Targeting Hunger Hormone Receptor May Improve Bowel Function in Parkinson's Patients

Researchers from the University of Queensland have identified a promising new approach to alleviate chronic constipation in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The hormone ghrelin, often called the body's natural 'hunger hormone,' appears to play a critical role in regulating bowel movements through its receptor in the spinal cord.

The study, published in the journal Molecular Cell, reveals that the receptor for ghrelin is essential for the normal function of the spinal defecation center, an area responsible for controlling bowel movements. Associate Professor Sebastian Furness explained that dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in reward and movement, also influences bowel control but requires the support of the ghrelin receptor to function properly.

Chronic constipation affects up to 90% of Parkinson's patients and significantly impairs their quality of life. Traditionally, this symptom has been difficult to manage with current treatments. The research suggests that targeting the ghrelin receptor could help restore proper bowel function by addressing changes in the spinal pathways affected by Parkinson’s disease.

Unlike the neurons in the brain that carry dopamine, those responsible for bowel movements are not impacted by Parkinson's. Therefore, therapies designed to enhance ghrelin receptor activity may bypass the disease's typical effects on dopamine neurons, offering new hope for managing constipation in Parkinson’s patients.

Future studies are planned to explore medications that target the ghrelin receptor, aiming to improve voluntary bowel movements and reduce the burden of constipation among Parkinson's sufferers. This breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in patients' overall health and quality of life.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-hunger-hormone-receptor-boost-quality.html