scholarly journals Low-dose GH improves exercise capacity in adults with GH deficiency: effects of a 22-month placebo-controlled, crossover trial

2005 ◽  
Vol 153 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Bollerslev ◽  
Jostein Hallén ◽  
Kristian J Fougner ◽  
Anders Palmstrøm Jørgensen ◽  
Cybele Kristo ◽  
...  

Fifty-five patients with adult-onset GH deficiency (mean age, 49 years) were enrolled in a placebo-controlled, crossover study to investigate the effects of GH therapy on exercise capacity, body composition, and quality of life (QOL). GH and placebo were administered for 9 months each, separated by a 4-month washout period. GH therapy was individually dosed to obtain an IGF-I concentration within the normal range for age and sex. The final mean daily dose of GH was 1.2 IU/day for men and 1.8 IU/day for women. Mean IGF-I concentration at baseline was higher in men than in women (95±33 vs 68±41 μg/l respectively; P < 0.04) and increased to a similar level on GH therapy. Body fat mass was reduced by 1.9±2.9 kg and lean body mass was increased by 1.8±2.8 kg (P = 0.0001 for each) with GH treatment. Total and low-density cholesterol levels decreased. Absolute maximal oxygen uptake increased by 6% (P = 0.01), relative to body weight by 9% (P = 0.004), and there was a trend toward increased endurance performance by 7% (P = 0.07). There were no significant effects on QOL. In conclusion, treatment with a low, physiologic dose of GH produced positive effects on body composition and lipids and improved exercise capacity, likely to be of clinical relevance. No changes in QOL were seen, possibly because of a good QOL at baseline.

1993 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. R. Donahue ◽  
W. G. Beamer

ABSTRACT Although GH is known to regulate somatic growth during development, its role in regulating adult body composition is less well defined. The effects of GH on individual body compartments – water, fat, protein and mineral – are achieved both by the action of GH and by a GH-induced hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). We used a genetic model of GH deficiency, the 'little' (gene symbol lit) mouse, to determine the GH regulation of IGF-I and its insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and to define the interaction between these hormones and each body compartment in adults. Our results showed that GH-deficient lit/lit mice had reduced levels of serum IGF-I (range 38–130 μg/l) compared with normal lit/+ littermates (range 432–567 μg/l) between 2 and 52 weeks of age. The lit/lit mice did not experience the fivefold increase in IGF-I between 2 and 4 weeks of age that was seen in lit/+ mice. In lit/lit serum, overall binding of 125I-labelled IGF-I to the four IGFBPs was reduced, solely in response to a reduced amount of IGFBP-3. No overall differences were found between lit/lit and lit/+ mice in the binding of 125I-labelled IGF-I to IGFBP-2, -1 or -4. Age-related declines in IGF-I and IGFBPs were seen in lit/lit mice. However, adult levels of IGF-I were maintained in lit/+ mice to at least 52 weeks of age, as were levels of IGFBP-1 and -4, while IGFBP-3 and -2 declined with age. With respect to body composition, comparison of lit/lit with lit/+ mice showed that the lit/lit mice were characterized by abnormally large adipose tissue stores and reduced body water, protein and mineral from 2 weeks onward. These changes occurred despite normal energy intake in lit/lit mice up to 52 weeks of age, indicating that neither undernutrition nor hyperphagia is characteristic of this GH-induced model of obesity. Furthermore, lit/lit males accrued more body fat beginning at an earlier age than lit/lit females. With advancing age, the per cent body fat increased in both lit/lit and lit/+ mice, while the per cent body water and mineral declined. In lit/lit but not lit/+ mice, per cent protein also declined with age. The changes in body water and fat are attributable to lack of adequate GH in the genetically GH-deficient lit/lit mouse. On the other hand, the changes in body protein are more likely to be effects of IGF-I. Changes in mineral observed in lit/lit mice could be the result of action by GH, IGF-I or both hormones. Therefore, when GH is chronically manipulated by GH deficiency as in lit/lit mice, by GH excess as in acromegaly, or by GH therapy, all four body compartments are affected, suggesting that GH therapy is most valuable when the treatment goal is to alter overall body composition. Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 136, 91–104


2003 ◽  
Vol 88 (11) ◽  
pp. 5101-5106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maithé Tauber ◽  
Béatrice Jouret ◽  
Audrey Cartault ◽  
Nadia Lounis ◽  
Michèle Gayrard ◽  
...  

