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Growth hormone and connective tissue in exercise.
1Institute of Sports Medicine, Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen NV, Denmark. sd09@bbh.hosp.dk
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|July 7, 2005
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) may enhance athletic performance by strengthening connective tissues, not just muscle. This review explores GH
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) is increasingly used for doping in sports.
- The exact mechanisms of GH's ergogenic effects in athletes remain debated.
- GH influences carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism and potentially myofibrillar protein synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review GH secretion in relation to exercise.
- To examine the effects of endogenous and recombinant human GH (rhGH) on connective tissue protein synthesis.
- To propose an alternative explanation for GH's ergogenic effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on GH secretion and exercise.
- Analysis of studies on GH's impact on myofibrillar and connective tissue protein synthesis.
- Exploration of GH's role in connective tissue adaptation.
Main Results:
- GH may act as an anabolic agent in connective tissue of skeletal muscle and tendon.
- Strengthening of connective tissue by GH could contribute to ergogenic effects.
- GH influences both myofibrillar and connective tissue protein synthesis.
Conclusions:
- GH's role in connective tissue may explain its performance-enhancing effects in athletes.
- rhGH might have therapeutic applications for connective tissue injuries.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate GH's mechanisms in athletes and clinical settings.