Ghrelin Leptin Balance refers to the critical homeostatic equilibrium between two primary appetite-regulating hormones, ghrelin and leptin, which collectively manage energy intake and expenditure. Ghrelin, often termed the “hunger hormone,” stimulates appetite and is secreted primarily from the stomach before meals. Leptin, the “satiety hormone,” signals energy sufficiency to the hypothalamus and is secreted by adipose tissue. The precise and reciprocal signaling between these two hormones is essential for maintaining a stable body weight and optimal metabolic health.
Origin
The concept of this hormonal balance emerged from the separate discoveries and subsequent characterization of ghrelin in 1999 and leptin in 1994, which revealed a sophisticated, bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract, adipose tissue, and the central nervous system. The term emphasizes the dynamic interplay rather than the action of a single hormone, reflecting the complexity of appetite regulation.
Mechanism
Ghrelin acts on the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHS-R) in the hypothalamus to promote orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) signaling, increasing food-seeking behavior. Leptin binds to its specific receptor (LepR) in the hypothalamus, activating anorexigenic (appetite-suppressing) pathways. Disruptions to this balance, such as leptin resistance or chronic ghrelin elevation, can lead to persistent hunger, reduced satiety, and the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
The body's intricate peptide signaling and hormonal balance are significantly compromised by chronic sleep disruption, attenuating therapeutic efficacy without sustained recalibration.
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