Ghrelin and gut hormone

Abstract

One of the important gastric physiologies is the endocrine function. Among peptide hormones produced in the stomach, gastrin and somatostatin which are produced from G and D cell, respectively, are closely related with acid secretion, while ghrelin and leptin are known to be involved in gut motility as well as the regulation of appetite and body weight. Since Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the major etiologic agent of chronic active gastritis, H. pylori infection can alter gastric hormone production. While the effect of H. pylori infection and its eradication on G and D cells and subsequent acid secretion has been relatively well investigated, its effect on ghrelin and leptin levels has been inconclusive. This discrepancy originates from different measurement methodology or existence of several types in one hormone. In addition, the different stage of H. pylori infection or site of the infection may cause a different result on ghrelin levels in the stomach and blood similar to the case of acid secretion. H. pylori infection seems to raise gastric leptin production, but its effect on circulating level is not much. Understanding the effect of H. pylori infection and eradication on gastric hormonal changes might provide a critical clinical implication for the management of gastrointestinal diseases as well as obesity or eating disorder.