Growth hormone receptor antagonists: discovery and potential uses

Serum levels of growth hormone (GH) in the human body vary and can influence the levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1). Low levels of GH can result in a dwarf phenotype and have been positively correlated with an increased life expectancy. High levels of GH can lead to gigantism or a clinical syndrome termed acromegaly, and also have been implicated in diabetic eye and kidney damage. Additionally, it has been postulated that the GH-IGF-I system can be involved in several types of cancers. Overall, both elevated and suppressed circulating levels of GH can have pronounced physiological effects. More than a decade ago a new class of drug, a GH antagonist, was discovered. It is now being tested for its ability to combat the effects of high circulating levels of GH. In this review, we will discuss some of the detrimental actions of GH and how a GH antagonist may be used to combat these effects.