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Changes in growth hormone receptor gene expression during therapy in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Elena Bozzola1, Sara Pagani, Cristina Meazza

  • 1Pediatrics Department Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.

Hormone Research in Paediatrics
|December 30, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may cause short stature due to altered growth hormone (GH) sensitivity. This study found that GH receptor (GHR) gene expression and IGF-I levels increase with JIA treatment, correlating with disease inactivity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is associated with high cytokine levels, potentially impairing growth hormone (GH) signaling.
  • Growth failure in JIA may be linked to reduced GH receptor (GHR) gene expression.
  • This study investigates the role of GHR gene expression in JIA-related growth impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine GHR gene expression in children with JIA.
  • To assess the relationship between GHR expression, inflammatory markers, and growth factors in JIA patients.
  • To evaluate changes in GHR expression and growth factors following JIA treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Compared GHR gene expression (real-time PCR) in lymphocytes of 18 JIA patients and 13 controls.
  • Measured serum growth-promoting factors and inflammatory indexes (e.g., IL-6).
  • Evaluated parameters before and after JIA treatment.

Main Results:

  • GHR mRNA expression significantly increased in JIA patients post-treatment (p = 0.007).
  • Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels decreased significantly after 2 years of therapy (p = 0.0156).
  • Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels significantly increased, with mean SDS shifting from -0.64 to 0 (p = 0.0005).

Conclusions:

  • Restoration of GHR gene expression and IGF-I secretion are linked to inactive disease in JIA.
  • These findings suggest a potential mechanism for growth recovery in treated JIA patients.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary observations.
Abstract

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