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Growth hormone action in puberty: effects by gender
Nelly Mauras1, Kim Bishop, Susan Welch
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nemours Children's Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States. nmauras@nemours.org
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) treatment shows similar metabolic effects in pubertal boys and girls, with boys exhibiting higher Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) responses. These findings suggest comparable GH dosing for both genders during puberty.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
- Growth Hormone Therapy
Background:
- Adult females may exhibit reduced sensitivity to growth hormone (GH) metabolic effects compared to males.
- Limited research exists on gender-specific metabolic responses to GH during adolescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential gender-based differences in the metabolic effects of GH during puberty.
- To compare GH sensitivity in adolescent males and females.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 16 adolescents (8 males, 8 females) with short stature receiving daily GH therapy for 8 weeks.
- Measurements included protein and glycerol turnover, substrate oxidation, hormone levels, lipid profiles, body composition, and growth velocity.
Main Results:
- Protein synthesis, lipolysis, and lipid concentrations showed similar responses to GH in both genders.
- Insulin levels increased comparably, with no significant differences in glucose or adiponectin.
- Boys demonstrated a more robust increase in Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) levels compared to girls.
- Body composition, bone mineral density, and linear growth after 12 months were similar between genders.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent boys and girls exhibit similar metabolic sensitivity to GH regarding protein synthesis, lipolysis, and body composition.
- Boys show a significantly higher IGF-I response to GH treatment than girls.
- Current evidence does not support gender-specific GH dosing in puberty, as linear growth outcomes are comparable.
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