Therapeutic applications of ghrelin to cachexia utilizing its appetite-stimulating effect

► Ghrelin stimulates growth hormone secretion, food intake and promotes adiposity. ► GH, which regulates IGF-1, is an anabolic hormone that spares protein stores. ► Ghrelin inhibits the production of anorectic proinflammatory cytokines. ► The combination of these actions may have benefits for the treatment of cachexia. ► Trials to treat cachexia of different etiologies with ghrelin have been attempted.