Abstract It is now a consensus to resume GH treatment in adolescents with severe GH deficiency (GHD) at retesting to prevent the occurrence of adult GHD syndrome. However, we do not have any data on the follow-up of adolescents with nonsevere GHD at completion of treatment. This report presents preliminary data from a 1-yr prospective study that includes the first 91 patients retested. Anthropometric data, IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3 levels, glycemia and insulinemia, lipid profile, and body composition using dual x-ray absorptiometry and abdominal computed tomography scan were recorded at completion of GH treatment and 1 yr later. Body composition was significantly different at both evaluations, with increased total body fat and decreased lean body mass in the partial GHD group vs. the normal group. Moreover, these alterations worsened after 1 yr without GH in the partial GHD group, whereas there were no modifications in the normal group. We did not find any metabolic alterations such as elevated triglyceride, total cholesterol, or insulin levels. Adolescents with reconfirmed partial GHD exhibit alterations in body composition after 1 yr without GH, whereas those retested normal do not. These changes are similar to those described in severe GHD, although less marked, and justify a precise follow-up.


2010 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 2646-2654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Kołtowska-Häggström ◽  
Mitchell E. Geffner ◽  
Peter Jönsson ◽  
John P. Monson ◽  
Roger Abs ◽  
...  

Abstract Context: Little is known about the impact of childhood-onset GH deficiency (GHD), in particular the duration of GH cessation during the transition phase, on adult phenotype. Objective: We investigated the association between the manifestations and management of GHD during childhood/adolescence and the clinical features of GHD in adulthood. Design/Setting/Patients/Intervention: Patients with reconfirmed childhood-onset GHD who resumed GH treatment as adults were identified from two sequential databases (n = 313). The cohort was followed up longitudinally from GH start in childhood to reinitiation of treatment in adulthood and 1 yr beyond. Analyses were performed in the total cohort and in subgroups of patients with idiopathic GHD (IGHD) and non-IGHD. The cohorts were stratified based on duration of GH cessation (short, ≤2 yr; long, &gt;2 yr). Main Outcome Measures: Regimen of pediatric GH administration, duration of GH interruption, IGF-I sd score, lipid concentrations, and quality of life were measured. Results: Mean duration of GH interruption was 4.4 yr. IGF-I sd score in adulthood was related to severity of childhood GHD. In non-IGHD patients, a longer duration of GH interruption was associated with a worse lipid profile (P &lt; 0.0001). Non-IGHD patients who gained more height during childhood GH treatment reported better quality of life than those who gained less height (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Pediatricians should tailor GH treatment, not only for its beneficial effect on growth but also for future health in adulthood. In adults with reconfirmed GHD, particularly those with non-IGHD, early recommencement of GH should be considered.


