Ghrelin and the cardiovascular system.

Ghrelin and the cardiovascular system. Endocr Dev. 2013;25:83-90 Authors: Isgaard J Abstract Although ghrelin was initially associated with regulation of appetite, the cardiovascular system has also been recognized as a potentially important target for its effects. Moreover, experimental and a limited number of clinical studies suggest a potential role for ghrelin in the treatment of congestive heart failure. So far, reported cardiovascular effects of growth hormone secretagogues and/or ghrelin include lowering of peripheral resistance, either direct at the vascular level and/or by modulating sympathetic nervous activity. Other observed effects indicate possible improvement of contractility and cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects both in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, these results offer an interesting perspective on the future where further studies aiming at evaluating a role of growth hormone secretagogues and ghrelin in the treatment of cardiovascular disease are warranted. PMID: 23652394 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Endocrine Development - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Tags: Endocr Dev Source Type: research