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Somatotrope Pituitary Function in Professional Soccer Players
Pia Roser1, Tatiana Wehrhahn1, Henry Krogmann1
1Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, Hamburg, Germany.
Summary
Professional soccer players do not show increased risk for growth hormone (GH) deficiency. This study found no evidence of somatotrope deficiency in players, suggesting screening may not be necessary.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sports Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Repetitive head trauma in soccer is linked to hypopituitarism.
- Growth hormone (GH) and gonadotropin deficiencies are common.
- GH deficiency negatively impacts cardiovascular health, body composition, and metabolic markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate somatotrope pituitary function in professional soccer players.
- To determine if soccer participation is a risk factor for GH deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Included 15 male professional soccer players with ≥10 years of training.
- Assessed basal pituitary hormonal parameters.
- Utilized glucagon stimulation tests to evaluate the GH-IGF-I axis.
Main Results:
- No participants (0/15) were diagnosed with GH deficiency.
- Mean GH rise factor after glucagon stimulation was 100.
- No deficiencies in ACTH, TSH, or LH/FSH were detected.
Conclusions:
- Soccer participation did not appear to be a risk factor for GH deficiency in this cohort.
- Routine screening for somatotrope deficiency may not be required in professional soccer players.
- Further research with larger populations is recommended.
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