Ghrelin in Critical Illness.

Ghrelin, a recently described peptide, has attracted significant attention in recent years, primarily in the context of its endocrine- and appetite-regulating effects. The versatility of this peptide is manifested in a rapidly expanding body of literature highlighting its nonendocrine functions. This review summarizes the available data on the immunomodulatory as well as the non-immune-mediated effects of ghrelin that form the scientific basis of its role in critical illness.