title: Ghrelin in cardiovascular disease and atherogenesis.
abstract: Although initially associated with regulation of appetite, the cardiovascular system has also been recognized as a potentially important target for ghrelin. Moreover, a limited number of clinical studies suggest a role for ghrelin in the treatment of congestive heart failure. So far reported cardiovascular effects of growth hormone secretagogues and/or ghrelin include lowering of peripheral resistance, either direct at the vascular level and/or by modulating sympathetic nervous activity. Other observed effects indicate possible improvement of contractility and cardioprotective effects both in vivo and in vitro.Taken together, these results offer an interesting perspective on the future where further studies aiming at evaluating a role of GHS and ghrelin in the treatment of cardiovascular disease are warranted.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gröna Stråket 8, Gothenburg, Sweden. jorgen.isgaard@medic.gu.se
authors: Jörgen
authors: J
authors: Isgaard
authors: Riccarda
authors: R
authors: Granata
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D054439:Ghrelin / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D054439:Ghrelin