Effect of Ghrelin on Viability, Proliferation, and Apoptosis in Human Granulosa Cells, In Vitro

Background and Objectives: Ghrelin is a peptide hormone that was initially derived from stomach and introduced as an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Ghrelin is fundamentally involved in regulation of nutrition and energy homeostasis in the body. It has been shown that ghrelin has an important role in fertility in women. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of ghrelin on viability, growth, and apoptosis of human granulosa cells culture in vitro.   Methods: In this experimental-laboratory study, granulosa cell samples were collected from patients with tubal or male infertility factors, who were treated with IVF or ICSI for the first time. The cells were cultured in a medium containing DMEM-F12 with FBS 10% and penicillin 1% and streptomycin, then, ghrelin was tested in cells at concentrations of 100, 250, 500, 1000, and 10000 pm for 24 hours. The MTT method was used to detect the viability and growth of the cells and hoechst staining was used for detection of apoptosis.   Results: Treatment of granulosa cells with ghrelin dose-dependently increased the viability and growth of the cells. Significant growth was observed with 500 and 1000 pm at the significance level of p<0.05 and with 10000 pm at the significance level of p<0.001. No significant effect was observed at the concentrations of 100 and 250 pm. Also, ghrelin treatment at the concentrations of 100, 500, 1000 pm decreased apoptosis in these cells.   Conclusion: The results of the current study revealed that ghrelin administration can increase growth and viability in granulosa cells, and in contrast, decrease apoptosis in these cells.