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Aging and immune function: a possible role for growth hormone

M C Gelato1

  • 1Division of Endocrinology, State University of New York, Stony Brook, USA.

Hormone Research
|January 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Aging adults experience higher rates of illness and mortality, potentially due to decreased growth hormone (GH) and immune function. GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) treatment may reverse some age-related immune deficits.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Elderly individuals exhibit significantly higher incidence and fatality rates for various diseases compared to younger adults.
  • Aging is associated with reduced production of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
  • Immune function declines with age, impacting both cell-mediated and humoral responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the relationship between age-related changes in GH/IGF-1 and immune function.
  • To explore the potential of GH and/or IGF-1 treatment in reversing immune deficits in aging populations.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of existing data on GH secretory dynamics and IGF-1 levels in adults aged 60 and older.
  • Review of studies investigating immune function changes in aging subjects.
  • Examination of research on the effects of GH and/or IGF-1 administration on immune parameters.

Main Results:

  • Approximately 40% of adults over 60 are GH deficient, based on GH secretion or IGF-1 levels.
  • Aging is characterized by a decline in cell-mediated and humoral immune responsiveness.
  • GH and/or IGF-1 treatment has demonstrated the ability to reverse certain immune deficits in humans and primates.

Conclusions:

  • Decreased GH/IGF-1 production and impaired immune function are key changes associated with aging.
  • GH and/or IGF-1 therapy presents a potential strategy for mitigating age-related immune decline.

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