Abstract
Ghrelin, a 28-aminoacid peptide, was isolated from the human and rat stomach and identified in 1999 as an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue-receptor (GHS-R). In addition to stimulating appetite and regulating energy balance, ghrelin and its receptor GHS-R1a have a direct effect on the cardiovascular system. In recent years, it has been shown that ghrelin exerts cardioprotective effects, including the modulation of sympathetic activity and hypertension, enhancement of the vascular activity and angiogenesis, inhibition of arrhythmias, reduction in heart failure and inhibition of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). The cardiovascular protective effect of ghrelin may be associated with anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, inhibited sympathetic nerve activation, regulated autophagy, and endothelial dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of ghrelin on the cardiovascular system have not been fully elucidated, and no specific therapeutic agent has been established. It is important to further explore the pharmacological potential of ghrelin pathway modulation for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.