of apoB gene by chitosan might contribute to the hypotriglyceridemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of chitosan. Ghrelin is a peptide hormone mainly produced by the stomach. Ghrelin is a potent stimulator of growth hormone secretion [45]. Moreover, it is the only circulatory hormone that potently enhances the feeding and weight gain, increases the gastrointestinal mobility, and regulates the energy homeostasis [30], [45]. Furthermore, ghrelin-based components may have therapeutic effects in treating malnutrition [31]. Because ghrelin has a great impact on the food intake or body weight, the down-regulated expression of ghrelin gene by chitosan might explain why chitosan exhibited the anti-obestic effect.
