Metabolic alterations in paediatric GH deficiency
Juliane Rothermel1, Thomas Reinehr1
1Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Medicine, Vestische Hospital for Children and Adolescents Datteln, University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany.
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
|December 16, 2016
Summary
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) impacts metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors. While GH replacement improves these, long-term cardiovascular outcomes after treatment cessation require further study.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) influences lipid and glucose homeostasis, and body composition.
- Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) presents a metabolic profile resembling Metabolic Syndrome, including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.
- GH replacement therapy in GHD children improves cardiovascular risk factors, but cessation leads to their deterioration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term cardiovascular disease risk in GHD children after discontinuing GH treatment.
- To understand the influence of GH treatment-induced insulin resistance on cardiovascular health.
- To explore novel approaches like metabolomics for elucidating the GHD-cardiovascular disease link.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal studies focusing on cardiovascular disease as the primary outcome.
- Analysis of metabolic profiles associated with GHD and GH treatment.
- Application of metabolomic studies to identify biomarkers and pathways.
Main Results:
- GH deficiency is linked to a metabolic profile similar to Metabolic Syndrome.
- GH replacement therapy ameliorates cardiovascular risk factors in GHD children.
- Cessation of GH therapy is associated with the worsening of these risk factors.
Conclusions:
- The long-term cardiovascular impact of discontinuing GH treatment in GHD children remains unclear.
- GH treatment may induce insulin resistance, potentially affecting cardiovascular health.
- Further longitudinal and metabolomic research is crucial to understand the complex relationship between GHD, GH treatment, and cardiovascular disease risk.
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