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ObjectiveTo examine the effects of ghrelin on appetite and energy expenditure in lean, obese and postgastrectomy subjects.DesignA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.PatientsNine lean subjects (mean body mass index (BMI) 23.5+/-3 kg/m(2)) and nine morbidly obese subjects (mean BMI 51.4+/-10 kg/m(2)) and eight postgastrectomy subjects (mean BMI 22.4+/-1.0 kg/m(2)).InterventionsSubjects were infused with either intravenous ghrelin (5 pmol kg(-1) min(-1)) or saline over 270 min. They were given a fixed energy breakfast followed by a free buffet lunch towards the end of the infusion.Main outcome measuresVisual analogue scales were used to record hunger and energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry.ResultsGhrelin increased energy intake at the buffet lunch in lean subjects (a 41% increase, P<0.01) and obese subjects (35% increase, P=0.04) but not in postgastrectomy subjects. Lean subjects showed a characteristic preprandial rise and postprandial fall in hunger scores, which was exaggerated by ghrelin infusion. Obese subjects showed little variation in hunger scores, but a 'lean-type' pattern was restored when given exogenous ghrelin. Ghrelin had no effect on resting metabolic rate but did increase respiratory quotient (RQ) in obese subjects. Ghrelin also increased RQ variability over time in all three groups (ANOVA, P<0.001).ConclusionsHunger scores are abnormal in the obese, perhaps because of impaired ghrelin secretion. The effect of ghrelin in restoring normal hunger profiles in the obese suggests causality, confirming an important role in eating behaviour. Ghrelin also increases RQ in obese humans and increased RQ variability in all groups. This suggests that ghrelin regulates substrate utilization and may promote metabolic flexibility.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/ijo.2008.270

Type

Journal article

Journal

International journal of obesity (2005)

Publication Date

03/2009

Volume

33

Pages

317 - 325

Addresses

University of Liverpool Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Group, Clinical Sciences Centre, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, UK. bobhuda@liv.ac.uk

Keywords

Humans, Obesity, Morbid, Blood Glucose, Appetite Stimulants, Pain Measurement, Gastrectomy, Double-Blind Method, Hunger, Appetite, Satiety Response, Energy Metabolism, Postprandial Period, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Ghrelin