OBJECTIVE: Ghrelin requires a fatty acid modification for binding to the GH secretagogue receptor. Acylation of the Ser3 residue of ghrelin is essential for its biological activities. We hypothesized that acyl-CoA is the fatty acid substrate for ghrelin acylation. Because serum octanoyl-CoA levels are altered by fatty acid oxidation disorders, we examined circulating ghrelin levels in affected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood levels of acyl (A) and des-acyl (D) forms of ghrelin and acylcarnitine of patients with medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency and glutaric aciduria type II (GA2) were measured. RESULTS: Plasma acyl ghrelin levels and A/D ratios increased in patients with MCAD deficiency or GA2 when compared with normal subjects. Reverse-phase HPLC confirmed that n-octanoylated ghrelin levels were elevated in these patients. CONCLUSION: Changing serum medium-chain acylcarnitine levels may affect circulating acyl ghrelin levels, suggesting that acyl-CoA is the substrate for ghrelin acylation.
OBJECTIVE:Ghrelin requires a fatty acid modification for binding to the GH secretagogue receptor. Acylation of the Ser3 residue of ghrelin is essential for its biological activities. We hypothesized that acyl-CoA is the fatty acid substrate for ghrelin acylation. Because serum octanoyl-CoA levels are altered by fatty acidoxidation disorders, we examined circulating ghrelin levels in affected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood levels of acyl (A) and des-acyl (D) forms of ghrelin and acylcarnitine of patients with medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency and glutaric aciduria type II (GA2) were measured. RESULTS: Plasma acyl ghrelin levels and A/D ratios increased in patients with MCAD deficiency or GA2 when compared with normal subjects. Reverse-phase HPLC confirmed that n-octanoylated ghrelin levels were elevated in these patients. CONCLUSION: Changing serum medium-chain acylcarnitine levels may affect circulating acyl ghrelin levels, suggesting that acyl-CoA is the substrate for ghrelin acylation.