Decreased serum ghrelin following Helicobacter pylori eradication

Objective: Ghrelin is an appetite-modulating peptide mainly produced in the stomach, with levels reported to be lower in Helicobacter pylori-positive subjects. This pre-post study aimed to evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication on circulating total ghrelin, gastric histopathology, appetite, and nutritional status of dyspeptic adults. Patients and Methods: Weight, height, appetite and nutrient intake were determined using validated tools. Gastric biopsies were obtained for histopathology and H. pylori diagnosis. Fasting serum ghrelin was measured by ELISA. H. pylori-positive subjects received eradication therapy and returned ≥12 weeks later for re-evaluation. Results: Of 117 screened individuals, 47 who were H. pylori-positive were included, and the organism was eradicated in 28 (59.6%). Pathologic findings decreased significantly after treatment in subjects with eradication (p