A link between ghrelin and major depressive disorder: a mini review.

Ghrelin is primarily responsible for regulating energy balance, as it increases appetite. However, in recent years, its new physiological functions have been discovered-it regulates lipogenesis, plays a role in the development of insulin resistance, and even acts protectively on heart muscle. Moreover, ghrelin was associated with many psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) or schizophrenia.