GHRL and alkaline phosphatase measurement: Ghrelin has been reported to regulate central and peripheral lipid metabolism.[23] It was recently shown to play an anti-inflammatory role in some critical illnesses, including AP.[24] Administration of ghrelin had a protective effect on AP of diverse causes, accompanied by decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory factors, improvement in pancreatic blood flow, and increased DNA synthesis.[17,25] However, reports on serum ghrelin levels in patients with AP have been inconsistent.