Pre- and postprandial acylated ghrelin in obese and normal weight men.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of obesity in Indonesia has increasing. We have assessed the relationship between plasma acylated ghrelin hormone and self-reported appetite ratings (hunger and desire to eat) in obese and normal weight men.

METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-two men participated in an experimental study, where acylated ghrelin and self-reported appetite ratings were compared between a test group of 16 obese men and a control group of 16 men with normal body mass indices. The participants were administered isocaloric mixed meals, and measurements were taken at 0 (before eating), 30, 60, and 120 minutes postprandial. Data were analysed using an independent t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Pearson correlation, the Spearman rank-order correlation, trapezoidal rule analysis for the area under the curve, and receiver operating curve analysis to determine the optimal cut-off values, sensitivity, and specificity.

RESULTS: Acylated ghrelin concentrations were higher in the test group than in the control group at all time points (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in the appetite ratings between the two groups at any time (p>0.05). There was no correlation between the acylated ghrelin concentration and appetite rating. According to the receiver operating curve analysis (sensitivity: 88%; specificity: 100%), the cut-offs for optimal acylated ghrelin immediately before eating and 30 minutes after eating, averaged 2332 pg/mL and 2710 pg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The effect on obesity will depend on associated changes in deacylated ghrelin. Acylated ghrelin increases in obese individuals pre- and 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes post prandial.