[The effect of human growth hormone on protein metabolism in the surgically stressed state]

The effects of human growth hormone (HGH) on protein metabolism were investigated. In the experimental study, thirty one male SD rats receiving TPN were divided into 2 groups (control group & HGH group). Cumulative nitrogen balance after burn in HGH group was significantly higher than in control group. (p less than 0.05) Rates of whole body protein turnover (Q), together with those of synthesis (S) and breakdown (B) were significantly higher in HGH group than in control group. (p less than 0.01) Nitrogen balance significantly correlated with urinary total catecholamine excretion in both groups. (p less than 0.01) The difference of correlations of nitrogen balance to urinary total catecholamine excretion between two groups was statistically significant (p less than 0.01) when compared by analysis of covariance. In the clinical study, 12 patients after sub-total esophagectomy receiving TPN were divided into 2 groups (control group & HGH group). Cumulative nitrogen balance after operation in HGH group was significantly higher than in control group. (p less than 0.01) Q,S, and B were higher in HGH group than in control group. Increase of S was statistically significant. (p less than 0.01). These results indicate that HGH may be greatly beneficial in improving protein metabolism in the surgically stressed state.