2003 ◽  
pp. 499-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Ezzat ◽  
S Fear ◽  
RC Gaillard ◽  
C Gayle ◽  
S Marcovitz ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long-term GH in GH-deficient adults, as predicted by IGF-I levels. METHODS: Patients received GH, 5 microg/kg per day for 1 Month and 10 microg/kg per day for another 12-30 Months. Changes in body composition, cardiac structure/function, serum lipids and quality of life were measured. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in lean body mass (LBM) (2.21 kg; P<0.0001) after 6 Months, which was sustained throughout treatment. A larger increase occurred in males than females (2.97 vs 1.19 kg; P<0.0001). Total fat mass was reduced (2.56 kg; P<0.0001 (3.26 kg males, 1.63 kg females)). Responsiveness to GH varied greatly, but LBM changes correlated with IGF-I changes (P<0.004). Furthermore, thinner patients experienced greater and progressive LBM increases. There was an increase in ejection fraction (3.85+/-9.95%; P=0.0002) after 6 Months, sustained to 18 Months. These cardiac effects were equal for males and females, and did not correlate with IGF-I levels. Serum low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratios decreased within 6 Months, and were sustained thereafter. Quality of life improved significantly after 6 Months, an effect that was sustained/enhanced as treatment continued. No major adverse events were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Improved body composition is both reflected by IGF-I changes and predicted inversely by baseline adiposity. Other effects of GH replacement on cardiac function, dyslipidaemia and quality of life, however, do not correlate with circulating IGF-I concentrations. Our findings validate the importance of sustained GH therapy, but caution on the interpretation of IGF-I levels in monitoring the long-term effects of GH treatment.


2012 ◽  
Vol 166 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Hazem ◽  
Mohamed B Elamin ◽  
Irina Bancos ◽  
German Malaga ◽  
Gabriela Prutsky ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo summarise the evidence about the efficacy and safety of using GH in adults with GH deficiency focusing on quality of life and body composition.Data sourcesWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science and Scopus through April 2011. We also reviewed reference lists and contacted experts to identify candidate studies.Study selectionReviewers, working independently and in duplicate, selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GH to placebo.Data synthesisWe pooled the relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) by the random effects model and assessed heterogeneity using theI2statistic.ResultsFifty-four RCTs were included enrolling over 3400 patients. The quality of the included trials was fair. GH use was associated with statistically significant reduction in weight (WMD, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): −2.31 kg, −2.66 and −1.96) and body fat content (WMD, 95% CI: −2.56 kg, −2.97 and −2.16); increase in lean body mass (WMD, 95% CI: 1.38, 1.10 and 1.65), the risk of oedema (RR, 95% CI: 6.07, 4.34 and 8.48) and joint stiffness (RR, 95% CI: 4.17, 1.4 and 12.38); without significant changes in body mass index, bone mineral density or other adverse effects. Quality of life measures improved in 11 of the 16 trials although meta-analysis was not feasible.ResultsGH therapy in adults with confirmed GH deficiency reduces weight and body fat, increases lean body mass and increases oedema and joint stiffness. Most trials demonstrated improvement in quality of life measures.


2006 ◽  
Vol 154 (4) ◽  
pp. 537-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Bollerslev ◽  
Thor Ueland ◽  
Anders P Jørgensen ◽  
Kristian J Fougner ◽  
Ragnhild Wergeland ◽  
...  

Objective: GH deficiency is associated with an increased cardiovascular mortality. Fifty-five patients with adult-onset GH deficiency (AO-GHD) (24 female, 31 male, mean age 49 years) were enrolled in a placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study to investigate the effects of GH therapy on a variety of cardiovascular risk factors representing different aspects of atherogenesis, including apolipo-proteins (Apo A-1, Apo B), markers of subclinical inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6) and markers of endothelial function (intercellular adhesion molecule-1, von Willebrand factor and sCD40L (a pro-atherogenic factor and marker for plaque destabilization)). Methods: GH therapy was individually dosed to obtain an IGF-I concentration within the normal range for age and sex. GH and placebo were administered for 9 months each, separated by a 4 month washout period. Results: The final mean dose of GH was 50% higher for women and IGF-I increased to the same level in both sexes. Compared with placebo, substitution with GH showed a significant effect on Apo B (mean change −0.15 (−0.22 to −0.08) mg/l) and CRP (−1.8 (−3.3 to −0.3) mg/l). The baseline level of and change in IGF-I during treatment with GH contributed significantly to the improvement in both markers. No effects were found on interleukin-6 or Apo A-1, or on markers of endothelial function. No gender differences were observed for any of the markers at baseline or following intervention. Conclusions: GH substitution to naïve patients with AO-GHD at a low, individually titrated dose aiming at normalizing IGF-I was followed by significant reductions in Apo B and CRP, indicating a positive effect of GH on cardiovascular risk.


