Ghrelin Elevated in Black Women Leads to Increased Food Intake & Diabetes

Subnormal postprandial ghrelin suppression in black women can play a role in their increased prevalence of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disorders.

Ghrelin, a gut-brain peptide that signals hunger, is normally suppressed after meals. Subnormal suppression of postprandial ghrelin, previously noted in obese, insulin-resistant individuals, may contribute to increased food intake. Given the ethnic disparities in obesity and obesity-related cardiovascular morbidity, the present study compared a single postprandial ghrelin measure in 43 women (22 white, 21 black). Each completed a rigorously controlled 4-d dietary intervention designed to maintain weight and constant daily sodium and potassium intake. Two hours after consuming a test meal of identical content, blood samples were drawn to assess postprandial ghrelin, leptin, and norepinephrine; resting cardiovascular function was measured; and a 24-h urinary cortisol sample was obtained.

Independent of body mass index, postprandial ghrelin was significantly higher in black vs. white women, and higher ghrelin was associated with higher cortisol in blacks, who failed to show the expected inverse relation between ghrelin and central obesity seen in whites.

Higher ghrelin was correlated with higher blood. These findings suggest subnormal postprandial ghrelin suppression (or faster ghrelin rebound) in black women, especially the obese, that might play a role in their increased prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular disorders.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 89, No. 9 4457-4463

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FACT:
Pravastatin reduces cardiovascular event rates in people with or at risk for coronary disease and concomitant moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD), many of whom have serum creatinine levels within the normal range. Given the high risk associated with CKD, the absolute benefit that resulted from use of pravastatin was greater than in those with normal renal function.
Circulation 2004, doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000143892.84582.60