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Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
11:17

Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays

Published on: January 7, 2016

Variations in biological and immunological activity of growth hormone during the neonatal period

S Pagani1, E A Chaler, G Radetti

  • 1Pediatric Department, University of Pavia, Italy.

Hormone Research
|March 23, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Preterm babies show faster growth due to increased insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) bioavailability. Growth hormone (GH) potency remains stable, indicating normal development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-IGF-I axis.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Growth factor biology

Background:

  • Rapid neonatal growth is a key indicator of health.
  • Growth hormone (GH) bioactivity was hypothesized to drive neonatal growth rates.
  • Understanding early life growth factor dynamics is crucial for preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum GH biological potency (Bio-/Immuno-GH ratio) in neonates.
  • To assess the impact of GH potency on serum growth factors (IGF-I, IGFBP-3) during the first month of life.
  • To compare growth factor profiles in term versus preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples collected from term and preterm neonates on days 4, 15, and 30.
  • Quantification of GH using immunofluorometric assay (IFMA-GH) and bioassay (Bio-GH).
  • Measurement of serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3).

Main Results:

  • High Bio-/Immuno-GH ratios confirmed full biological potency of GH in early life.
  • Preterm infants exhibited higher IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratios compared to term infants.
  • Serum GH values were consistent between bioassay and immunoassay measurements.

Conclusions:

  • Increased IGF-I bioavailability explains the higher growth velocity in preterm neonates.
  • The hypothalamic-pituitary-IGF-I axis matures progressively in early life.
  • GH biological potency remains stable, suggesting normal GH function in neonates.
Abstract

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