scholarly journals Effects of GH on cognitive function in elderly patients with adult-onset GH deficiency: a placebo-controlled 12-month study

2007 ◽  
Vol 156 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahesh Sathiavageeswaran ◽  
Pia Burman ◽  
David Lawrence ◽  
Alan G Harris ◽  
Marina G Falleti ◽  
...  

Objective: Young adults with childhood-onset GH deficiency (GHD) have reduced memory and attention, which can be improved by treatment with GH. Little information is available on cognitive function in elderly GHD patients. Design: Single center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of 52-week duration. Methods: Elderly GH therapy naïve GHD patients (n=34; age range 60–77 years) were enrolled and randomized to receive placebo or GH therapy which was titrated to achieve a target IGF-I level of +1 to +2 s.d. of the normal mean for age. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and after 24 and 52 weeks, using a computerized psychometric test package (Neurobehavioral Examination System-2). Results: The mean GH dose was 0.16±0.06 mg/day; mean IGF-I increased from 135±59 ng/ml at baseline to 213±77 ng/ml during active treatment. The GH-treated group had better mean serial digit learning scores compared with placebo group (P<0.05). Assessment of effect sizes showed that improvements in memory occurred with GH after 24 weeks. The overall adverse event rates were similar in the GH and the placebo group. Conclusion: This study indicates that GH replacement may be accompanied by improvement in certain measures of cognitive function in elderly patients with GHD.

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Pakdaman ◽  
Ali Amini Harandi ◽  
Mehdi Abbasi ◽  
Hosein Delavar Kasmaei ◽  
Farzad Ashrafi ◽  
...  

Background and Aim: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by declined cognitive function greater than that expected for a person’s age. The clinical significance of this condition is its possible progression to dementia. MLC601 is a natural neuroprotective medication that has shown promising effects in Alzheimer disease. Accordingly, we conducted this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MLC601 in MCI patients. Methods: Seventy-two patients with a diagnosis of MCI were recruited. The included participants were randomly assigned to groups to receive either MLC601 or placebo. An evaluation of global cognitive function was performed at baseline as well as at 3-month and 6-month follow-up visits. Global cognitive function was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) scores. Efficacy was evaluated by comparing global function scores between the 2 groups during the study period. Safety assessment included adverse events (AEs) and abnormal laboratory results. Results: Seventy patients completed the study, 34 in the MLC601 group and 36 in the placebo group. The mean changes (±SD) in cognition scores over 6 months in the MLC601 group were –2.26 (±3.42) for the MMSE and 3.82 (±6.16) for the ADAS-cog; in the placebo group, they were –2.66 (±3.43) for the MMSE and 4.41 (±6.66) for the ADAS-cog. The cognition changes based on both MMSE and ADAS-cog scores were statistically significant between the placebo and the MLC601 group (p < 0.001). Only 5 patients (14.7%) reported minor AEs in the MLC601 group, the most commonly reported of which were gastrointestinal, none of them leading to patient withdrawal. Conclusion: MLC601 has shown promising efficacy and acceptable AEs in MCI patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ratna Sudha ◽  
N. Jayanthi ◽  
D.C. Pandey ◽  
A.K. Verma

Acute diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of mortality in infants and young children. Evidence suggests that probiotics can reduce diarrhoea duration. As the effects of probiotics are strain specific, the effect of Bacillus clausii UBBC-07, a safe probiotic strain in the treatment of acute diarrhoea in children was studied. The double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel group multicentric study was conducted at two outpatient facility sites in Lucknow, India. Children aged six months to five years suffering from acute diarrhoea, were randomly assigned to receive either probiotic (B. clausii UBBC-07) spore suspension or placebo suspension twice daily apart from oral rehydration solution (ORS). The duration of treatment was for five days with a follow -up until the 10th day. Outcomes evaluated were duration and frequency of diarrhoea, consistency of stool, fever and vomiting. The duration of diarrhoea was significantly shorter (P<0.05) in patients who received B. clausii suspension (75.66±13.23 h) than in placebo treated group (81.6±15.43 h). The average daily number of stools (frequency) was 8.67±3.42 at baseline in treatment group receiving B. clausii and 8.53±3.19 in placebo group. By day 4, there was a significant reduction (P<0.01) in frequency of stools in probiotic treated group (3.46±0.66) as compared to placebo group (4.57±1.59). Improvement in stool consistency was also observed in the probiotic treated group as compared to the placebo group. There was no effect on vomiting and duration of fever. B. clausii UBBC-07 significantly decreased the duration and frequency of diarrhoea as compared to placebo indicating effectiveness of strain in the treatment of acute diarrhoea in children and could be a safe alternative to antibiotics.


