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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 14, 2005; 11(46): 7314-7317
Published online Dec 14, 2005. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i46.7314
Plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations in patients with Crohn’s disease
Yoshito Nishi, Hajime Isomoto, Hiroaki Ueno, Ken Ohnita, Chun Yang Wen, Fuminao Takeshima, Ryosuke Mishima, Masamitsu Nakazato, Shigeru Kohno
Yoshito Nishi, Hajime Isomoto, Ken Ohnita, Fuminao Takeshima, Ryosuke Mishima, Shigeru Kohno, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki, Japan
Hajime Isomoto, Shigeru Kohno, Department of Endoscopy, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki, Japan
Chun Yang Wen, Department of Molecular Pathology, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Sakamoto 12-4, Nagasaki, Japan
Hiroaki Ueno, Masamitsu Nakazato, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Miyazaki Medical College, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr Hajime Isomoto, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States. hajimei2002@yahoo.co.jp
Telephone: +1-507-284-0690 Fax: +1-507-284-0762
Received: July 11, 2005
Revised: September 3, 2005
Accepted: September 9, 2005
Published online: December 14, 2005
Abstract

AIM: 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.

CONCLUSION: 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.

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; Ghrelin; Leptin; Helicobacter pylori