ABSTRACT
Anorexia is a problem of paramount importance that in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis contributes to malnutrition. In turn, malnutrition is a risk factor for the development of life-threatening complications and increased mortality. Ghrelin hormone is an important orexigenic agent that has been postulated to integrate anabolic changes in the body. To measure ghrelin level in Egyptian patients with post-hepatitis C liver cirrhosis with and without hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and its correlation with clinical staging. Ghrelin levels were determined in 25 patients with post-hepatitic [HCY] liver cirrhosis, 25 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 25 healthy subjects [control group]. Ghrelin levels were correlated with the clinical and biochemical parameters. Ghrelin levels were significantly reduced in patients with post-hepatitic liver cirrhosis [52.4 +/- 14 pg/ml], unlike patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who showed markedly elevated levels [453.8 +/- 36 pg/ml] compared to control group [183 +/- 35 .9 pg/ml]. Ghrelin levels were significantly higher in Child C patients in both groups. There was an inverse correlation of Ghrelin with BMI. In the present study, there was significant inverse correlation between ghrelin levels and BMI and significant low ghrelin levels in patients with post HCY liver cirrhosis. However, there was a significant high ghrelin level in HCC patients. Also, ghrelin levels increased markedly in stage C liver cirrhosis and with the development of complications as hematemesis, ascites and encephalopathy