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.


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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Banin Maghfirotin Marta ◽  
Utami Tyas ◽  
Cahyanto Muhammad Nur ◽  
Widada Jaka ◽  
Rahayu Endang Sutriswati

Consumption of probiotics is known to influence the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of probiotic powder containing Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 on bacterial composition in the gut by examining fecal samples of school-age children in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 40 healthy subjects were recruited for this study and were divided into two groups: placebo group and probiotic group. The placebo group consumed skim milk and the probiotic group consumed probiotic powder containing L. plantarum Dad-13 (2 × 109 CFU/g) for 65 days. The results showed that placebo intake had no significant effect on gut microbiota; however, probiotic caused a significant increase in L. plantarum and Lactobacillus population, while decreasing the population of E. coli and non-E. coli coliform bacteria by 55% and 75%, respectively and Bifidobacteria count did not change significantly. The study concluded that consumption of probiotic powder L. plantarum Dad-13 could increase propionic acid thereby decreasing the gut pH which has an effect on the microbial population.


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


2004 ◽  
pp. 153-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Golgeli ◽  
F Tanriverdi ◽  
C Suer ◽  
C Gokce ◽  
C Ozesmi ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: Impaired cognitive function has been demonstrated in adults with growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) by using different neuropsychological tests. Despite several studies, present knowledge about the impact of GHD and GH replacement therapy (GHRT) on cognitive function is limited. P300 event-related potential (ERP) application is a well-established neurophysiological approach in the assessment of cognitive functions including the updating of working memory content and the speed of stimulus evaluation. GHD is a well-known feature of Sheehan's syndrome and cognitive changes due to GHD and the effects of GHRT remain to be clarified. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of GHD and 6 months of GHRT on cognitive function in patients with Sheehan's syndrome by using P300 latency. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study comprised 14 patients with Sheehan's syndrome (mean age, 49.5+/-7.8 years) and 10 age-, education- and sex-matched healthy controls. With hormone replacement therapy, basal hormone levels other than GH were stable before enrollment and throughout the GHRT. The diagnosis of GH deficiency was established by insulin-tolerance test (ITT), and mean peak level of GH in response to insulin hypoglycemia was 0.77+/-0.35 mIU/l. Treatment with GH was started at a dose of 0.45 IU (0.15 mg)/day in month 1, was increased to 0.9 IU (0.30 mg)/day in month 2 and was maintained at 2 IU (0.66 mg)/day. Initially baseline auditory ERPs in patients and controls were recorded at frontal (Fz), central (Cz), and parietal (P3 and P4) electrode sites. In the patient group, ERPs were re-evaluated after 6 months of GH replacement therapy. During each session P300 amplitude and latency were measured. RESULTS: Mean serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentration in the patient group before GHRT was 23+/-13 ng/ml. After 6 months of GH therapy mean IGF-I significantly increased to an acceptable level, 234+/-71 ng/ml (P<0.05). The mean latencies (at all electrode sites) of the patients before GHRT were found to be significantly prolonged when compared with those of normal controls (P<0.05). After 6 months of GHRT mean P300 latencies (at all electrode sites) were decreased significantly when compared with latencies before treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study, using P300 ERP latencies, therefore suggests an impairment of cognitive abilities due to severe GHD in patients with Sheehan's syndrome and an improvement of cognitive function after 6 months of physiological GHRT. Moreover, this was a novel application of P300 ERP latencies in cognitive function detection in patients with GHD. Further studies with different patient groups need to be done to assess the clinical use of this electrophysiological method in the diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction due to GHD.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawei Chen ◽  
Yanwei Yin ◽  
Jin Shi ◽  
Fen Yang ◽  
Kehua Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) was demonstrated to increase the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the animal models, but there are no clinic studies to verify this. We aimed to explore the effect of NBP on improving cerebral hypoperfusion caused by cerebral large-vessel stenosis. Methods: In this single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 120 patients with severe carotid atherosclerotic stenosis and cerebral hypoperfusion in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) were included and randomly assigned into NBP or placebo group as 1:1 radio. Patients in NBP or placebo group received 200mg or 20mg of NBP capsules three times daily for four weeks respectively. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to assess regional CBF (rCBF) in four regions of interest (ROIs) corresponding to MCA before and 12 weeks after the treatment. After therapy, the rCBF change for every ROI and the whole CBF change in MCA territory for every patient were classified into amelioration, stabilization and deterioration respectively. Results: 48 NBP patients (6 with bilateral stenosis) and 46 placebo patients (8 with bilateral stenosis) completed the trial. Overall, both groups had 54 stenotic carotid arteries and 216 ROIs for rCBF change analysis. After therapy, the rCBF in ROIs increased in NBP group (83.5%±11.4% vs. 85.8%±12.5%, p=0.000), whereas no change was found in placebo group (86.9%±11.6% vs. 87.8%±11.7%, p=0.331). Besides, there was higher percentages of ROIs with rCBF amelioration and stabilization in NBP group than in placebo group (93.1% vs. 79.2%, p=0.000). Furthermore, ordinal regression analysis showed that compared with placebo, NBP independently made more patients to have whole CBF amelioration in ipsilateral MCA (Wald-χ2=5.247, OR=3.31, p=0.022). Conclusions: NBP might improve the cerebral hypoperfusion in the patients with carotid artery atherosclerotic stenosis. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900028005, registered December 8th 2019- Retrospectively registered ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx ).


