Short-term growth hormone therapy increases serum lipoprotein (a) levels in normal short children without growth

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E Hershkovitz1, E Leiberman, Y Limony

  • 1Pediatric Diagnostic and Therapeutic Center, Soroka Medical University Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.

Hormone Research
|July 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) therapy significantly increased serum lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels in short children without GH deficiency. This suggests GH influences Lp(a) and warrants further investigation in pediatric endocrinology.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Risk Factors
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.
  • Growth hormone (GH) plays a role in lipid metabolism.
  • The effect of GH on Lp(a) in non-GH-deficient children is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the short-term impact of GH administration on serum Lp(a) levels.
  • To assess changes in Lp(a) concentrations in response to GH therapy in short children.
  • To determine if GH influences Lp(a) in the absence of GH deficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 8 normal short children aged 6-12 years.
  • GH was administered at a dose of 0.1 IU/kg/day.
  • Serum Lp(a) levels were measured at baseline, 2, 6, and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

  • GH increased serum Lp(a) concentrations in all participants.
  • Significant increases in Lp(a) were observed at 6 weeks (p < 0.01) and 12 weeks (p < 0.05).
  • Lp(a) levels rose to 161.6% and 152.5% of baseline at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • Short-term GH therapy can significantly influence serum Lp(a) levels.
  • GH administration may increase cardiovascular risk factors in short children.
  • Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of GH on Lp(a) in this population.

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