Diabetes, Ghrelin And Related Peptides: From Pathophysiology To Vasculopathy

Ghrelin and obestatin are two different peptides originated from the same gene isolated in the stomach. Numer- ous actions have been described where these two peptides are implicated in metabolism, appetite regulation, glucose lev- els regulation, and a wide range of systemic effects. In this article, we summarize (1) the cellular receptors implicated in ghrelin and obestatin effects; (2) the role of ghrelin and obestatin in metabolism and appetite regulation; (3) their role in the glucose homeostasis regulation and its implication in diabetes patho-physiology; (5) the effects of ghrelin and obes- tatin in regulation of normal angiogenesis and (6) their possible role in the regulation of diabetes-induced pathologic angi- ogenesis.