Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 13, 2026

Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
11:17

Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays

Published on: January 7, 2016

17.1K

Growth hormone treatment in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome: an update

Graziano Grugni1, Alessandro Sartorio1

  • 1Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-Endocrinological Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Piancavallo-Verbania, Italy.

Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism
|October 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Recombinant human growth hormone therapy (rhGHT) shows promise for adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), improving body composition, strength, and psychological well-being. Further long-term studies are recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Genetics
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder affecting chromosome 15q11.2-q13, leading to hypotonia, hyperphagia, obesity, and developmental issues.
  • Key features include altered body composition, cognitive deficits, behavioral problems, short stature, and endocrine dysfunction, particularly affecting the growth hormone (GH)/IGF-I axis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current evidence on recombinant human GH therapy (rhGHT) in adults with PWS.
  • To evaluate the impact of rhGHT on various physiological and psychological parameters in this population.

Main Methods:

  • This narrative review synthesizes available data from studies on rhGHT in adult PWS patients.
  • Focus is placed on effects related to body composition, physical function, cardiovascular and respiratory health, endocrine/metabolic status, bone health, and psychological well-being.

Main Results:

  • rhGHT demonstrates positive effects on body composition, which correlates with improved muscle strength and exercise tolerance.
  • Evidence suggests improvements in cardiorespiratory function and psychological outcomes with rhGHT.
  • Current studies are largely uncontrolled and short-term, limiting definitive conclusions.

Conclusions:

  • rhGHT appears beneficial for adults with PWS, impacting body composition, physical capacity, and psychological health.
  • Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.
  • Consideration for rhGHT approval in genetically confirmed PWS adults, irrespective of GH deficiency status, is suggested.
Abstract

Keywords:
GH deficiencyPrader-Willi syndromeadulthoodbody compositionobesityrecombinant human GH therapy

More Related Videos

Mechanical and Controlled PRP Injections in Patients Affected by Androgenetic Alopecia03:22

Mechanical and Controlled PRP Injections in Patients Affected by Androgenetic Alopecia

Published on: January 27, 2018

15.6K
Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies06:24

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Published on: January 10, 2025

1.4K

Related Concept Videos

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon01:15

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
822
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
673
Major Hormones and Their Functions01:27

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
1.7K
Nature and Nurture01:10

Nature and Nurture

Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience,...
22.2K
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
2.9K
Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
3.7K