Nutrition Journal

Abstract

Abstract Background: For cachectic patients with chronic respiratory disease (CRD), conventional enteralnutrition formula is an optional treatment to maintain energy balance. The molecular mechanismsby which enteral nutrition formula controls appetite and weight remain unknown. We examinedwhether enteral nutrition formula rich in octanoic acids would increase plasma levels of ghrelin, anappetite-stimulating hormone produced in the stomach, in cachectic patients with CRD.Methods: Plasma ghrelin profiles in cachectic patients with CRD were assessed and comparedwith those in age- and sex-matched controls. Plasma levels of acyl-ghrelin, an active ghrelin modifiedby octanoic acids, and desacyl-ghrelin were measured separately. We examined changes in 24-hplasma ghrelin profiles before and after single administration of the formula. We also evaluated theeffects of 2-week administration of the formula on plasma ghrelin levels and nutritional status inpatients.Results: The ratio of acyl-ghrelin to desacyl-ghrelin in plasma was lower in patients than incontrols. Single administration of the formula did not change plasma desacyl-ghrelin levels, butinduced an increase in acyl-ghrelin levels. Two-week treatment with the formula was effective inincreasing weight and acyl-ghrelin, along with improving nutritional status in patients.Conclusion: These results show that the formula contributes to increased weight, which may beassociated with induction of acyl-ghrelin production in cachectic patients with CRD