2007 ◽  
Vol 156 (6) ◽  
pp. 637-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hisashi Urushihara ◽  
Shunichi Fukuhara ◽  
Shigeru Tai ◽  
Satoshi Morita ◽  
Kazuo Chihara

Objective: To examine the responsiveness of quality of life (QoL) associated with changes in clinical indices relevant to GH deficiency (GHD) in Japanese hypopituitary adults. Design and methods: QoL was determined using the Short Form (SF)-36 in Japanese adults with adult-(AO; n = 27) or childhood- (CO; n = 37) onset GHD in a 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled study with a fixed GH dose, and a subsequent 48-week open-label extension study with GH doses individualized using serum IGF-I levels. Results: Baseline QoL was significantly decreased from the Japanese national reference in both onset types, more so in AO patients. Throughout the study, AO patients showed a trend for an increase in physical functioning and general health (P = 0.0564 and 0.0999 respectively), whereas CO patients showed no changes in these domains. Fat mass changes negatively correlated with the changes in physical functioning and general health in AO patients (r = −0.42 and −0.64 respectively), but to a lesser degree in CO patients (r = −0.36 and −0.32 respectively). CO patients displayed significant decreases in social functioning (P = 0.0305) and mental health (P = 0.0442) and a decreasing trend in bodily pain (P = 0.0769), although no correlation between these decreases and any measured clinical index was observed, except between changes in bodily pain and IGF-I levels (r = −0.43). Conclusions: QoL impairment was evident in Japanese adults with GHD, particularly in AO patients. In AO patients, general health and physical functioning domains were responsive to fat mass changes during GH treatment; this association was not evident in CO patients. These relationships between QoL and body composition warrant verification.


2004 ◽  
pp. 671-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Abrahamsen ◽  
TL Nielsen ◽  
J Hangaard ◽  
G Gregersen ◽  
N Vahl ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: Patients with GH deficiency of adult onset (GHDA) exhibit dyslipidaemia and increased cardiovascular morbidity. GH replacement potently reduces body fat and serum lipids in GHDA. In recent years, lower GH doses have been introduced. The purpose of this analysis was to explore the response relationship between GH doses, lipids and body composition. DESIGN: Two consecutive, randomized 12-month GH replacement studies covering placebo and three different doses of GH (0.5, 1.0 and 1.7 IU/m(2) per day). Low and intermediate doses were IGF-I titrated. PATIENTS: Fifty-eight patients with severe GHDA, not previously treated with GH and stably substituted for other endocrine deficiencies, were included in the study. METHODS: Serum lipoproteins, serum IGF-I and body composition analysis by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were used. RESULTS: Fifty-seven percent of patients exhibited low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels above 4.16 mmol/l, corresponding to the American Heart Association threshold of 160 mg/dl. GH treatment resulted in significant decreases in total and LDL cholesterol, with no significant change in high density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides. The low dose induced no significant changes in lipid levels, whereas the medium dose reduced LDL cholesterol and the high dose decreased both LDL and total cholesterol. The effects depended significantly on the GH dose and the level of IGF-I obtained, but not on gender. GH replacement induced dose-dependent reductions in fat mass and sex-dependent increases in lean mass. CONCLUSIONS: GH given for 1 year at a dosage between 0.5 and 1.7 IU/m(2) per day reduced fat mass in a dose-dependent manner, increased lean body mass and lowered total and LDL cholesterol in patients with severe GHDA. Low dose GH treatment with normal IGF-I levels induced smaller changes compared with high dose therapy, and may need a longer treatment time.


