The possible role of nesfatin-1 on appetite regulation in hemodialysis patients

Studies on appetite hormones in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients appear of interest since these compounds may be implicated in reduced appetite, loss of weight and/or malnutrition. Anorexia seems to be related to many hormones that act in central nervous system, like leptin, obestatin and others, and more recently, was discovered a hypothalamus secreted protein that conduces to a decrease on food intake and to an increase on energetic waste, called nesfatin-1. This peptide has been studied in diabetes, mean arterial pressure and cardiovascular function, anxiety- and/or fear-related responses and inflammation, but there are no studies about a possible relationship with CKD. Therefore, considering the negative impact of anorexia and malnutrition in morbidity and mortality of CKD patients and the interest in new treatments findings for dialysis population, this review will discuss recent information about nesfatin-1 and its possible role in CKD patients.