Ghrelin Levels Are Increased in Alcoholism

Abstract

Ghrelin levels are elevated in alcoholism and seem to further increase during alcohol withdrawal. However, ghrelin levels do not seem to be associated with alcohol craving.

Peripherally Circulating Ghrelin Does Not Mediate Alcohol‐Induced Reward and Alcohol Intake in Rodents

“…Indeed, high plasma levels of ghrelin have been observed in abstinent alcoholics (Kim et al., 2005; Kraus et al., 2005) and have been associated with high craving scores in alcoholics (Addolorato et al., 2006; Hillemacher et al., 2007; Koopmann et al., 2012; Leggio et al., 2012). In addition, a recent longitudinal study showed that ghrelin levels increase when alcoholics abstain, while ghrelin levels decrease when alcoholics relapse in drinking (Leggio et al., 2012).…”

Alcohol ingestion does not affect serum levels of peptide YY but decreases both total and octanoylated ghrelin levels in healthy subjects

“…When they ingested a single dose of alcohol, which raised the ethanol level moderately, the ghrelin levels fell not only sharply, but also profoundly, over a long period (N 5 hours). Other research groups have studied patients with chronic alcoholism [28,29]. In these individuals, increased ghrelin levels were found during active drinking [28].…”

“…Other research groups have studied patients with chronic alcoholism [28,29]. In these individuals, increased ghrelin levels were found during active drinking [28]. Elevated levels were also observed during periods of alcohol abstinence [28,29].…”

Alcohol Intake and Hormonal Dysregulation of Food Intake in Visceral Fat Accumulation

“…Nevertheless, alcohol consumption is associated with higher adiposity (waist circumference compared to body mass index). Parallel to this, there is evidence [7][8][9][10]18,28,29] to indicate that ethanol/alcohol intake, even in small amounts, can stimulate several highly orexigenic peptides and inhibit anorexigenic hormones, thus increasing the food intake …”