Clinical trial of ghrelin synthesis administration for upper GI surgery.

Appetite and weight loss following gastrectomy or esophagectomy is one of the major problems that affect the postoperative QoL. Ghrelin, mainly secreted from the stomach, is related to appetite, weight gain, and positive energy balance. This hormone level had been shown to become low for a long time after upper GI surgery. The efficacy of ghrelin synthesis administration for postoperative weight loss was investigated from a clinical trial to develop a new strategy for weight gain. In addition to this treatment for appetite and weight loss, we focused on the anti-inflammatory role of ghrelin. For the purpose of controlling postoperative cytokine storm after esophagectomy, this hormone was introduced in the clinical trial. Finally, ghrelin replacement therapy during chemotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer is also presented. Our clinical trials and their results are presented in this chapter.