Correlation Between the Number of Ghrelin-Secreting Cells in the Gastric Fundus and Excess Weight Loss after Sleeve Gastrectomy

BackgroundWeight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been mainly attributed to the restriction of gastric volume; however; other factors may contribute to weight loss after LSG. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the number of ghrelin-secreting cells in the gastric fundus and excess weight loss (EWL) at 12months after LSG.MethodsThe surface area of the gastric fundus was measured postoperatively in square centimeter. Histopathologic examination of the gastric fundus was made to estimate the number of ghrelin-secreting cells per square centimeter then was multiplied by the surface area of the fundus to calculate the total number of ghrelin-secreting cells in the fundus. The number of ghrelin-secreting cells was correlated with EWL and BMI at 12months postoperatively.ResultsThe present study included 39 patients of a mean age of 33.7years. The mean %EWL at 12months was 59.712.7. The mean total number of ghrelin-producing cells in the gastric fundus was 26,228.4 +/- 16,995.3. The total number of ghrelin-secreting cells had a weak positive correlation with BMI at 12months (r=0.2891, p=0.07), and weak negative correlation with %EWL (r=-0.1592, p=0.33).Conclusionhere was a weak correlation between the total number of ghrelin-producing cells in the gastric fundus and plasma ghrelin levels with EWL after LSG.