Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Construction of Defined Human Engineered Cardiac Tissues to Study Mechanisms of Cardiac Cell Therapy
11:51

Construction of Defined Human Engineered Cardiac Tissues to Study Mechanisms of Cardiac Cell Therapy

Published on: March 1, 2016

Cardiac effects of growth hormone treatment in chronic heart failure: A meta-analysis

Philippe Le Corvoisier1, Luc Hittinger, Philippe Chanson

  • 1Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris XII, Faculté de Médecine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Henri Mondor, 94010 Créteil, France.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) treatment shows promise for improving cardiovascular health in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Further large-scale trials are needed to confirm these beneficial effects on heart function and exercise capacity.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Experimental studies indicate growth hormone (GH) may enhance cardiovascular parameters in chronic heart failure (CHF).
  • Previous clinical trials were limited by small sample sizes, precluding definitive conclusions on GH efficacy in humans.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and analyze all available randomized controlled trials and open studies investigating sustained GH treatment in patients with CHF.
  • To evaluate the impact of GH on cardiovascular parameters, hemodynamics, and functional capacity in CHF patients.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive search of three databases identified twelve relevant trials.
  • A combined analysis of GH effects was performed using overall effect size and weighted mean differences to assess significance and effect size.

Main Results:

  • GH treatment significantly improved morphological parameters (e.g., interventricular septum thickness, posterior wall thickness, LV diameters).
  • Significant enhancements were observed in LV and systemic hemodynamics (e.g., LV ejection fraction, systemic vascular resistance).
  • Functional parameters, including New York Heart Association class, exercise duration, and maximal oxygen uptake, showed significant improvement.

Conclusions:

  • This meta-analysis suggests that GH treatment positively impacts several cardiovascular parameters in CHF patients.
  • Larger, randomized, placebo-controlled trials are essential to validate these findings and confirm the long-term effects of GH treatment on hemodynamic, morphological, and functional outcomes in CHF.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Murine Model of Hyperlipidemia-Induced Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction03:42

A Murine Model of Hyperlipidemia-Induced Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Published on: March 29, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation, vasodilation, and...
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents

Positive inotropic agents are commonly used as the first line of treatment for heart failure. One such agent is digoxin, derived from the genus Digitalis, which has been known for centuries but effectively utilized since 1785. However, these cardiac glycosides can have potentially toxic effects due to their mechanism of action, which involves inhibiting Na+/K+-ATPase and increasing contractility. Digoxin is absorbed orally and distributed in various tissues, including the CNS. It has a long...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...