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¹ Ankara Üniversitesi, Veteriner Fakültesi, Biyokimya Anabilim Dalı, ANKARA - Ghrelin, an orexigenic peptide hormone consisting 28 amino acids, is found not only in mammal species but also in other vertebrates such as fish, frog, and chicken. It is expressed mainly by stomach but intestines, brain, kidneys, pancreas, and testicles are among the other expression centers. Ghrelin receptors are abundant in arcuate and ventromediale nuclei and in hippocampus. Since its discovery in 1999, several functions of ghrelin have been identified. Ghrelin promotes Growth Hormone release and increases food intake. In addition to its main role in the mechanism controling energy balance, the anti-inflamatory affect of ghrelin has also been focused in recent years. Ghrelin levels may change in the dysfunctions affecting the energy balance. In this review, the main functions of ghrelin in a healthy metabolism as well as changes in diseases have been summarised. Keywords : Ghrelin, function, health, disease