Ghrelin-based interventions in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review

Cavalcanti Bezerra Gouveia, H. J., dos Santos-Júnior, O. H., Frasnelli, J., Fisette, A., dos Santos Júnior, J. P., da Silva Araújo, M. A., da Silva-Araújo, E. R., Toscano, A. E. et Manhães de Castro, R. (2026). Ghrelin-based interventions in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review. Brain Research, 1876 . Article 150187. ISSN 0006-8993 1872-6240 DOI 10.1016/j.brainres.2026.150187

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Résumé

Abstract
Ghrelin plays a crucial role in metabolism and gastrointestinal function. In the central nervous system, ghrelin modulates both hedonic and homeostatic control of eating behavior. Ghrelin promotes neuron survival by reducing apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, making it a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. The motor impairments result primarily from the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Individuals with PD exhibit reduced levels of fasting and postprandial plasma ghrelin, and its receptors (GHSR) are expressed in the substantia nigra. Thus, this review aimed to evaluate the effects of ghrelin or GHSR agonists administration in experimental models of PD. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. The 12 included studies involved PD models induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), as well as A53T transgenic mice. Interventions were performed with acylated and/or des-acylated ghrelin, in addition to the GHSR agonist HM01. Intervention with ghrelin was able to reduce dopaminergic neurodegeneration and improve motor function, while also positively impacting metabolic and gastrointestinal functions, expanding its relevance to non-motor consequences of PD. Considering that most results were obtained using acute toxin-induced models and only male animals, further studies using progressive PD models and evaluating sex differences are needed. Thus, although preclinical evidence supports ghrelin or GHSR agonists as promising agents for treatment, future studies will be essential to inform clinical translation and optimize therapeutic strategies for individuals with PD.

Type de document:	Article
Mots-clés libres:	Parkinson disease Ghrelin HM01 Dopaminergic neurons Neuroprotection
Date de dépôt:	19 févr. 2026 16:49
Dernière modification:	19 févr. 2026 16:49
Version du document déposé:	Version officielle de l'éditeur
URI:	https://depot-e.uqtr.ca/id/eprint/12622

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