Unveiling Ghrelin: Potential Pathways to a Type 2 Diabetes Cure

Simon, D.M.Z. (2024) Unveiling Ghrelin: Potential Pathways to a Type 2 Diabetes Cure. Bachelor's Thesis, Life Science and Technology.

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Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a widespread metabolic disorder characterised by insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels and associated complications. Ghrelin, initially identified for its role in appetite regulation, has garnered attention for its broader implications in glucose metabolism and diabetes therapy. Recent research has highlighted two primary forms of ghrelin: acylated ghrelin (AG) and unacylated ghrelin (UAG), alongside the lesser-known obestatin peptide. AG promotes appetite and contributes to insulin resistance, whereas UAG exhibits anti-diabetic properties by enhancing insulin sensitivity and protecting pancreatic beta-cells. Obestatin, originating from the same gene as ghrelin, shows promise in reducing food intake and improving insulin signalling. Efforts to harness ghrelin's therapeutic potential include the development of ghrelin receptor antagonists and immunizations targeting ghrelin, aiming to modulate appetite and glucose metabolism. While AG antagonists have shown efficacy in animal models, translating these findings to humans remains challenging. Conversely, UAG and obestatin offer novel avenues with their distinct mechanisms in diabetes management. UAG's ability to enhance insulin sensitivity and mitigate oxidative stress presents a promising therapeutic approach, while obestatin's anorexic and insulin-sensitising effects suggest potential as a T2D treatment.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Scheurink, A.J.W.
Degree programme:	Life Science and Technology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	30 Jul 2024 09:13
Last Modified:	30 Jul 2024 09:13
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/33627

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