Ghrelin in Cystic Fibrosis

Summary

Background to ghrelin Ghrelin is a naturally occurring hormone found in the blood which stimulates appetite. In healthy individuals, levels of ghrelin are high before a meal and falls afterwards. Previous studies have shown that giving ghrelin (by injection) to thin patients with renal failure and cancer increases their food intake. Furthermore, addition of ghrelin may also reduce inflammation within the body. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease which frequently results in recurrent lung infections (leading to progressive inflammatory lung damage) and low body weight. Low body weight in CF is associated with increased lung infections, rapidly worsening lung function and a shortened life expectancy. The researchers postulate that administration of extra ghrelin to CF patients with low body weight may increase food intake and reduce lung inflammation. If successful, this study might identify ghrelin as a potential therapy for CF patients to improve nutrition, decrease lung inflammation and thereby improve survival.

Timeline

Start

2010-04

Primary completion

2011-02

Completion

2011-04

Drugs

Indications