Definition

A ghrelin peptide analogue with potential anti-cachexia activity. Upon subcutaneous administration, ghrelin peptide analogue binds to and stimulates the G protein-coupled growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in the central nervous system (CNS), thereby mimicking the appetite-stimulating and growth hormone-releasing effects of endogenous ghrelin. Stimulation of GHSR may also reduce the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and interleukin-6, which may play direct roles in cancer-related loss of appetite. Ghrelin, naturally secreted by gastric endocrine cells, is a 28 amino acid peptide and an endogenous ligand for GHSR.