Study of the Molecular Basis in the Pathophysiology of Food Intake and Growth in Children (Ghrelin)

Background: Obesity, now a global epidemic, is a leading cause of illness and mortality in the developed world. To better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie weight disorders, increasing attention is being paid to central regulatory elements in energy homeostasis, including food intake and energy expenditure. The human hormone ghrelin is secreted as a preprohormone (preproghrelin), from which two hormones with antagonistic effects are derived: ghrelin, which has orexigenic effects and obestatin, which has anorexigenic effects. Ghrelin's actions are mediated by GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Ghrelin synthesis occurs predominantly in epithelial cells of the fundus of the stomach. . As the ligand for GHSR, ghrelin stimulates secretion of GH. In both rodents and humans, ghrelin regulates hunger though its action on hypothalamic feeding centers. Other effects of ghrelin include stimulating gastric emptying, positive effects on cardiovascular function, increasing intestinal peristalsis, and positive exocrine and paracrine pancreatic secretion. Despite its important physiological role, its precise regulatory mechanisms remain ambiguous. Thus, it has been suggested that mutations in ghrelin and its receptor will present clinically with obesity, eating disorders or growth disturbances. To date, only four different mutations have been reported in GHSR and no mutations have been found in the ghrelin gene.

Working hypothesis and aims: We hypothesize that mutations in ghrelin or in its receptor, GHSR, affect appetite regulation and cause growth and eating disorders.

Methods: A total of 250 children followed in the pediatric endocrine department at Ha'Emek Medical Center will be divided into four groups: 50 children with GH deficiency, 50 obese children, 50 children with failure to thrive (FTT),and 50 children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). In addition, 50 children without growth or weight disorders will be included as a control group.

Genomic DNA will be isolated from the peripheral blood by standard methods. The corresponding intron-exon boundaries of the ghrelin and GHSR genes will be analyzed by direct sequencing using an ABI Prism 3100 DNA Analyzer.

Expected results: We anticipate that mutations in ghrelin or its receptor will affect growth and appetite regulation.

Importance: The findings of this study will expand our understanding of ghrelin's role in growth and appetite regulation.

Probable implications for medicine: The development of more specific therapeutic modalities for the treatment of short stature and obesity in children may become possible.