2000 ◽  
Vol 85 (5) ◽  
pp. 1874-1881 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Vahl ◽  
Anders Juul ◽  
Jens O. L. Jørgensen ◽  
Hans Ørskov ◽  
Niels E. Skakkebæk ◽  
...  

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of GH replacement, in adults with GH deficiency (GHD), on body composition, physical fitness, and quality of life. These studies, however, concern patients with adult-onset GHD or childhood-onset (CO) patients enrolled several years after withdrawal of initial therapy. So far, the effects of continuation of GH-administration in patients with CO-GHD have not been examined. We studied a group of nineteen young adults (13 males+ 6 females; 16–26 yr old; mean age, 20.2 ± 0.65 yr) with CO-GHD, in a randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for 1 yr, followed by an open phase with GH for 1 yr. All patients received GH therapy at the start of study, and trial medication (GH/placebo) was given in a similar dose. Patients randomized to continued GH treatment exhibited no significant changes in any parameters tested, but intra- and interindividual variations in insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels could suggest compliance problems. Discontinuation of GH for 1 yr resulted in a decrease in serum IGF-I, from 422.0 ± 56.8 to 147.8 ± 33.4 μg/L, in the placebo group (P = 0.003). After discontinuation of GH for 1 yr, an increase in total body fat (TBF, kg), measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan, was seen[ placebo: 22.7 ± 2.7 to 26.5 ± 2.5 (P = 0.01); GH:16.2 ± 2.1 to 17.2 ± 2.1 (not significant)]. Resumption of GH after placebo was followed by increments in serum IGF-I (μg/L) [from 147.8 ± 33.4 to 452 ± 76 (P = 0.001)] and IGF-binding protein 3, as well as in fasting glucose (mmol/L) [4.9 ± 0.2 vs. 5.3 ± 0.2 (P = 0.03)]. After resumption of GH lean body mass (kg) increased [52.4 ± 4.9 vs. 60.7 ± 5.6 (P = 0.006)]. Likewise, resumption of GH therapy increased thigh muscle volume and thigh muscle/fat ratio, as assessed by computed tomography [muscle volume (cm2/10 mm): 118.2 ± 11.7 vs. 130.0 ± 10.9 (P = 0.002); muscle/fat ratio: 1.33 ± 0.24 vs. 1.69 ± 0.36 (P = 0.02)]. In conclusion, discontinuation of GH treatment in GHD patients, during the transition from childhood to adulthood, induces significant and potentially unfavorable changes in IGF-I and body composition, both of which are reversed after resumption of GH treatment. By contrast, continuation of GH therapy results in unaltered IGF-I and body composition. We recommend continuation of GH therapy in these patients, to be undertaken in collaboration between pediatricians and adult endocrinologists.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Höybye ◽  
◽  
Anthony J. Holland ◽  
Daniel J. Driscoll

AbstractPrader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex, multi-system, neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by neonatal muscular hypotonia, short stature, high risk of obesity, hypogonadism, intellectual disabilities, distinct behavioural/psychiatric problems and abnormal body composition with increased body fat and a deficit of lean body mass. Growth hormone (GH) deficiency and other hormone deficiencies are common due to hypothalamic dysfunction. In children with PWS GH treatment has been widely demonstrated to improve body composition, normalise height and improve psychomotor development. In adults with PWS, GH’s main effects are to maintain normal body structure and metabolism. The positive effects of GH treatment on body composition, physical fitness and beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk markers, behaviour and quality of life in adults with PWS are also well established from several studies. GH treatment is approved for treatment of children with PWS in many countries, but until recently not as a treatment in young adults in the transition period or for adults in general. In this commentary we want to draw attention to the uneven global use of GH treatment, specifically in adults with PWS, and advocate for GH treatment to be approved internationally, not just for children, but also for adults with PWS and based only on the diagnosis of genetically confirmed PWS.


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