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Published on: February 12, 2018
Somatopause: state of the art
C Di Somma1, V Brunelli, M C Savanelli
1IRCCS SDN Fondazione Napoli, Naples, Italy. cdisomma@unina.it
Aging causes somatopause, a decline in the growth hormone (GH) axis, mirroring GH deficiency (GHD) symptoms. While GH treatment is explored for aging, further research is needed to confirm its benefits in somatopause.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Metabolic Science
Background:
- Aging is linked to somatotroph axis decline, potentially causing age-related catabolic changes.
- Physiological changes during aging resemble those in growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
- These changes include increased fat mass, cardiovascular risk, reduced muscle mass, and impaired quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of somatopause on the aging process.
- To summarize the potential therapeutic roles of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and GH secretagogues in aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on somatopause and growth hormone (GH) therapy in aging.
- Analysis of endocrine patterns in aging versus hypopituitarism-induced GHD.
Main Results:
- The endocrine profile of aging differs from GH/IGF-I decline seen in hypopituitarism.
- Current evidence for GH treatment in somatopause is insufficient.
- Further studies are required to ascertain the benefits of somatotropic treatment in aging.
Conclusions:
- Somatopause, the aging-related decline of the GH axis, presents symptoms similar to GHD.
- The therapeutic efficacy of rhGH or GH secretagogues in aging requires more investigation.
- Clarifying the role of GH therapy in aging is crucial for potential interventions.
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