Ghrelin level and types of eating behavior when combined with irritable bowel syndrome, arterial hypertension and obesity

Introduction. Regulation of gastrointestinal motility and eating behavior is one of the well‑known ghrelin’s effects. However, its cardioprotective effect, as well as vasodilatory action and participation in arterial pressure regulation, are not sufficiently studied. Objectives. To study fasting and postprandial ghrelin levels and eating behavior in patients with comorbidities such as irritable bowel syndrome, arterial hypertension, and obesity. Materials and methods. The study included 24 patients with irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and normal body mass index, 18 patients with arterial hypertension and obesity, and 54 patients with irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, arterial hypertension, and obesity. Blood pressure monitoring was performed in all patients and fasting and postprandial ghrelin levels in blood serum were measured, as well as eating behavior type, using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Results. Results of 24‑hour blood pressure monitoring showed a more significant rise in blood pressure, as well as a predominance of the non‑dipper profile, encountered in 40.0% of patients with the association of irritable bowel syndrome‑constipation, arterial hypertension and 2nd degree obesity, and in 70% of patients with 3rd degree obesity. The increased level of postprandial serum ghrelin in patients with this comorbid pathology contributes to the predominance ofexternal and emotional types of eating behavior, which were found in 37.5% and 34.2% of patients with the combination of these pathologies with obesity the 1st degree, 45.0% and 40.0% – with 2nd degree obesity and 60.0% and 40.0% – with 3rd degree obesity. Conclusions. The studied combined pathology (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, arterial hypertension, and obesity) is accompanied by higher blood pressure, non‑dipper blood pressure profile predominance, increased postprandial ghrelin level and eating disorders.