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The effect of estrogens on plasma ghrelin concentrations in women

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Abstract

Background: Data regarding the possible effects of estrogen on ghrelin secretion in humans are limited and contradictory. Aim: To investigate the effect of estradiol (E2) on ghrelin levels in normal pre- and post-menopausal women. Subjects and methods: A total of 21 women divided into 3 groups, i.e.13 normally cycling women (no.=7, group 1 and no.=6, group 2) and 8 post-menopausal women (group 3). Women of group 1 received increasing doses of E2 through skin patches from cycle days 3 to 5. Women of group 2, underwent total abdominal hysterectomy plus bilateral salpingooophorectomy (TAH+BSO) on cycle day 3. Women of group 3 received po increasing doses of E2 valerate for 15 days. Acylated ghrelin and E2 were measured in all blood samples. Results: In group 1, plasma ghrelin levels did not show any significant changes for the week following cycle day 3. In group 2, ghrelin levels were similar before and after TAH+BSO and remained stable during the first 7 post-operative days. In group 3, no significant changes in plasma ghrelin levels were seen during the 15 days of E2 administration. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates for the first time that ghrelin values were not affected either by exogenous short-term estrogen administration to pre- and post-menopausal women or following ovariectomy in pre-menopausal women. It is suggested that ovarian hormones are not involved in the regulation of ghrelin secretion in women.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Thessalia, Larissa, Greece

    K. Dafopoulos, N. Chalvatzas, G. Kosmas, A. Kallitsaris & I. E. Messinis MD, PhD (Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology)

  2. Department of Microbiology, University of Thessalia, Larissa, Greece

    S. Pournaras

Authors
  1. K. Dafopoulos
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  2. N. Chalvatzas
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  3. G. Kosmas
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  4. A. Kallitsaris
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  5. S. Pournaras
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  6. I. E. Messinis MD, PhD
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Correspondence to I. E. Messinis MD, PhD.

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Dafopoulos, K., Chalvatzas, N., Kosmas, G. et al. The effect of estrogens on plasma ghrelin concentrations in women. J Endocrinol Invest 33, 109–112 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03346563

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03346563

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