Author(s):  
Victor Ifeanyichukwu Modekwe ◽  
Jideofor Okechukwu Ugwu ◽  
Okechukwu Hyginus Ekwunife ◽  
Andrew Nwankwo Osuigwe ◽  
Jideofor Chukwuma Orakwe ◽  
...  

Introduction: Procedural analgesia use in neonatal circumcision is not widespread in the developing world. An easy-to-administer, adequate and safe analgesia will encourage usage in neonatal circumcision. Orally administered ketamine may prove effective and safe, and may encourage procedural analgesia use in neonatal circumcision. Aim: To determine the analgesic efficacy of oral ketamine in Plastibell® neonatal circumcision. Materials and Methods: A hospital based randomised double blind controlled study was conducted at the paediatric surgery unit of the hospital, from March 2015 to December 2015. Total 121 neonates were sequentially recruited, and randomised into two groups. Group A received oral ketamine, and Group B received plain syrup (placebo) as procedural analgesia. Continuous pulse oximeter monitoring was done before, during and immediately after the procedure. The pre-procedural and intra-procedural peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and Pulse Rate (PR) were determined at the various stages. Also, the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) scores were assessed during the stages of the procedure. Differences in mean scores were analysed. Mann-Whitney U test and Independent t-test were used to compare means of continuous variable, while Fisher’s exact test was used to compare categorical variables. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Sixty-one neonates received oral ketamine, while 60 received placebo. The intraoperative mean SpO2 were lower in the placebo group and significant at the tying stage with p=0.022. The mean intraoperative PR was higher in the placebo group and significant at dorsal-slit, tying and excision stages (p<0.05). The mean intraoperative NIPS scores were significantly higher in the placebo group. Conclusion: Oral ketamine provides effective and safe analgesia for neonatal Plastibell® circumcision in comparison to placebo.


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