadequately understood. Objective: This study investigates maternal and fetal adipokine variations throughout pregnancy and their associations with maternal body mass index (BMI), abdominal wall thickness, and neonatal outcomes. Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted involving 74 pregnant women categorized by BMI. Maternal blood samples were collected at mid-pregnancy and delivery, and additional analysis of umbilical-cord blood was performed. Clinical parameters such as BMI, abdominal wall thickness, and fetal growth metrics were also recorded. Results: Adiponectin levels were significantly lower in obese pregnancies, whereas leptin and visfatin levels increased with higher maternal BMI. Umbilical-cord blood leptin levels correlated positively with maternal BMI and neonatal birth weight, while ghrelin levels were reduced in neonates born to obese mothers. Significant adipokine fluctuations were observed between mid-pregnancy and delivery. Conclusions: Maternal obesity is associated with distinct alterations in adipokine profiles. These findings highlight the potential of maternal adipokines, given their links to maternal adiposity, as predictive biomarkers for adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term metabolic risks in offspring. Further interventional research is warranted to evaluate targeted strategies aimed at improving perinatal metabolic health. Full article

Background and Objectives: A similar secretory pattern of prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) during the menstrual cycle has been reported in response to a high dose of ghrelin in adult healthy women. The present study aimed to assess the pattern of PRL and GH secretions in response to a submaximal dose of ghrelin during different menstrual phases in adult healthy women. Materials and Methods: Eight female subjects with normal cyclicity were enrolled. These subjects were either in the early follicular (EF), late follicular (LF), or mid-luteal (ML) phase of their cycles. Each subject received an IV dose of normal saline (2 mL each time) during the first cycle after enrollment, followed by an IV dose of ghrelin (0.30 μg/kg bw) in the second cycle. The blood samples were collected before and after the IV dosage at −15, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 min, where 0 min denotes the time of IV dosage. Results: All the enrolled subjects experienced ovulatory cycles as assessed by increased serum progesterone levels. Serum estradiol levels were significantly higher in the LF than in the EF (p < 0.001) and ML phases (p < 0.01); these levels were also significantly higher in the ML than in the EF phase (p < 0.01). The administration of saline did not affect serum GH or PRL levels. Following the administration of ghrelin, plasma ghrelin levels and serum GH levels increased significantly (p < 0.001). The response amplitude of GH was similar in the three stages of cycle 2. In contrast to GH, the ghrelin injection induced a significant increase in serum PRL levels only in the LF phase (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results show, for the first time, a different pattern of PRL and GH in response to a submaximal dose of ghrelin during the normal menstrual cycle. It is suggested that the ghrelin threshold for pituitary lactotrophs is higher than for somatotrophs and that, unlike GH, ghrelin-stimulated PRL secretion can be influenced by ovarian steroids. Full article

Background and Objectives: In this study, the effects of an eight-week exercise and nutrition program on blood lipids, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin, ghrelin, irisin, malondialdehyde (MDA), and Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) in overweight women were investigated. Materials and Methods: A total of 48 women volunteers participated in this study. The participants were randomly divided into four groups: control (C), exercise (E), nutrition (N), exercise + nutrition (E + N). While no intervention was applied to group C, the other groups participated in the predetermined programs for 8 weeks. At the beginning and end of this study, body composition was measured and blood samples were taken. Results: It was determined that the body composition components, lipid profile indicators, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance, leptin, ghrelin, irisin, and MDA parameters examined in this study showed positive changes in the intervention groups. Group E had a greater effect on body muscle percentage, MDA, and irisin levels, while group N had a greater effect on blood lipids and ghrelin levels. Conclusions: As a result, it is thought that lifestyle changes are important to improve cardiovascular health and combat obesity, and that maintaining a healthy diet together with exercise may be more effective. Full article

