Obestatin is a 24-aa peptide hormone that is produced in the stomach and small intestine of humans and several other mammals. It is encoded by the same gene that also encodes adipokine Ghrelin, which is initially expressed as a preprohormone that is subsequently cleaved into two smaller peptides, Ghrelin and Obestatin. A model has been proposed suggesting a "Yin-Yang" relationship between the two peptides, that Ghrelin and Obestatin have countering effects to each other.

There are reports using Ghrelin knockout mice studies which showed that removing the Ghrelin gene from mice did not significantly reduce their appetite. Additional reports show that Obestatin antagonizes growth hormone secretion and food intake induced by Ghrelin.

Obestatin has shown some potential clinical applications. Studies on the Obestatin/Ghrelin ratio in the gastrointestinal tract and plasma are associated with metabolic diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, obesity and type II diabetes mellitus.

Standard, Biotinylated Obestatin peptide, and Positive Control should be stored at -20°C after arrival. Avoid multiple freeze-thaws. The remaining kit components may be stored at 4°C. Opened Microplate Wells and antibody (Item N) may be stored for up to 1 month at 2° to 8°C. Return unused wells to the pouch containing desiccant pack and reseal along entire edge.