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Ghrelin and PYY3−36 in gastrectomized and vagotomized patients: relations with appetite, energy intake and resting energy expenditure

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

Reduced food intake, appetite loss and alteration of ghrelin and PYY3−36 secretion have been suggested to have a function in the loss of body weight commonly observed after gastrectomy. The objective of this study was to investigate the circulating concentrations of ghrelin and PYY3−36 and their relationships with food intake, appetite and resting energy expenditure (REE) after gastrectomy plus vagotomy.

Subjects/Methods:

Seven patients with total gastrectomy (TG), 14 with partial gastrectomy (PG) and 10 healthy controls were studied. Habitual food intake and REE was assessed; fasting and postprandial plasma total ghrelin, PYY3−36 concentrations and appetite ratings were determined after ingestion of a liquid test meal.

Results:

Differently from PG and controls, fasting ghrelin correlated with REE, and a higher energy intake was observed in the TG group. Fasting plasma ghrelin concentrations were lower in TG compared with controls, and no ghrelin response to the meal was observed in either PG or TG. Fasting plasma PYY3−36 concentrations were not different among the groups. There was an early and exaggerated postprandial rise in PYY3−36 levels in both PG and TG groups, but not in controls. No effect of ghrelin or PYY3−36 concentrations was observed on hunger, prospective consumption or fullness ratings.

Conclusions:

Total ghrelin and PYY3−36 do not seem to be involved with appetite or energy intake regulation after gastrectomy plus vagotomy. Ghrelin secreted by sources other than stomach is likely to have a function in the long-term regulation of body weight after TG.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by grants from Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo.

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Correspondence to M M Kamiji.

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Kamiji, M., Troncon, L., Antunes-Rodrigues, J. et al. Ghrelin and PYY3−36 in gastrectomized and vagotomized patients: relations with appetite, energy intake and resting energy expenditure. Eur J Clin Nutr 64, 845–852 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2010.88

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