eBriefing
Academy eBriefings
Gut Responses: Ghrelin's Role in Weight Control and Psychiatric Health
Jeff Zigman, U. of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Michael Thorner, U. of Virginia; Matthias Tschöp, U. of Cincinnati; Sabrina Diano, Yale U. School of Medicine; Roy G. Smith, Baylor College of Medicine
Highlights
- Ghrelin signaling is required for normal body weight homeostasis, and in particular the normal, long-term responses to challenge with high fat diet.
- Ghrelin has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, intact ghrelin signaling pathways may serve a protective function against the development of depression and anxiety.
- Ghrelin acts through NPY/AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus region of the brain to stimulate appetite and regulate lipid deposition and energy expenditure.
- Ghrelin promotes the release of growth hormone.
- Ghrelin may control the release of insulin from pancreatic β cells, suggesting a therapeutic use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
- Ghrelin may have anti-aging effects due it its ability to reduce age-related insulin sensitivity and promote healthy weight gain.
© 2008 New York Academy of Sciences, all rights reserved
