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Growth hormone predicts bone density in elderly women
E M Dennison1, P C Hindmarsh, S Kellingray
1MRC Environmental Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, UK.
Bone
|April 12, 2003
Summary
Early life factors like birth weight may influence osteoporosis risk by affecting the growth hormone/IGF-1 axis. Higher birth weight was linked to increased GH and lower IGF-1, suggesting programming of adult bone mass.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Osteoporosis risk may be influenced by early-life environmental factors.
- Such programming could involve modifications to the growth hormone/IGF-1 axis during development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between birth weight, growth hormone (GH) profiles, bone density, and bone loss in older women.
- To explore the role of the GH/IGF-1 axis in the early programming of adult bone mass.
Main Methods:
- Studied 38 British women aged 60-75 with available birth records.
- Collected 24-hour circulating GH profiles and assessed bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine and femoral neck.
- Analyzed associations between GH measures, birth weight, BMD, and bone loss over 4 years, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Lumbar spine bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD positively correlated with GH concentrations, particularly trough GH.
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for lifestyle factors.
- GH concentration tended to increase with birth weight, while IGF-1 concentration decreased, suggesting programming of adult bone mass.
Conclusions:
- Early-life GH/IGF-1 axis activity, potentially influenced by birth weight, may play a role in determining adult bone mass.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of early programming on bone health.