Ghrelin concentration before and after bariatric surgery

Abstract

Introduction. Aim of the work is to study the concentration of ghrelin before and after bariatric gastric surgery in patients with morbid obesity. Materials and methods. A study of ghrelin levels was carried out in 25 patients with morbid obesity who underwent restrictive bariatric surgery (13 gastroplications and 12 “sleeve resections” of the stomach). Results and discussion. The initial level of ghrelin in the blood in patients with morbid obesity was lower compared to the levels determined with normal body weight. We did not observe the expected decrease in ghrelin levels during resection of the fundic ghrelin-producing part of the stomach. Conclusion. A clinical study shows that changes in gastric volume after restrictive bariatric interventions (sleeve resection or gastropplication) are accompanied by a slight increase in blood ghrelin levels; this increase is greater the higher the percentage of body weight loss after surgery. Deeper study of this area will help identify new strategies for treating morbid obesity in the future.