Objectives: to study the relationship between serum level of ghrelin and cachexia in patients with COPD. Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality throughout the world. COPD involves several systemic features. The link between ghrelin, cachexia and COPD needs to be clarified.
Materials and methods: Serum levels of ghrelin were measured in 60 COPD patients (divided into 3 groups according to their BMI) and 30 control subjects using human ghrelin ELISA kits. Results: There was a significant increase in ghrelin level in COPD patients compared to control subjects. There was significant increase in serum ghrelin level in underweight COPD subgroup compared to normal weight and overweight subgroups. Serum levels of ghrelin in COPD patients were affected by the level of pulmonary obstruction. Conclusions: Serum level of ghrelin is increased in COPD patients, and is positively correlated with BMI and disease severity.