Ghrelin-Mediated Hippocampal Neurogenesis: Implications for Health and Disease

Publication date: Available online 21 August 2019Source: Trends in Endocrinology & MetabolismAuthor(s): Luke Buntwal, Martina Sassi, Alwena H. Morgan, Zane B. Andrews, Jeffrey S. DaviesThere is a close relationship between cognition and nutritional status, however, the mechanisms underlying this relationship require elucidation. The stomach hormone, ghrelin, which is released during food restriction, provides a link between circulating energy state and adaptive brain function. The maintenance of such homeostatic systems is essential for an organism to thrive and survive, and accumulating evidence points to ghrelin being key in promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis and memory. Aberrant neurogenesis is linked to cognitive decline in ageing and neurodegeneration. Therefore, identifying endogenous metabolic factors that regulate new adult-born neurone formation is an important objective in understanding the link between nutritional status and central nervous system (CNS) function. Here, we review current developments in our understanding of ghrelin’s role in regulating neurogenesis and memory function.
Source: Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research