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Inflammatory cytokines and the GH/IGF-I axis: novel actions on bone growth

C Pass1, V E MacRae, S F Ahmed

  • 1The Roslin Institute and Royal School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK. chloe.pass@roslin.ed.ac.uk

Cell Biochemistry and Function
|March 31, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Chronic inflammation in children can stunt bone growth by disrupting growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) signaling. This review explores how inflammatory cytokines and SOCS proteins, particularly SOCS2, mediate this growth inhibition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Longitudinal bone growth is a complex, regulated process occurring at the growth plate.
  • Chronic pediatric inflammatory diseases are known to cause growth retardation.
  • This is attributed to elevated inflammatory cytokines and suppressed growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the intricate interactions between inflammatory cytokines and the GH/IGF-I axis in regulating bone growth.
  • To elucidate the precise cellular mechanisms underlying growth inhibition in chronic inflammatory conditions.
  • To emphasize the potential role of suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins, specifically SOCS2, in mediating this process.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the interplay between inflammation, GH/IGF-I signaling, and bone growth.
  • Analysis of cellular mechanisms involved in growth plate regulation.
  • Examination of the function of SOCS proteins, particularly SOCS2, in inflammatory pathways.

Main Results:

  • Inflammatory cytokines can interfere with GH/IGF-I signaling pathways crucial for bone elongation.
  • SOCS proteins, especially SOCS2, are implicated as key mediators in suppressing cytokine signaling.
  • SOCS2 may play a significant role in inhibiting GH/IGF-I action, contributing to growth retardation.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the interaction between inflammatory cytokines and the GH/IGF-I axis is vital for addressing growth issues in pediatric inflammatory diseases.
  • SOCS proteins, particularly SOCS2, represent a critical link between inflammation and impaired bone growth.
  • Targeting SOCS2 or related pathways may offer therapeutic strategies to improve growth outcomes in affected children.

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