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Immune functions during treatment of growth hormone-deficient children with biosynthetic human growth hormone
R Rapaport1, B Petersen, K A Skuza
1Department of Pediatrics, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School.
Insights
Biosynthetically derived human growth hormone treatment in children with growth hormone deficiency transiently decreased immune cell percentages and responses. Physicians should consider potential growth hormone and immune function interactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) plays a role in various physiological processes.
- The impact of biosynthetically derived human growth hormone (biosyn-hGH) on immune function in children is not fully understood.
- Previous studies have indicated potential immune alterations with pituitary-derived GH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of biosyn-hGH treatment on immune functions in children with GH deficiency.
- To compare these effects with those observed during pituitary-derived GH treatment.
Main Methods:
- Assessed immune parameters including cell surface markers, interleukin-2 receptor levels, and lymphocyte responses to mitogenic stimulation.
- Studied seven children aged 4-15 years with GH deficiency during biosyn-hGH therapy.
Main Results:
- Treatment led to a decrease in the percentage of B cells and total T cells.
- Observed reductions in individual patient mitogen responses and interleukin-2 receptor levels.
- Most observed immune changes were transient and mirrored effects seen with pituitary-derived GH.
Conclusions:
- Biosyn-hGH treatment can transiently impact immune cell populations and function in children with GH deficiency.
- While not causing overt clinical issues in this cohort, potential interactions warrant consideration by clinicians.
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the long-term immunomodulatory effects of GH therapy in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Immune functions, including cell surface markers, interleukin-2 receptor levels and responses of lymphocytes to mitogenic stimulation were evaluated in seven growth hormone deficient children ages 4-15 years, during treatment with biosynthetically derived human growth hormone. Treatment resulted in a decrease in % B cells and in % T total cells and also decreases in most individual patients' mitogen responses and interleukin-2 receptor levels. Most of the changes noted were transient and similar to those previously demonstrated during pituitary-derived human growth hormone treatment. Although not resulting in overt clinical manifestations in our patients, we think that potential interactions between growth hormone and immune functions need to be considered by physicians treating children with growth hormone.