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The heart: an end-organ of GH action

A Colao1, G Vitale, R Pivonello

  • 1Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, 'Federico II' University, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. colao@unina.it

European Journal of Endocrinology
|September 2, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) and IGF-I significantly impact heart health. GH deficiency causes cardiac issues, while excess GH in acromegaly leads to specific heart conditions, both potentially reversible with treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The heart is recognized as a target organ for growth hormone (GH) action.
  • Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children and adults is linked to cardiac abnormalities.
  • Acromegaly, characterized by GH and IGF-I overproduction, results in a distinct cardiomyopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of GH and IGF-I in cardiac structure and function.
  • To investigate the cardiac consequences of GH deficiency and excess.
  • To examine the effects of GH/IGF-I modulation on cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental and clinical studies on GH/IGF-I and the heart.
  • Analysis of cardiac structure and function in patients with GHD and acromegaly.
  • Evaluation of the impact of GH replacement therapy and acromegaly treatment on cardiac parameters.

Main Results:

  • GHD is associated with reduced cardiac mass, impaired diastolic filling, and diminished exercise response.
  • Acromegaly presents with concentric cardiac hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and potentially systolic dysfunction and heart failure.
  • Treatment of GHD can partially reverse cardiac abnormalities; successful acromegaly control reduces cardiac mass and improves function.

Conclusions:

  • GH and IGF-I are critical regulators of cardiac development and performance.
  • Both deficiency and excess of GH/IGF-I significantly affect cardiovascular health.
  • Therapeutic interventions targeting GH/IGF-I levels can positively influence cardiac outcomes.

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