A Concise Review: Ghrelin and Reproductive System

Ghrelin is a hormone, which has effects on growth hormone (GH) secretion, appetite, food intake, carbohydrate metabolism, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, cell proliferation and reproductive system. Ghrelin, the endogen ligand of the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), has been recently demonstrated as a pleiotropic regulator involved in a large array of endocrine and non-endocrine functions, including food intake and energy balance. The data so far available strongly suggest that, through local and /or systemic actions, ghrelin operates as a novel regulator of gonadal function that may contribute to the integrated control of energy balance and reproduction.