The Levels of Ghrelin, TNF- [Formula: see text] , and IL-6 in Children with Cyanotic and Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

Background/Aim. Ghrelin has effects on nutrient intake and growth. The cause of growth retardation in congenital heart disease is multifactorial. The aim of the present study is to investigate the ghrelin in congenital heart disease and the association of ghrelin with TNF- [Formula: see text] and IL-6. Materials and methods. We measured serum ghrelin, TNF- [Formula: see text] , and IL-6 levels using spesific immunoassay in 68 patients (47 acyanotic, 21 cyanotic with congenital heart disease) and in 25 control subjects. Results. In comparison to controls, serum ghrelin, TNF- [Formula: see text] levels were significantly higher in acyanotic patients and cyanotic patients with congenital heart disease ([Formula: see text]). In acyanotic and cyanotic patients with congenital heart disease, there was a positive correlation between ghrelin and TNF- [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] , resp.). Conclusion. Serum ghrelin levels is elevated in acyanotic and cyanotic patients with congenital heart disease. Increased ghrelin levels represents malnutrition and growth retardation in these patients. The relation of ghrelin with cytokines may be explained by the possible effect of chronic congestive heart failure and chronic shunt hypoxemia.