Effect of fasting plasma ghrelin level on glucagon-like peptide-1 release in healthy male adults following ingestion of selected Nigerian meals

Abstract

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and ghrelin play crucial roles in energy homeostasis control. Although they appear to have differing functions, emerging reports show that there is an important interplay between the 2 hormones as ghrelin could enhance GLP-1 release. This study was therefore carried out to determine the plasma changes in GLP-1 and ghrelin levels following ingestion of selected Nigerian meals. Materials and method: Twelve adult males were recruited into this randomized cross-over study. Meal tolerance testing (MTT) was carried out using 50g available carbohydrate of yam flour paste (amala), wheat paste and cooked cowpea with 50g of glucose serving as the reference meal (RM). Plasma levels of GLP-1 and ghrelin were determined at 0 minute and then postprandially, at 30, 60,90 and 120 minutes. Result: The median AUCGhreIin of wheat meal, cowpea meal and amala were not significantly different when compared with RM and with one another. However, the median AUCGLP-1 of wheat meal and cowpea meal were significantly higher compared with RM but no significant differences were observed when the meals were compared with one another. There were significant positive correlations between fasting ghrelin level and 30 min GLP-1 level following ingestion of amala and RM. Conclusion: The meals appear to have similar appetite induction due to their comparable ghrelin levels but ingestion of cowpea meal or whole, unprocessed wheat might have some benefits in maintaining normoglycemia probably because of their effects on GLP-1 release. Also, fasting level of ghrelin appears to have some stimulating effect on postprandial release of GLP-1.