Related Experiment Videos
Regular fluctuations in growth hormone (GH) release determine normal human growth
M S Gill1, N K Thalange, P J Foster
1Department of Medicine, Endocrine Sciences Research Group, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) variability, not just amount, is key for childhood growth. Consistent GH profiles support height gain and growth spurts, suggesting varied administration patterns for optimal treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Growth Hormone Physiology
- Child Development
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) is crucial for childhood growth, but its secretion's role in normal growth rates is debated.
- Previous studies suggest GH amount is less critical than variability for normal growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between growth and urinary GH (uGH) output in healthy children.
- To determine if GH variability or amount is a better predictor of normal growth rates.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 29 healthy prepubertal schoolchildren over 1 year.
- Measured height and urinary GH (uGH) thrice weekly.
- Analyzed height velocity curves, uGH variability (coefficient of variation, DeltaINC), and GH rhythms using time series analysis.
Main Results:
- Mean uGH did not correlate with stature or growth.
- GH variability (coefficient of variation) correlated with height standard deviation score (HtSDS).
- GH constancy (DeltaINC) inversely correlated with height increment (DeltaHt) and height velocity standard deviation score (HVSDS).
- Rhythms in uGH excretion correlated positively with HtSDS.
Conclusions:
- GH variability is a more significant determinant of normal childhood growth rate than GH amount alone.
- Stature correlates with overall GH release variability.
- Height increment and growth spurt magnitude depend on GH profile constancy.
- Optimal GH replacement therapy may require varied administration patterns.