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Growth hormone: a new therapy for heart failure?
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Federico II, School of Medicine, Naples, Italy.
Bailliere'S Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|March 20, 1999
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) show promise for improving cardiac function in heart failure patients. Further large-scale trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these growth factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are crucial for cardiac development and adult cardiovascular function.
- GH deficiency is linked to impaired cardiac growth, reduced systolic function, and limited exercise capacity.
- In vitro studies indicate IGF-1 directly influences myocardial contractility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential benefits of GH and/or IGF-1 in patients with heart failure.
- To evaluate the impact of GH and IGF-1 on cardiac performance and clinical status in heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Clinical studies were conducted on patients with heart failure (classes II-IV).
- The effects of GH and/or IGF-1 administration were assessed.
- Measurements included cardiac performance, clinical status, myocardial energetics, and neurohormonal activity.
Main Results:
- GH and/or IGF-1 administration improved cardiac performance and clinical status in heart failure patients.
- These improvements were associated with enhanced myocardial energetics.
- Treatment led to the de-activation of the neurohormonal system.
Conclusions:
- GH and IGF-1 demonstrate potential therapeutic benefits for heart failure.
- Observed improvements include enhanced cardiac function and clinical outcomes.
- Larger, controlled trials are necessary to definitively establish the efficacy of GH and IGF-1 in heart failure management.