Age-Dependent Decline in Acyl-Ghrelin Concentrations and Reduced Association of Acyl-Ghrelin and Growth Hormone in Healthy Older Adults

Acyl-ghrelin is thought to have both orexigenic effects and to stimulate GH release. A possible cause of the anorexia of aging is an age-dependent decrease in circulating acyl-ghrelin levels.The purpose of the study was to compare acyl-ghrelin and GH concentrations between healthy old and young adults and to examine the relationship of acyl-ghrelin and GH secretion in both age groups.Six healthy older adults (age 62-74 y, body mass index range...