Human studies of growth hormone and aging.
During the last 50 years a 20-year increase in the average life span was observed, and the average life span worldwide is expected to increase by another 10 years by 2050 (1). Enhancing "healthy aging" and thus extending the time that the elderly are able to maintain their independence is a high priority. One of the major causes of dysfunction and disability in the elderly is loss of muscle mass and muscle strength - sarcopenia. We will review some of the aspects of sarcopenia in the elderly and arguments in favor and against GH replacement in the elderly. Since the study of Rudman and colleagues (2) was published there has been great interest in the role of the decline of growth hormone secretion observed during aging. The rationale and the basis for the hypothesis will be described and then we will discuss the results of clinical studies which to date have not demonstrated a clear clinical benefit of growth hormone replacement in normal aging subjects.
Thorner
Michael O
MO
University of Virginia Health System, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. MOT@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu
Nass
Ralf
R
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D004393:Dwarfism, Pituitary / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence
D015415:Biomarkers; D019382:Human Growth Hormone