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Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in short children
S Michalacos1, F Karachaliou, E Vlachopapadopoulou
1Department of Growth and Development, Children's Hospital P. & A. Kyriakou, Athens, Greece.
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|March 5, 2002
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) deficiency in children does not affect tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) levels. This study found no correlation between GH status and TNFalpha in short children compared to healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Growth Hormone Research
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) is implicated in cytokine modulation, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha).
- Previous studies in rodents suggest GH influences TNFalpha synthesis.
- The role of GH status on TNFalpha in children remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of growth hormone (GH) status on serum TNFalpha levels in short prepubertal children.
- To compare TNFalpha levels between GH-deficient children, idiopathic short stature (ISS) children, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Study included 44 short prepubertal children (13 GH-deficient, 31 ISS) and 40 healthy controls.
- Basal serum TNFalpha levels were measured.
- Correlations between TNFalpha and GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 were assessed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in basal TNFalpha levels were observed among GH-deficient, ISS, and control groups.
- No correlation was found between TNFalpha and basal or peak GH levels.
- TNFalpha levels did not correlate with IGF-I or IGFBP-3 concentrations.
Conclusions:
- GH status does not appear to influence basal TNFalpha levels in short prepubertal children.
- The suggested link between GH and TNFalpha in rodents may not translate directly to pediatric populations.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between GH and immune markers in children.