Correlation between Plasma Ghrelin Levels and Risperidone Induced Weight Gain

Lee, Cheol Soon; Kim, Eun Hee; Park, Chul Soo; Kim, Bong Jo

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Although enhanced appetite and weight gain are potential side effects of treatment with antipsychotic agents, the mechanism is poorly understood. Ghrelin is a newly discovered appetite-stimulating peptide that has a role in the regulation of feeding behavior. Ghrelin is synthesized principally in the stomach, and the concentration of circulating ghrelin is negatively correlated with body fat mass. This study was designed to investigate the correlation between plasma ghrelin levels and weight gain following risperidone treatment. METHOD: Thirty-six schizophrenia patients, according to DSM-IV criteria, who did not take any antipsychotic medications for the previous two months were recruited. All the patients were administrated with 2-6 mg/day of risperidone for 8 weeks. Plasma ghrelin levels, weight and height of these subjects were measured before and after 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks administration of risperidone. The concentrations of growth hormone, insulin, glucose and lipid metabolic parameters were measured before and after 8 weeks administration of risperidone.
RESULTS
The body mass index (BMI) and body weight increased, whereas the plasma level of total and active ghrelin decreased significantly after risperidone treatment (p<0.01). The changes in total and active ghrelin level were negatively correlated with the changes in BMI and body weight (p<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Plasma ghrelin concentration decreased, whereas body weight and body mass index (BMI) increased in schizophrenia patients treated with risperidone. Our results suggest that ghrelin is negatively correlated with risperidone induced weight gain.