Background/Objectives: Barley dietary fiber (BDF), particularly β-glucan, has shown potential in modulating postprandial glycemic responses and improving metabolic health. This study aimed to assess the effects of Saechalssalbori (Hordeum vulgare L.), a glutinous barley variety rich in β-glucan, on postprandial blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, triglycerides, and appetite-related hormones in healthy adults. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, healthy adults (n = 67) with fasting blood glucose levels below 126 mg/dL were assigned to consume either BDF or placebo (rice flour). Fasting and postprandial blood samples were collected at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after consumption. Blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, triglycerides, and appetite-related hormones (ghrelin, PYY) were measured, and appetite was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (CHAMC 2022-08-040-007) and registered (KCT0009166). Results: BDF consumption significantly delayed the postprandial increase in blood glucose compared with placebo, reduced insulin secretion, and slightly increased glucagon and triglycerides. BDF also lowered hunger and increased satiety, with associated increases in ghrelin and PYY levels. Conclusions: BDF consumption, particularly from β-glucan-rich barley, may improve postprandial glycemic control and suppress appetite, making it a promising dietary intervention for managing metabolic conditions such as diabetes. Further studies are needed to explore its long-term impact on glycemic variability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Collagen is a protein formed by very long amino acid chains. When conveniently treated, it can incorporate water into the net, thus increasing its volume and mass. The present work aimed to evaluate the potential anti-obesity effects of bovine collagen that has been technologically treated to increase its water retention capacity in an acid pH medium, with the objective of inducing satiation. Methods: Collagen’s digestibility was tested with a pepsin digestion test. Its swelling capacity was tested in an acid pH medium simulating gastric conditions. Postprandial levels of ghrelin in response to collagen supplementation were tested in rats. In a randomized control trial, 64 subjects with overweight/obesity were allocated in two groups: supplemented daily with two protein bars enriched with collagen (20 g per day) for 12 weeks, or control group. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were assessed in all the participants. Results: This collagen showed a low digestibility (<60%) and high swelling capacity (>1900%) in vitro. In humans with overweight and obesity, this collagen significantly reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and fatty liver index (FLI) and increased fat-free mass when compared with the control group. A significant reduction in the sarcopenic index; total, troncular, and visceral fat (measured by DEXA); and serum leptin levels were observed in the collagen group at the end of the intervention, with no differences with respect to controls. Collagen reduced the sensation of hunger and increased fullness and satisfaction. In male Wistar rats, collagen decreased postprandial blood ghrelin levels. Conclusions: Collagen supplementation (20 g per day for 12 weeks) reduced body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, FLI, and SBP in humans with overweight and obesity, which might be related to the increased sensation of fullness and satisfaction reported by the volunteers after the intake. Full article

Natural flavonoids exert many potential health benefits, including anti-hyperglycaemic effects. However, the effects of gossypetin (GTIN) on glucose homeostasis in pre-diabetes have not yet been investigated. This study examined the effects of GTIN on key markers of glucose homeostasis in a diet-induced pre-diabetic rat model. Pre-diabetes was induced by allowing the animals to feed on a high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet supplemented with 15% fructose water for 20 weeks. Following pre-diabetes induction, the pre-diabetic animals were sub-divided into five groups (n = 6), where they were either orally treated with GTIN (15 mg/kg) or metformin (MET) (500 mg/kg), both with and without dietary intervention, over a 12-week period. The results demonstrated that animals in the untreated pre-diabetic (PD) control group exhibited significantly higher fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, as well as elevated plasma insulin concentrations and increased homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) index, relative to the non-pre-diabetic (NPD) group. Similarly, increased caloric intake, body weight and plasma ghrelin levels were observed in the PD control group. Notably, these parameters were significantly reduced in the PD animals receiving GTIN treatment. Additionally, glycogen levels in the liver and skeletal muscle, which were disturbed in the PD control group, showed significant improvement in both GTIN-treated groups. These findings may suggest that GTIN administration, with or without dietary modifications, may offer therapeutic benefits in ameliorating glucose homeostasis disturbances associated with the PD state. Full article

During field surveys and culture procedures, large growth disparities in Anguilla japonica have been observed. However, the potential causes are unknown. This study explored differences in digestive ability, metabolic levels, and transcriptomic profiles of appetite-related genes between growth-retarded eel (GRE) and normal-growing eel (NGE) under the same rearing conditions. The results showed that growth hormone (gh) mRNA expression in GREs was considerably lower than NGEs. The levels of total protein (TP), total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), blood ammonia (BA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in GREs were significantly lower than in NGEs. Conversely, levels of glucose (GLU), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were higher in GREs. The activities of SOD, CAT, and T-AOC levels were also significantly lower in GREs, as were the activities of glucose-related enzymes including hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PASE). Additionally, orexigenic genes (npy and ghrelin) were dramatically downregulated, whereas anorexigenic genes (crh and pyy) were significantly upregulated in GREs. These findings suggested that variances in growth hormone, metabolic activities, and appetite level could be associated with the different growth rates of A. japonica. The present research not only revealed the characteristics of the growth, metabolism, and appetite of GREs but also offered new perspectives into the substantial growth discrepancies in A. japonica, providing novel ideas for enhancing fish growth. Full article

