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Effect of rhGH treatment on lipidome and brown fat activity in prepuberal small for gestational age children: a pilot
Lorena González1, Carolina Gonzalez-Riano2, Pablo Fernández-García3
1Fundació Institut Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, E-08916, Spain.
Insights
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy impacts lipidome and brown adipose tissue (BAT) in small for gestational age (SGA) children. rhGH treatment normalized free fatty acids and reduced aging markers, suggesting metabolic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolomics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is a primary treatment for children born small for gestational age (SGA) lacking spontaneous catch-up growth.
- While rhGH effects on white adipose tissue are known, its impact on the lipidome and brown adipose tissue (BAT) in SGA children remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of rhGH therapy on the lipidome and the thermogenic/endocrine activities of BAT in SGA children.
- To compare lipidomic profiles and specific biomarkers between rhGH-treated SGA children, untreated SGA children, and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) controls.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 11 SGA children (7 treated with rhGH, 4 untreated) and 5 AGA controls.
- 12-hour fasting blood samples and infrared thermography were collected at baseline and 3, 12 months post-treatment.
- Untargeted lipidomics (LC-MS) and serum biomarker analysis (ELISA) were performed.
Main Results:
- rhGH treatment increased serum free fatty acids (FFAs) in SGA children towards AGA levels within 3 months, correlating with reduced leptin.
- Elevated levels of 1a,1b-dihomo-PGJ2 and adrenic acid were observed, potentially indicating aging markers.
- rhGH significantly reduced serum meteorin-like (METRNL) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) levels.
Conclusions:
- rhGH therapy influences the serum lipidome in SGA children, promoting metabolic maturation and changes.
- The findings suggest potential roles for rhGH in modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory markers relevant to metabolic health.
- Further research is needed to elucidate specific lipid species and batokine interactions influenced by rhGH, potentially impacting obesity and aging-related metabolic disturbances.
Abstract:
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy is the primary treatment for children born small for gestational age (SGA) who fail to show spontaneous catch-up growth by two or four years. While its effects on white adipose tissue are well-documented, this pilot study aimed to investigate its impact on the lipidome and the thermogenic and endocrine activities of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in SGA children following rhGH treatment. The study involved 11 SGA children divided into two groups: (a) SGA children who were not treated with rhGH (n = 4) and (b) SGA children who received rhGH treatment with Saizen® (n = 7). This second group of seven SGA children was followed for 12 months after initiating rhGH treatment. Interventions included 12-hour fasting blood extraction and infrared thermography at baseline and 3 and 12 months post-treatment. Five appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) children served as controls. Exclusion criteria included endocrinological, genetic, or chronic diseases. Untargeted lipidomics analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and serum biomarker levels were measured using ELISA assays. Serum lipidomic analysis revealed that free fatty acids (FFAs) increased to levels close to those of the AGA group after three months of rhGH administration, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, correlating with reduced leptin levels. Elevated levels of 1a,1b-dihomo-PGJ2 and adrenic acid suggested potential aging markers. rhGH treatment also significantly reduced meteorin-like (METRNL) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) serum levels to control levels. rhGH influences the serum lipidome, promoting changes in maturation and metabolism. Further research is required to clarify the direct effects of rhGH on specific lipid species and batokines, potentially addressing metabolic disturbances linked to obesity and aging.
