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Related Experiment Videos

Does growth hormone prevent or accelerate aging?

A Bartke1, H M Brown-Borg, A M Bode

  • 1Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale 62901-6512, USA.

Experimental Gerontology
|February 10, 1999
PubMed
Summary
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Plasma growth hormone (GH) levels decrease with age, impacting body composition. Paradoxically, while GH deficiency may extend lifespan, excessive GH accelerates aging, suggesting a complex relationship between GH, body size, and longevity.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Gerontology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Plasma growth hormone (GH) levels naturally decline with aging in humans and animals.
  • Reduced function of the GH-IGF-I system is linked to age-related body composition changes.
  • Both excessive GH (acromegaly, transgenic mice) and deficiency (dwarf mice) have significant impacts on lifespan and aging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the complex and seemingly contradictory roles of growth hormone (GH) in aging.
  • To reconcile conflicting evidence on GH's potential to both prevent and accelerate aging.
  • To explore the relationship between GH, body size, and lifespan.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on GH levels, aging, and lifespan in various species.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of data from acromegalic patients and GH transgenic mice.
  • Examination of lifespan and aging markers in GH-deficient dwarf mice.

    • Main Results:

    • GH deficiency in dwarf mice is associated with significantly longer lifespans compared to normal siblings.
    • Lower core body temperature and reduced oxidative processes are potential mechanisms for delayed aging in dwarf mice.
    • Excessive GH levels are linked to reduced life expectancy and accelerated aging symptoms.

    Conclusions:

    • The role of GH in aging is complex, with deficiency potentially promoting longevity and excess accelerating aging.
    • Lifespan appears inversely related to body size within a species, offering a framework to understand GH's dual effects.
    • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying GH's influence on aging and lifespan.