Abstract

Ghrelin, a peptide predominantly produced in the stomach exhibits numerous physiological functions, including stimulation of growth hormone release, food intake and gastric empting, and regulation of energy expenditure. This peptide exhibits also some protective and healing-promoting effects. This review summarizes the recent findings concerning animal and human data showing protective and therapeutic effects of ghrelin in the gut.

Keywords: Colitis, food intake, gastric ulcer, ghrelin, healing, pancreatitis, protection, physiological functions, hormone, therapeutic effects