Growth hormone and premature atherosclerosis in childhood obesity

The role of growth hormone (GH) in obesity is controversial. Childhood obesity is characterized by reduced GH secretion. Low, high and normal serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels have been described in obese children in the face of low GH secretion. There is conflicting information on the interaction of GH and obesity upon components of the GH-IGF-I-insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) system and its relationship to cardiovascular risk factors.

This review highlights the role of GH modulating cardiovascular risk factors, including lipid levels, inflammatory markers, cardiac and endothelial function in children and adolescents with obesity and insulin resistance.

The interplay between GH secretion, NO production, IGF-I, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3 levels, lipid profile, insulin sensitivity and the degree of visceral obesity necessitates further study. These metabolic parameters may be useful markers of premature atherosclerosis in children with obesity. Further studies should address the question of optimal dose and duration of GH therapy in non-GH deficient obese patients with metabolic disturbances at risk for premature atherosclerosis.