Ghrelin and Nutritional Status After a Standardized Meal.

Analysis of Ghrelin Concentration in the Blood Serum of Patients With Different Nutritional Status Following Consumption of a Standarized Meal.

This study evaluated differences in serum concentrations of ghrelin among individuals with varying nutritional status following a standardized meal.

A total of 80 adults were enrolled and stratified by BMI. Fasting and postprandial ghrelin levels were assessed at multiple time points.

Additionally, dietary habits, physical activity, body composition, and resting energy expenditure were evaluated to explore their association with hormonal responses.

Study Objectives

1. The primary objectives was to evaluate differences in serum concentrations of ghrelin among patients with varying nutritional status following consumption of standarized meal (cross-over design).

Secondary Objectives

1. To compare fasting serum concentrations of ghrelin across nutritional status groups.
2. To assess postprandial changes (60, 120, 1880, and 240 minutes) in ghrelin depending on nutritional status.
3. To compare fasting versus postpradial ghrelin levels. Methods

Study Population: A total of 80 adults (aged 40-60 years) were enrolled and stratified by BMI into the following groups:

Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9) Overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9) Obesity class I (BMI 30.0-34.9) Obesity class II and III (BMI ≥ 35.0) Exclusion criteria included: carbohydrate metabolism disorders, endocrine disorders, renal and/or hepatic failure, gastrointestinal diseases, history of gastroenterological and bariatric surgery, pharmacological treatment or other preparations whose effect on metabolic and hormonal changes is documented or unknown, pregnancy, lactation and other diseases that may affect the obtained results.

Dietary Intake, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life:

Validated questionnaires (including QEB, IPAQ, WHOQOL-BREF, AND TFEQ-R18) were used. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls collected over 3 days (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day).

Nutritional Status Assessment: Anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, waist and hip circumference) were obtained, and BMI, WHR, WHtR, and RFM were calculated. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Biochemical Measurements: Fasting blood samples were collected to assess: glucose, insulin, lipid profile, CRP, ALT, AST, uric acid, creatinine, and ghrelin. After ingestion of a standarized isocaloric meal (Nutridrink Standard), additional blood samples were collected at 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes.

Resting energy Expenditure: REE was measured using indirect calorimetry (Q-NRG+, COSMED).

Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using Statistica 13.3 (StatSoft).

Inclusion Criteria:

• women and men aged 40-60

Exclusion Criteria:

• type I and II diabetes,
• exacerbated coronary artery disease,
• endocrine disorders,
• pregnancy and lactation period,
• use of hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy, steroid therapy, antiretroviral therapy,
• surgical or pharmacological history obesity treatment,
• pacemaker