The role of the ghrelin--obestatin system in health and disease is multifaceted and new ample evidence has been recently accumulated. Ghrelin was discovered much earlier than obestatin so the biological, physiological and pathophysiological, pharmacological aspects of its activity could be studied far better than obestatin. There is no question that these hormones are not antagonists and they a...

Young children who experience early adversity are at risk for problems regulating emotions, behavior, and physiology, which in turn place them at risk for later psychopathology, school problems, and peer relation difficulties. Therefore, early parenting interventions are critical in helping this vulnerable population develop adequate self-regulatory capabilities. Attachment and Biobehavioral Ca...

Results of recent lipid lowering trials (Table 1) where new (dalcetrapib) and established agents (niacin) were tested on a background of statin therapy have been disappointingly negative. This outcome has been the cause of much consternation for those developing new lipid regulating drugs, and prompted reflection among experts on long-cherished concepts and the practical implications of continu...

With our aging society, more people hope for a long and healthy life. In recent years, researchers have focused on healthy longevity factors. In particular, calorie restriction delays aging, reduces mortality, and extends life. Ghrelin, which is secreted during fasting, is well known as an orexigenic peptide. Because ghrelin is increased by caloric restriction, ghrelin may play an important rol...

Examining a potential functional role for growth hormone secretagogue receptors in the hippocampus, Diano and colleagues (Diano et al., 2006), demonstrate novel actions of the orexigenic peptide ghrelin in hippocampal synaptic architecture, LTP, and learning and memory. These data suggest functional links between metabolic signaling and higher neural function.

objective(s): the purpose of this study was to investigate effects of short-term aerobic exercise on energy intake, appetite and energy-regulating hormones in free-living men and women.   materials and methods: sixteen (eight men, eight women) sedentary young normal weight subjects participated in two experimental conditions with two days apart: five days control with no exercise, and five days...

This issue sees the publication of the first in a series of six articles about alleged research misconduct. Rarely does one feel so moved and disturbed by a collection of articles in an academic journal. All take as their focus the trial of continuous negative extrathoracic pressure (CNEP) for treatment of preterm infants with respiratory failure at North Staffordshire hospital in the UK, which...