Growth hormone and the microvascular complications of diabetes
1Department of Clinical Endocrinology, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|July 1, 1990
Abstract:
The basis for the hypothesis that growth hormone is a permissive factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic microvascular complications is a weak one. The best way forward in this research will be to devise a pharmacological method of suppressing growth hormone secretion in diabetic subjects.
Insights
The link between growth hormone and diabetic microvascular complications is uncertain. Future research should focus on pharmacologically suppressing growth hormone in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Diabetic microvascular complications represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- The role of growth hormone in the pathogenesis of these complications is debated.
- Current evidence supporting growth hormone as a key factor is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the hypothesis linking growth hormone to diabetic microvascular complications.
- To propose a definitive research strategy to elucidate growth hormone's role.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on growth hormone and diabetic complications.
- Conceptualization of pharmacological interventions targeting growth hormone secretion.
Main Results:
- The hypothesis regarding growth hormone's permissive role is not strongly supported by current data.
- A significant gap exists in understanding the direct causal link.
Conclusions:
- The current hypothesis requires substantial further investigation.
- Pharmacological suppression of growth hormone in diabetic subjects is proposed as a critical next step for research.
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