Potential role of the growth hormone secretagogues in clinical practice

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2007

Authors

Rocha-Sousa A (Author) FMUP; Henriques-Coelho, T (Author) FMUP; Leite-Moreira AF (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents

Vol. 17 No. 8

Pages: 909-926

ISSN: 1354-3776

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-8BW

DOI: 10.1517/13543776.17.8.909

Abstract (EN): Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) are synthetic molecules that promote secretion of growth hormone by activation of the GHS receptor (GHSR). Ghrelin is the endogenous ligand of this receptor, which was isolated from gastric mucosa. This peptide is widely expressed in different tissues and has a broad spectrum of effects. This review summarises: i) structure and pharmacokinetics of the more important GHS; ii) structure, distribution and subcellular pathways of ghrelin; iii) structure, distribution and signal transduction of the GHS receptors; and iv) effects of GHS in different tissues and organs and the potential therapeutic role of ghrelin and GHS. There are increasing evidences that GHS and ghrelin have a wide range of actions both in physiological and pathological conditions. Potential therapeutic applications of these GHS are constantly increasing and clinical trials are needed to establish usefulness of these compounds.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 18