Ghrelin's expanding list of endocrine (GH, prolactin, cortisol) and non-endocrine (appetite, adiposity, cardiovascular protection, immune modulation) actions makes it one of the most versatile peptide hormones known.
7+ tissues, 5+ functionsGhrelin is produced in stomach, bowel, pancreas, kidney, immune system, pituitary, and hypothalamus with at least 5 major functional categories
What the researchers found
Ghrelin's comprehensive activity profile includes GH/prolactin/cortisol release, appetite stimulation, adiposity, cardiovascular protection, and immune modulation, with multi-tissue production supporting both endocrine and local paracrine functions.
Why it matters
The most complete ghrelin activity overview available at the time, essential for understanding the full scope of what ghrelin-targeting drugs will affect.
How the study worked
Comprehensive review integrating all published ghrelin endocrine, metabolic, cardiovascular, and immunological activities with tissue distribution data.
What this study cannot tell us
Review from 2003. Some proposed activities were still being characterized. The relative importance of each activity for clinical applications was debated.
How to read the evidence
Moderate evidence from the most comprehensive ghrelin activity review available at the time of publication.
When this study was published
Published in 2003. All activities described have been extensively validated in the following two decades.
The bigger picture
Ghrelin's breadth of actions rivals that of any known peptide hormone. Its multi-tissue production and multi-system effects make it a truly integrated physiological coordinator.
Questions still open
- Which activity dominates ghrelin's overall physiological role?
- Can different activities be therapeutically separated?
- How do ghrelin's immune effects interact with its metabolic ones?
Common questions
What's the full list of ghrelin's effects?
Why does one hormone do so many things?
Read the original research
Endocrine and non-endocrine actions of ghrelin.
Hormone research, 59(3), 109-17
Citation
Broglio, Fabio; Gottero, Cristina; Arvat, Emanuela; Ghigo, Ezio. (2003). Endocrine and non-endocrine actions of ghrelin.. Hormone research, 59(3), 109-17.