BACKGROUND: Thyroid dysfunction is associated with changes in the appetite. Ghrelin can regulate feeding behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether ghrelin plays a role in the appetite changes in different states of thyroid dysfunction. METHODS: The serum ghrelin levels were measured in 45 newly diagnosed hyperthyroid and 45 newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients before and after medical treatment. Forty-five healthy subjects were also studied as control group. RESULTS: The ghrelin levels did not change significantly in patients with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism before and after the treatment. The ghrelin levels were not different from those of the control group. CONCLUSION: Ghrelin is not likely to be the primary determinant of appetite changes in thyroid dysfunction.
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