Long-term GH treatment is not associated with disadvantageous changes of inflammatory markers and adipocytokines in children born small for gestational age.
BACKGROUND
Low birth weight is associated with increased risks for adult cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). Adiponectin and resistin are hormones, considered, respectively, protective and disadvantageous regarding these risks. No data exist on the effect of long-term GH treatment on these hormones and inflammatory markers in children born small for gestational age (SGA).


OBJECTIVE
To describe longitudinal changes in inflammatory markers and adipocytokines during and after a long-term dose-response GH study.


METHODS
Longitudinal dose-response study [group A: 1 mg/m(2) body surface area (BSA) (approximately 0.033 mg/kg/day) vs. group B: 2 mg/m(2) BSA (approximately 0.067 mg/kg/day)] and comparison with age-related controls.


METHODS
One hundred and three SGA children.


METHODS
We measured adiponectin, resistin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at baseline, after 1 and 7 years of GH treatment and 6 months after discontinuation of GH.


RESULTS
Adiponectin levels decreased over time, but remained comparable with controls. Resistin levels increased and remained lower or comparable with controls. There were no significant differences between the GH dosage groups. After the GH treatment was stopped, adiponectin was decreased in group B and resistin increased in group A. GH therapy did not affect IL-6 and CRP levels at any time point. An increase in body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) over time was associated with a decrease in adiponectin levels. None of the markers were associated with insulin sensitivity.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term GH treatment is not associated with disadvantageous changes in adiponectin, resistin, IL-6 and CRP levels, neither during nor after GH treatment.
Willemsen
Ruben H
RH
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC Sophia, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. r.h.willemsen@erasmusmc.nl
Mulder
Paul G H
PG
van Toorenenbergen
Albert W
AW
Hokken-Koelega
Anita C S
AC
D054392:Adipokines / Q000097:blood*; D052242:Adiponectin / Q000097:blood*; D000293:Adolescent; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D052243:Resistin / Q000097:blood
D054392:Adipokines; D052242:Adiponectin; D015850:Interleukin-6; D052243:Resistin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D002097:C-Reactive Protein