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.