Is ghrelin expressed in synovial fibroblasts or other cells in the joint?5 answersGhrelin is expressed in various cells within the joint, including synovial fibroblasts. Research has shown that ghrelin can induce apoptosis in MH7A synovial cells through caspase signaling pathways. Additionally, studies have highlighted the potential role of ghrelin in chondrogenesis, with higher expression in chondrocytes compared to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Furthermore, ghrelin has been validated to exert cartilage-protective effects in patients with ankle post-traumatic osteoarthritis, indicating its presence and impact on joint health. Moreover, ghrelin has been implicated in protecting against wear-debris-induced inflammation and osteolysis, suggesting its involvement in combating joint complications like aseptic loosening. Overall, ghrelin's expression and effects span across various joint cells, including synovial fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts.
What are the effects of ghrelin on appetite regulation?5 answersGhrelin has numerous effects on appetite regulation. It stimulates appetite by activating orexigenic hypothalamic neurocircuits. Ghrelin also alters meal patterns, making them longer and richer, which can contribute to pathologies such as obesity and insulin resistance. Additionally, ghrelin induces a biphasic effect on food intake, leading to an initial increase followed by a rebound decrease in food intake. The effects of ghrelin on appetite are mediated by its actions on the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), where it increases the release of neuropeptides involved in appetite regulation. Overall, ghrelin plays a significant role in stimulating appetite and influencing meal patterns, making it an important hormone in the regulation of food intake.
Does melanin-concentrating hormone have an effect on ghrelin levels?5 answersMelanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) does have an effect on ghrelin levels. In goldfish, MCH inhibits feeding behavior and fasting decreases hypothalamic MCH-like immunoreactivity. In rats and humans, vagal afferent neurons express MCH and its receptor, melanin-concentrating hormone-1R, and expression is down-regulated by the satiety hormone cholecystokinin. However, in MCH-receptor knockout (MCHr KO) mice, ghrelin administration still increased food intake, indicating that MCHr is not required for ghrelin-induced feeding. Therefore, while MCH may play a role in regulating ghrelin levels in some species, the specific relationship between MCH and ghrelin is complex and may vary depending on the organism.
What are the effects of ghrelin on testosterone levels?4 answersGhrelin has been shown to have an effect on testosterone levels. In a study by Kluge et al., it was found that ghrelin administration resulted in lower mean plasma levels of LH and testosterone compared to placebo in healthy males. Another study by Ishikawa et al. found that ghrelin expression in Leydig cells was inversely correlated with serum testosterone concentration, suggesting a role for ghrelin in testicular function. Additionally, Fang et al. demonstrated that GHS-R1a gene expression in the testis was higher in immunocastrated boars, indicating a potential link between ghrelin and testosterone regulation. These findings suggest that ghrelin may have inhibitory effects on testosterone levels.
What are the effects of ghrelin in birds?5 answersGhrelin has been found to play a role in regulating food intake and migratory behavior in birds. Studies have shown that ghrelin levels in birds reflect their body condition, with higher levels observed in birds with larger fat stores. Manipulating ghrelin levels through injections has also been shown to affect food intake and migratory restlessness in birds. However, the effects of ghrelin on feeding behavior in birds are still not fully understood, as central ghrelin has been found to inhibit food intake when injected, while the effects of peripheral ghrelin are equivocal. Additionally, the motor-stimulating action of ghrelin in the gastrointestinal tract varies among different species of birds, with contraction observed in chickens but not in Japanese quail. Overall, ghrelin appears to play a role in regulating appetite and migratory behavior in birds, but further research is needed to fully understand its effects.
What is the molecular weight of active ghrelin?2 answersActive ghrelin is an acylated peptide with a molecular weight of 3.5 kDa.