Administration of exogenous ghrelin in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: effects on plasma levels of growth hormone, glucose, and insulin.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of the administration of exogenous ghrelin, a peptide with potent GH-releasing activity and glucose-enhancing and insulin-lowering properties, in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Prospective, controlled study.


METHODS
Academic research environment.


METHODS
Twenty obese women with PCOS, and 15 obese controls.


METHODS
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and ghrelin test (1 microg/kg i.v. bolus).


METHODS
Basal hormonal assays, including ghrelin, were performed. Glucose, insulin, and C-peptide were assessed in a fasting condition and during the OGTT. Growth hormone, insulin, and glucose were measured basally and every 15 minutes for 90 minutes after the injection of ghrelin.


RESULTS
Both groups showed an insulin response to the glucose load above the normal range. Significantly lower levels of ghrelin were detected in patients with PCOS compared to controls (108.96 +/- 27.65 Fmol/mL versus 162.47 +/- 42.23 Fmol/mL). Administration of ghrelin markedly enhanced GH levels in both groups (1,888.59 +/- 1,209.53 ng/mL and 1,639.95 +/- 631.79 ng/mL per 90 minutes as GH area under the curve, respectively), with a peak occurring 30 minutes after injection. Ghrelin also induced a trend toward an increase in plasma glucose levels, and a significant decrease in insulin concentrations in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The injection of ghrelin seems to override the GH secretion defect in obese women with PCOS, and to induce glucoinsulinemic changes in both controls and obese patients with PCOS.
Guido
Maurizio
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. maurizioguido@libero.it
Romualdi
Daniela
D
De Marinis
Laura
L
Porcelli
Teresa
T
Giuliani
Maddalena
M
Costantini
Barbara
B
Lanzone
Antonio
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D054439:Ghrelin; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood*; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D036361:Peptide Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies
D001786:Blood Glucose; D054439:Ghrelin; D007328:Insulin; D036361:Peptide Hormones; D013006:Growth Hormone