Growth Hormone and Body Composition

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Abstract

Through its anabolic, lipolytic and antinatriuretic actions, GH has profound effects on body composition. In untreated acromegaly, body weight, body cell mass and extracellular water are increased simultaneously with a decrease of body fat. After successful treatment, extracellular water and body fat normalize, but cell mass remains high. The changes in cell mass, body fat and extracellular water observed in acromegaly suggest different dose-response relationships between GH and these parameters. The relationship between GH concentration and the lipolytic actions of GH is more linear, while the relationship between GH and excess extracellular water is more curvilinear. The sodium-retaining effect of GH seems to be mediated by stimulation of the Na<sup>+</sup>-K<sup>+</sup> pump. At higher GH levels, the pump activity is counteracted by an alleged sodium transport inhibitor. In GH-deficient children, GH treatment is followed by rapid loss of adipose tissue and muscular gain. The influence of GH on body composition in GH-deficient adults has recently received attention. Compared to normal subjects, these patients are overweight and have decreased cell mass. Replacement treatment with GH restores body composition towards normal.

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Journal

Journal ID (publisher-id): HRE

Journal ID (nlm-ta): Horm Res Paediatr

Journal ID (doi): 10.1159/issn.1663-2818

Title: Hormone Research in Paediatrics

Publisher: S. Karger AG

ISBN: 978-3-8055-5290-5

ISBN: 978-3-318-01979-7

ISSN (Print): 1663-2818

ISSN (Electronic): 1663-2826

Publication date Subscription-year: 1990

Publication date (Print): 1990

Publication date (Electronic): 02 December 2008

Volume: 33

Issue: Suppl 4

Pages: 19-24

Affiliations

Departments of ^aInternal Medicine II and ^bClinical Nutrition, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden

Article

Publisher ID: 181579 Other ID: Horm Res 1990;33:19–24

DOI: 10.1159/000181579

PubMed ID: 2245966

SO-VID: b58b8d42-9286-4b75-b20f-a95dbd4ba98f

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Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.

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Pages: 6

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