Background and Objectives: In this study, the effects of a six-week training program and various diets on subfatin, asprosin, irisin, leptin, ghrelin and the lipid profile were investigated in overweight women. Materials and Methods: A total of 78 women voluntarily participated in the study. Groups: The study was divided into eight groups: Healthy Control, Obese Control, Obese + Vegetarian, Obese + Ketogenic, Obese + Intermittent Fasting, Obese + Exercise + Vegetarian, Obese + Exercise + Ketogenic and Obese + Exercise + Intermittent Fasting. While there was no intervention in the healthy and obese control groups, the other groups followed predetermined exercise and diet programs for 6 weeks. Blood samples were taken from the participants in the research group twice (before and after the interventions). An autoanalyzer was used to determine the lipid profile in the blood samples taken, and the ELISA method was used to analyze other parameters. Results: Overall, a significant difference was found in the values of weight, BMI, subfatin, ghrelin, leptin, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL as a result of the exercise and diet interventions (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in asprosin and irisin values (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, regular exercise and dietary interventions in obese women can regulate lipid profile, ghrelin, leptin and asprosin levels, and increasing irisin with exercise can activate lipid metabolism and support positive changes in lean mass. Full article

Pro-B amino-terminal natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a diagnostic marker for heart failure (HF), a severe complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, its significance in CKD is not clear, as other factors, such as renal function, may also have an impact. Recent studies have shown that ghrelin treatment is effective in HF in the general population, but the impact of ghrelin on cardiac function in CKD patients is still unknown. Our study aimed to investigate the factors associated with NT-proBNP in pre-dialysis CKD patients and to evaluate the correlation between NT-proBNP and ghrelin and acyl-ghrelin, molecules determined using ELISA methods. In a cross-sectional observational study, we included 80 patients with pre-dialysis CKD, with a mean age of 68 years and 50% men. The median values for NT-proBNP were 351.8 pg/mL, for acyl ghrelin 16.39 pg/mL, and for ghrelin 543.32 pg/mL. NT-proBNP was correlated with ghrelin (p = 0.034, r = 0.24), acyl-ghrelin (p = 0.033, r = −0.24), estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.027, r = −0.25), serum urea (p = 0.006, r = 0.31), and ferritin (p = 0.041, r = 0.28). In multivariate analysis, ghrelin (p = 0.040) and blood urea (p = 0.040) remained significant predictors for NT-proBNP levels. NT-proBNP was a significant predictor for acyl-ghrelin (p = 0.036). In conclusion, in pre-dialysis CKD patients, a high value of NT-proBNP was associated with a high value of total ghrelin and a low value of acyl-ghrelin. Full article

Bariatric surgery (BS) is considered the most effective intervention for patients with severe obesity and is used to maintain long-term weight loss and glycemic control. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of genotypes and haplotypes of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genes on total body weight loss (TBWL), post-surgery weight, and post-BMI after bariatric surgery. We retrospectively selected 101 patients from Bajio High Specialty Regional Hospital, León Guanajuato, México, who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) to determine their body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, biochemical characteristics, and comorbidities. Post-surgery, patients were referred for registered anthropometry and blood pressure. Glucose, lipid and hepatic profiles, and insulin, leptin, and ghrelin levels were measured, and rs9939609, rs9930506, and rs1421085 FTO and rs17782313 MC4R polymorphisms were genotyped. Six (4–8) years after BS, post-surgery weight was greater in carriers of the rs9939609 and rs1421085 risk genotypes. TBWL was lower for the rs9930506 and rs1421085 risk genotypes. Insulin and HOMA-IR were greater in patients with the three FTO polymorphisms. There were significant interaction effects of the rs9930506 and rs1421085 FTO risk genotypes on weight and BMI in response to BS. No association was found with the MC4R polymorphism. The genotypes and haplotypes of the FTO gene influence post-surgery weight, TBWL, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR. Full article

Excessive sugar consumption provides energy but has little nutritional value, contributing to the prevalence of obesity. Hence, “sugar-free” products using artificial or natural sweeteners, including sugar alcohols, have become popular. Accordingly, safety concerns and curiosity have arisen. Therefore, this study used a double-blind, crossover design to compare the effects of commercial sugar-free and sugar jellies (control) on the glycemic response in 16 adults without diabetes. Blood samples were collected to measure blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, ghrelin, C-peptide, glycated hemoglobin, and glycated albumin levels, and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Questionnaires on satiety and intestinal health were also administered. Sugar-free jellies resulted in significantly lower glucose and insulin levels and a reduced area under the curve while showing higher glucagon levels than the controls. Moreover, the sugar-free jelly initially resulted in the greater secretion of ghrelin; however, after 2 h, the control jelly resulted in higher ghrelin. No significant differences were observed in gut quotient, C-peptide, glycated hemoglobin, and glycated albumin levels. In conclusion, substituting sugar jelly with sugar-free jelly may induce lower blood glucose and insulin levels and higher glucagon levels, indicating a better ability to control glucose metabolism. Appetite was not stimulated by sugar-free jelly consumption. Full article