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Effects of unacylated ghrelin administration in morbidly obese subjects

19 Oct 2009


Ghrelin is present in vivo in acylated (AG) and unacylated (UAG) forms. Only AG is capable of binding the receptor GHS-R1a, and increases insulin resistance. While UAG was initially thought not to have any endocrine actions, recent studies have shown that it does have effects and may improve insulin sensitivity.

In this double-blind, randomized crossover study by Kiewit et al., eight morbidly obese subjects without overt diabetes were administered UAG alone and a combination of AG and UAG as a single bolus i.v. injection after overnight fasting by the participants. The study found that the combination treatment of UAG and AG led to a strong decrease in insulin concentrations, in the subjects, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. The authors conclude that further studies of UAG alone and in combination with AG, in non-fasting and diabetic subjects, and over longer trials are necessary to further understand the new possibilities of treating insulin resistance with UAG. Kiewiet, R. M., van Aken, M.O., van der Weerd, K., Uitterlinden, P., Themmen, A.P.N., Hofland, L.J., de Rijke, Y.B., Delhanty, P.J.D., Ghigo, E., Abribat, T., and van der Lely, A.J. European Journal of Endocrinology, 2009 161 567-573 DOI: 10.1530/EJE-09-0339