Summary
Objective. The aim of this literature review was to review ghrelin, leptin, cholecystokinin and glucagon hormones and their influence on the regulation of feelings of hunger and satiety.
Methods. Literature search was made according to search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteria of the studies. Studies were searched in PubMed database. The total of 20 publications in English of the last six years were included into the literature review.
Results. Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone that causes hunger in the short term. Its concentration is highest right before eating. Leptin causes long-term satiety. In the short term, the leptin concentration remains stable and has little influence on the onset of satiety. Cholecystokinin acts as an anorexigenic hormone. Its action depends on the macronutrients in the consumed food. Cholecystokinin could be used to treat obesity. Glucagon is an anorexigenic hormone with a specific effect on the maintenance of glucose concentration.
Conclusions. According to the reviewed scientific publications, the regulation of hunger and satiety is a complex process that is influenced by the interactions between the digestive system, adipose tissue, and the central nervous system. Ghrelin, leptin, cholecystokinin and glucagon play important roles in the regulation of hunger and satiety.
