Serum Ghrelin Is Associated with Verbal Learning and Adiposity in a Sample of Healthy, Fit Older Adults

الملخص EN

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the relationship between serum ghrelin concentrations, adiposity, and verbal learning in a group of healthy, fit older adults.

Participants were 28 healthy older adults (age: 70.8±9.3 yrs, BMI: 27.3±5.7).

Participants reported to the laboratory and basic anthropometric data were collected, followed by a blood draw to quantify serum ghrelin.

Participants then underwent cognitive testing that included the revised Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT), as well as the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE).

The results of the MMSE test revealed that the volunteers were cognitively intact (MMSE 27.6±1.8).

A significant correlation emerged between serum ghrelin concentrations, 2 trials of the HVLT (Trial 1: r=0.316, P=0.05; Trial 2: r=0.395, P=0.03), and the sum of three-site skinfold analysis (r=0.417, P=0.015).

Based upon the aforementioned relationships, it appears that fasting levels of serum ghrelin are related to both verbal learning and adiposity in healthy, fit older adults.