Changes in body composition and mRNA expression of ghrelin and lipoprotein lipase in rats treated with leuprolide acetate, a GnRH agonist.

Leuprolide acetate (LA), a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, was identified to cause changes in body weight in experimental and clinical trials; however, to date, the effect of LA on the body composition has not been properly assessed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effect of LA administration on body composition and the mRNA expression of ghrelin and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in rats. Ovariectomized (OVX), ovariectomized and LA-treated (OVX+LA), non-ovariectomized (CTRL) and non-ovariectomized but LA-treated (LA) rats were used. LA treatment was performed by intramuscular injection at 5 µg/kg every 72 h over 120 days. Analysis of body composition and mRNA expression of ghrelin and lipoprotein lipase were performed. The results indicated significant changes in body composition after treatment; in the OVX, LA, OVX+LA and CTRL group, the body weight was increased by 216.1, 183.7, 175.4 and 150.1%, respectively, compared with baseline. The fat mass in the LA group was 14% higher than that in the CTRL group, while that in the OVX group was 19% higher than that in the OVX+LA, and the fat-free mass was similar between the LA and CTRL as well as the OVX and OVX+LA groups. Following 120 days of treatment, the mRNA expression of ghrelin and LPL in the LA group was ~20% higher than that in the CTRL group, while that in the OVX+LA was downregulated in comparison with that in the OVX group. The results of the present study confirmed changes in body composition and mRNA expression of ghrelin and LPL caused by long-term administration of LA. LA may contribute to regulate food consumption and exert control over adipogenesis.