Unacylated ghrelin is associated with changes in body composition and body fat distri

[Mike Bikov]

Eur J Endocrinol. 2011 Jun 6. [Epub ahead of print]
Unacylated ghrelin is associated with changes in body composition and body fat distribution during a long-term exercise intervention.
Cederberg H, Rajala U, Koivisto VM, Jokelainen J, Surcel HM, Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi S, Laakso M.
Source

H Cederberg, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, University of Oulu, FIN-90014, Finland.
Abstract

Objective: Ghrelin, a gut-brain peptide involved in energy homeostasis, circulates predominantly (>90%) in unacylated form. Previous studies, however, have focused on total and acylated (AG) ghrelin, and role of unacylated ghrelin is not well understood. Particularly association of UAG with weight loss and changes in body composition in adults remains unclear. We hypothesized that exercise-associated increase in UAG level is associated with weight loss, favorable changes in body composition and body fat distribution. Design and methods: A prospective study of 552 young men (mean age 19.3 and range 19-28 years) undergoing military service with structured 6-month exercise training program. Exercise performance, body composition and biochemical measurements were obtained at baseline and follow-up. Association between changes in UAG levels and body composition, and body fat distribution were evaluated. Results: An increase in UAG level during the exercise intervention was associated with reduced weight, fat mass, fat %, and waist circumference, but not with fat-free mass. Inverse associations of changes in UAG level with changes in waist circumference and fat % were independent of weight at baseline, and changes in weight and exercise performance. Associations of changes in UAG level with waist circumference were significantly stronger than with fat % after the adjustment for confounding variables. Conclusion: UAG is associated with changes in body weight and body composition during an intensive long-term exercise intervention in young men. The association of UAG levels with changes in central obesity was stronger than with total fat mass.

PMID:
21646288
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]​

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