Abstract
This review highlights the current literature data on the peptide hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin is a 28-amino-acid peptide, which is the only known peptide hormone modified with fatty acids. Ghrelin is a natural receptor ligand that stimulates the secretion of growth hormones. In addition to the stomach, ghrelin is expressed in many organs such as the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, lungs, heart, pancreas, kidneys, testicles, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. The main biological functions of this peptide include growth hormone secretion, appetite stimulation, modulation of gastric acid secretion and motility, and an increase in endocrine and exocrine pancreatic secretions. Reference intervals for ghrelin are 8.50216.6 pg/mL. The studies analyzed have shown a strong relationship between ghrelin and cardiovascular system function. Studies have also described the cardioprotective effects of ghrelin. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of ghrelin on the heart are not fully understood. A further deeper understanding of the role of ghrelin and future clinical studies are necessary to determine the diagnostic, prognostic, and possibly therapeutic significance of this biomarker.