title: Somatopause reflects age-related changes in the neural control of GH/IGF-I axis.
abstract: This paper will focus on the hypofunction of GH/IGF-I axis in aging, as the most impressive example of decreased activity as function of age-related changes in the neural control of somatotroph cells. GH secretion undergoes clear age-related variations that are generally mirrored by IGF-I levels, the best marker of GH status. Given the well known positive influence of GH/IGF-I on body composition, structure functions and metabolism, this paper discusses the potential clinical implications, also taking into account evidence showing that, at least in animals, deficiency in GH/IGF-I is somewhat associated to prolonged life. Although somatopause is likely to contribute to age-related changes in body composition, structure functions and metabolism, we are now in front of the paradox of lifelong GH/IGF-I deficiency or resistance resulting in prolonged life expectancy and GH replacement at advanced age, probably exerting anti-aging effects. This evidence questions whether GH deficiency is or not a beneficial adaptation to aging. By answering this question one is not simply finding new phylosophical paradigm but also the rational basis for anti-aging drug interventions.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Giordano
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lanfranco
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pellegrino
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Picu
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baldi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Balbo
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bonelli
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grottoli
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ghigo
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Arvat
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology*; D008136:Longevity
chemical_list: D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I