Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
Published on: January 7, 2016
[Influence of growth hormone (GH) and nutrition on neonatal growth]
N M Díaz-Gómez1, E Doménech Martínez, F Barroso Guerrero
1Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería y Fisioterapia, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife.
Objective:
At present, growth regulating factors in the transition from fetal to postnatal life remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of GH and nutrition on neonatal growth.
Patients And Methods:
Serum and 24-hour urine GH levels, various anthopometric variables and daily energy and nutrient intake were measured in appropriate (AGA), large (LGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) newborn infants. These variables were measured at 1 (n = 98), 3 (n = 41) and 5 weeks of postnatal age (n = 8).
Results:
The highest GH levels at the 1st week of postnatal life were obtained in preterm SGA infants (GHs: 61.4 +/- 20.0 microUI/m; GHu: 18.6 +/- 10.3 ng/kg/24 h). GH levels decreased in preterm infants, so that differences between groups failed to be significant at the third and fifth weeks of postnatal life. Urinary GH excretion did not show significant variations in the control group during the study (1st wk 3.0 +/- 3.5; 3rd wk 2.3 +/- 2.7; 5th wk 3.2 +/- 4.7 ng/kg/24 h). Daily protein intake had a direct relationship with both triceps skinfold and weight and head perimeter increase. SGA preterm infants showed a higher fat increase compared to AGA preterm infants. Serum and urinary GH levels were not related to the anthopometric variables studied.
Conclusions:
There are differences in GH secretion and body composition between SGA and AGA preterm infants. GH probably does not contribute to neonatal growth.
Related Concept Videos
Nature and Nurture
Cells Coordinate Growth and Proliferation
Regulation of Food Intake
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Designing Growth Media for Bioreactors
Cellular Adaptation II: Hypertrophy

