GH and bone--experimental and clinical studies

GH increases bone formation both via a direct interaction with GH receptors on osteoblasts and via locally produced IGF-I (autocrine/paracrine action). GH deficiency results in decreased bone mass in both man and laboratory animals and treatment of GHD patients with GH for several months results in increased bone mass. GH treatment also increases bone mass and the total mechanical strength of bones in rats with normal GH secretion. Because of the short duration of GH-treatment in man with normal GH secretion, the effect on bone mass is still inconclusive. The action of GH on bone metabolism in GHD adults is twofold: It stimulates both bone resorption and bone formation. A "Biphasic model" of GH action in bone remodeling has recently been proposed [1] (Fig. 2). According to this model the net effect of GH first results in a loss of bone mass, followed by a net increase in bone mass. The transition point occurs when bone formation proceeds at a higher rate than bone resorption. Taking all clinical studies of GH-treatment of GHD adults into account, it appears that the "transition point" occurs after approximately six months and that a net increase in bone mass usually is seen after 12-18 months of GH treatment. It should be emphasized that the "Biphasic model" of GH action in bone remodeling is proposed based on findings in GHD adults, and it remains to be clarified whether or not it is valid for subjects with normal GH secretion.