Interferon-γ inhibits ghrelin expression and secretion via a somatostatin-mediated mechanism

Jesper A B Strickertsson, Kristina B V Døssing, Anna JM Aabakke, Hans-Olof Nilsson, Thomas V O Hansen, Ulrich Knigge, Andreas Kjær, Torkel Wadström, Lennart Friis-Hansen

    10 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    AIM: To investigate if and how the proinflammatory cytokine interferon γ (IFNγ) affects ghrelin expression in mice. METHODS: The plasma concentration of ghrelin, and gastric ghrelin and somatostatin expression, were examined in wild-type mice and mice infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Furthermore, ghrelin expression was examined in two achlorhydric mouse models with varying degrees of gastritis due to bacterial overgrowth. To study the effect of IFNγ alone, mice were given a subcutaneous infusion of IFNγ for 7 d. Finally, the influence of IFNγ and somatostatin on the ghrelin promoter was characterized. RESULTS: H. pylori infection was associated with a 50% reduction in ghrelin expression and plasma concentration. Suppression of ghrelin expression was inversely correlated with gastric inflammation in achlorhdyric mouse models. Subcutaneous infusion of IFNγ suppressed fundic ghrelin mRNA expression and plasma ghrelin concentrations. Finally, we showed that the ghrelin promoter operates under the control of somatostatin but not under that of IFNγ. CONCLUSION: Gastric infection and inflammation is associated with increased IFNγ expression and reduced ghrelin expression. IFNγ does not directly control ghrelin expression but inhibits it indirectly via somatostatin.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology
    Volume17
    Issue number26
    Pages (from-to)3117-25
    Number of pages9
    ISSN1007-9327
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 14 Jul 2011

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Interferon-γ inhibits ghrelin expression and secretion via a somatostatin-mediated mechanism'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this