Relationship between the Stimulated Peak Growth Hormone Level and Metabolic Parameters in Children with Growth...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Growth Hormone Research

Background:

• Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in prepubertal children can impact metabolic health.
• Understanding the relationship between growth hormone and metabolic markers is crucial for managing GHD.
• Liver steatosis and metabolic dysregulation are potential complications in GHD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between stimulated peak growth hormone (PGH) levels and metabolic parameters in prepubertal children with GHD.
• To explore the relationship between PGH and glucose/lipid metabolism, and liver steatosis.
• To determine if these associations differ based on body mass index (BMI) status.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-nine prepubertal children with GHD were categorized into overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) and normal BMI groups.
• Evaluated associations between PGH levels and metabolic markers including HOMA-IR, lipid profiles (LDL-C, HDL-C, TG), AST, and ALT.
• Multivariate analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, BMI SDS, HOMA-IR, and TG levels.

Main Results:

• Overweight/obese children with GHD had significantly higher LDL cholesterol levels compared to normal BMI children.
• PGH levels showed a negative association with BMI SDS and ALT, and a positive association with HDL-C.
• Multivariate analysis confirmed PGH was positively associated with HDL-C and negatively with ALT, independent of other factors.

Conclusions:

• Stimulated PGH levels in prepubertal children with GHD are significantly associated with improved lipid profiles (higher HDL-C) and reduced liver enzyme levels (lower ALT).
• These associations persist even when PGH levels are within the normal range and are independent of BMI status.
• The findings suggest PGH plays a role in metabolic regulation beyond its direct effects on growth.