Impact of growth hormone (GH) deficiency and GH replacement upon thymus function in adult patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite age-related adipose involution, T cell generation in the thymus (thymopoiesis) is maintained beyond puberty in adults. In rodents, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and GH secretagogues reverse age-related changes in thymus cytoarchitecture and increase thymopoiesis. GH administration also enhances thymic mass and function in HIV-infected patients. Until now, thymic function has not been investigated in adult GH deficiency (AGHD). The objective of this clinical study was to evaluate thymic function in AGHD, as well as the repercussion upon thymopoiesis of GH treatment for restoration of GH/IGF-1 physiological levels.

Methodology/principal findings

Twenty-two patients with documented AGHD were enrolled in this study. The following p

SUBMITTER: Morrhaye G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2682582 | biostudies-literature | 2009 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature