Growth hormone and bone.
OBJECTIVE
Description of recent progress in our understanding of growth hormone (GH) effects on bone.


RESULTS
Growth hormone deficiency is associated with low bone mass in children and adults, in addition to its well established impact on growth. Although GH and insulin-like growth factor I have direct skeletal actions, it is also possible that disordered parathyroid hormone secretion or effect may mediate some of the deleterious consequences of GH deficiency on bone. The benefits of GH replacement on bone mineral density have been demonstrated in many studies, but it remains unclear whether these are consistent across patient subgroups. The impact of GH replacement on fracture risk has not been definitively established. The positive effects of GH administration on growth are well established in childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency, as well as in several other pediatric conditions. Data on investigational uses of GH are also presented.


CONCLUSIONS
GH may have a relevant role in bone physiology and several disease states in addition to growth hormone deficiency. Although the salutary effects of GH replacement on bone growth and bone density are well characterized, additional studies are required to examine the impact of GH replacement on fracture risk as well as potential benefits in osteoporosis.
Tritos
Nicholas A
NA
Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. ntritos@partners.org
Biller
Beverly M K
BM
D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D019382:Human Growth Hormone