Ghrelin and adiponectin in patients with Cushing's disease before and after successful transsphenoidal surgery.

Abstract

Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand of the GH secretagogue receptor that exerts orexigenic activity, is negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance. Conversely, low levels of adiponectin (ApN), a circulating adipocytokine with antidiabetic, antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, have been found in several insulin-resistant conditions. Although Cushing's syndrome causes several metabolic and hormonal changes leading to insulin resistance and central obesity, few data concerning the impact of glucocorticoid excess on ghrelin and ApN levels are so far available.