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Growth factors in clinical practice.
Z M Jiang1, D W Wilmore, W Liu
1Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China.
World Journal of Surgery
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Anabolic agents like growth factors can help surgical patients with catabolic illness by boosting protein synthesis. However, their use is limited by cost and potential side effects, requiring further research for optimal application.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Metabolism
Background:
- Catabolic illness following injury increases protein breakdown.
- Anabolic agents aim to counteract this by enhancing protein synthesis.
- Bioengineering advances have made several anabolic agents available for clinical evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and limitations of anabolic agents in surgical patients with catabolic illness.
- To discuss the potential of growth factors, insulin-like growth factor-1, and testosterone derivatives.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on anabolic agents in catabolic surgical patients.
- Evaluation of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and testosterone derivatives.
- Analysis of clinical use, efficacy, and adverse effects.
Main Results:
- Growth hormone shows anabolic effects but is limited by cost and acute phase risks.
- Insulin-like growth factor-1 lacks identified specific indications in catabolic patients.
- Testosterone derivatives have anabolic effects, but evidence in surgical patients is limited, and high doses may cause liver dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Anabolic therapy holds promise for improving outcomes in catabolic surgical patients.
- Further research is needed to determine optimal dosing and patient selection for agents like growth hormone and testosterone.
- Future studies will define the role of anabolic factors in managing catabolic illness and shortening recovery times.