Plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations in patients with Crohn's disease.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the concentrations of leptin and ghrelin, which have opposite effects on appetite, energy expenditure, and weight control, in the plasma of patients with Crohn's disease (CD), which is often associated with weight loss and malnutrition.


METHODS
Plasma leptin and ghrelin 'concentrations were determined in 28 outpatients with CD by radioimmunoassay. Age- and sex-matched controls with and without Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection (28 for each) were enrolled in the study. Circulating levels of these hormones were assessed with respect to CD activity, disease localization and medical treatment.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in ghrelin levels between CD patients and H pylori-negative controls. However, circulating ghrelin levels were significantly lower in H pylori-infected subjects than in CD patients and uninfected controls. Plasma leptin levels were comparable among the groups. Localization and medication profile had no significant impact on circulating ghrelin and leptin levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Apart from H pylori infection, CD itself has no significant influence on circulating ghrelin and leptin levels in the outpatients who were mostly in inactive state.
Nishi
Yoshito
Y
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Isomoto
Hajime
H
Ueno
Hiroaki
H
Ohnita
Ken
K
Wen
Chun Yang
CY
Takeshima
Fuminao
F
Mishima
Ryosuke
R
Nakazato
Masamitsu
M
Kohno
Shigeru
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D054439:Ghrelin; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000097:blood; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D036361:Peptide Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D015431:Weight Loss
D054439:Ghrelin; D020738:Leptin; D036361:Peptide Hormones