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Beginning to end: cardiovascular implications of growth hormone (GH) deficiency and GH therapy

Annamaria Colao1, Carolina Di Somma, Maria Cristina Savanelli

  • 1Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, University Federico II of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, 80123 Naples, Italy. colao@unina.it

Growth Hormone & IGF Research : Official Journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society
|May 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) increases cardiovascular risk, causing heart dysfunction and metabolic issues. GH replacement therapy effectively reverses these adverse effects, improving cardiac performance and reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

  • Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are crucial for cardiac development and function.
  • Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and excess are linked to reduced life expectancy due to cardiovascular disease.
  • GHD presents with metabolic abnormalities, endothelial dysfunction, and impaired left ventricular (LV) performance, increasing cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of GH deficiency and GH replacement therapy in cardiovascular disease development.
  • To summarize the cardiovascular abnormalities associated with GHD.
  • To discuss the impact of GH replacement therapy on cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac function.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating GH, IGF-I, and cardiovascular health.
  • Analysis of clinical data on patients with GHD and cardiovascular outcomes.
  • Evaluation of evidence regarding GH replacement therapy's effects on cardiovascular parameters.

Main Results:

  • GHD is associated with adverse body composition, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and impaired LV performance.
  • GH replacement therapy consistently reduces body fat, visceral adipose tissue, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
  • GH therapy improves endothelial function, reduces arterial intima-media thickness, and enhances LV performance, particularly in short-term studies.

Conclusions:

  • GHD significantly contributes to cardiovascular disease development through various metabolic and functional pathways.
  • GH replacement therapy offers substantial benefits in mitigating cardiovascular risks associated with GHD.
  • Further long-term studies are needed to fully elucidate the sustained cardiovascular benefits of GH replacement therapy.

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