Ghrelin's Role in Sepsis Intestinal Damage: Ferroptosis and Barrier Study

Abstract Objective: This study investigates the therapeutic efficacy of ghrelin in alleviating sepsis-induced intestinal damage, focusing on its potential to inhibit ferroptosis and protect intestinal barrier integrity. Methods: Employing a cecal ligation and puncture model in C57BL/6 mice, we examined the impact of ghrelin and Ferrostatin-1 on bacterial load, intestinal morphology, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis markers. Our methodology included histopathological evaluations, cytokine profiling, oxidative stress assays, and analysis of ferroptosis indicators. Results: Treatment with ghrelin significantly reduced bacterial proliferation, mitigated intestinal damage, and decreased systemic inflammation. Comparable outcomes were observed with Fer-1 treatment. Both interventions restored intestinal barrier functions, modulated inflammatory responses, and attenuated oxidative stress, indicating a suppression of the ferroptosis pathway. Conclusion: Ghrelin exhibits a protective role in sepsis-induced intestinal injury, likely through the inhibition of ferroptosis. This mechanism underscores ghrelin's therapeutic potential in sepsis management, suggesting avenues for further clinical exploration.