GHRP-6 · research summary

Ghrelin impairs embryo development after ovarian hyperstimulation.

The Journal of endocrinology · 2026. Summary drawn from the study's abstract. Each statement is followed by the exact sentence it comes from. This is a research summary, not medical advice.

Study type

Murine model study evaluating effects of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation on embryo development
“Using a murine model, this study evaluated the effects of COH on preimplantation embryo development and implantation and examined whether the COH-induced alterations in these parameters are associated with hyperghrelinemia.”

Subjects

Female mice in natural estrous cycles or following hyperstimulation
“Here, we evaluated hormonal profiles, gamete and embryo quality, implantation, and decidual characteristics in female mice, either in natural estrous cycles (controls) or following hyperstimulation, with or without treatment with ghrelin receptor antagonists ((D-Lys3)-GHRP-6 or PF-5190457).”

Reported findings

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation increased ovulation rate and plasma progesterone and ghrelin levels compared with controls
“We found that COH increased ovulation rate and plasma progesterone and ghrelin levels compared with controls, without altering oocyte quality or early estradiol concentrations, although estradiol rose later (gestational day (GD) 7.5).”
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation induced a delay in embryo development which was reversed by ghrelin receptor antagonists
“COH also induced a delay in embryo development (on GD 3.5), which was reversed by the administration of (D-Lys3)-GHRP-6 or PF-5190457.”
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation reduced uterine IL-6 expression, which was restored by ghrelin receptor blockade
“COH did not affect decidual histology, embryotropic or embryotoxic factors, or uterine leukocyte infiltration; however, it reduced uterine IL-6 expression, which was restored by ghrelin receptor blockade, suggesting a mechanism for the delayed embryo development.”

Source: PubMed 42461148 · DOI 10.1530/JOE-26-0041 · all study summaries

Study type

Murine model study evaluating effects of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation on embryo development

“Using a murine model, this study evaluated the effects of COH on preimplantation embryo development and implantation and examined whether the COH-induced alterations in these parameters are associated with hyperghrelinemia.”

Subjects

Female mice in natural estrous cycles or following hyperstimulation

“Here, we evaluated hormonal profiles, gamete and embryo quality, implantation, and decidual characteristics in female mice, either in natural estrous cycles (controls) or following hyperstimulation, with or without treatment with ghrelin receptor antagonists ((D-Lys3)-GHRP-6 or PF-5190457).”

Reported findings

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation increased ovulation rate and plasma progesterone and ghrelin levels compared with controls

“We found that COH increased ovulation rate and plasma progesterone and ghrelin levels compared with controls, without altering oocyte quality or early estradiol concentrations, although estradiol rose later (gestational day (GD) 7.5).”

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation induced a delay in embryo development which was reversed by ghrelin receptor antagonists

“COH also induced a delay in embryo development (on GD 3.5), which was reversed by the administration of (D-Lys3)-GHRP-6 or PF-5190457.”

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation reduced uterine IL-6 expression, which was restored by ghrelin receptor blockade

“COH did not affect decidual histology, embryotropic or embryotoxic factors, or uterine leukocyte infiltration; however, it reduced uterine IL-6 expression, which was restored by ghrelin receptor blockade, suggesting a mechanism for the delayed embryo development.”