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Body composition, atherogenic risk factors and apolipoproteins following growth hormone treatment
H M Hassan1, H Kohno, R Kuromaru
1Department of Paediatrics, Kyushu University, Faculty of Medicine, Japan.
Insights
Growth hormone therapy in children with growth hormone deficiency improved body composition and reduced key atherogenic risk factors, including the atherogenic index, over 12 months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Background:
- Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children can impact metabolic health.
- Understanding changes in atherogenic risk factors during treatment is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) on body composition and lipid profiles in children with GHD.
- To assess the impact of GHRT on specific atherogenic risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month prospective study involving 27 children (21 boys, 6 girls) aged 6-14 years with GHD.
- Measurements included body composition (fat mass, lean mass) and lipid profiles.
- Calculation of the atherogenic index using a defined formula.
Main Results:
- Significant decrease in body fat (p < 0.01) and increase in lean body mass (p < 0.01).
- The atherogenic index significantly decreased from 1.44 to 1.09 (p < 0.01).
- Apolipoproteins CII and CIII levels increased significantly (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Growth hormone replacement therapy positively impacts body composition in children with GHD.
- GHRT effectively reduces atherogenic risk factors, contributing to improved cardiovascular health potential.
Abstract:
We studied the change in atherogenic risk factors in 27 children, 21 boys and 6 girls, 6 to 14 years of age, with growth hormone deficiency during 12 months of growth hormone replacement therapy. Changes in body composition and lipid profile during growth hormone treatment were evaluated. The atherogenic index was calculated using the equation [(total cholesterol- high-density lipoprotein cholesterol)(apolipoprotein B)]/[(apolipoprotein AI)(high-density lipoprotein cholesterol)]. Body fat decreased (p < 0.01), associated with an increase in lean body mass (p < 0.01). Total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed no significant changes. The atherogenic index significantly decreased from 1.44 +/- 0.60 to 1.09 +/- 0.52 (p < 0.01) after 12 months. Apolipoproteins CII and CIII increased throughout the study period (p < 0.01). Lipoprotein(a) and apolipoproteins AI, B and B/AI ratio did not change significantly. In conclusion, growth hormone treatment improved body composition and reduced atherogenic risk factors in children with growth hormone deficiency.