The Effects of Growth Hormone (GH) on Lipid Depots

Condition(s) targeted: Growth Hormone Deficiency

Intervention: Growth hormone replacement therapy in growth hormone deficient patients only. (Drug)

Phase: N/A

Status: Completed

Sponsored by: University Hospital Inselspital, Berne

Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s):
Emanuel R Christ, Prof,MD,PhD, Principal Investigator, Affiliation: Abt. für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klin. Ernährung, Inselspital, Berne

This study aims at investigating the effect of growth hormone on lipid-content of muscle and liver as well as visceral fat mass in relation to insulin sensitivity. In addition, hormonal regulation and free fatty availability is assessed during a physical exercise at 50-60% VO2max. Finally, the value of physical exercise in diagnosing growth hormone deficiency is investigated. Hypothesis: 1) Lipid content of muscle and liver change with physical exercise and exercise capacity and free fatty availability will influence these changes. 2)Growth hormone replacement therapy will predominantly reduce visceral fat mass and increase free fatty availability. 3)Free fatty availability during exercise will be reduced in growth hormone deficient patients 4)Physical exercise may be an alternative way to diagnose growth hormone deficiency

Official title: The Effect of Growth Hormone (GH) on Intramyocellular Lipids (IMCL), Intrahepatocellular Lipids (IHCL) and Visceral Fat Mass in Relation to Insulin Resistance

Study design: Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Basic Science

Primary outcome: Determination of visceral fat mass by MRI,Determination of IMCL and IHCL by MR Spectroscopy, Determination of peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity by two step hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp

Secondary outcome:

maximal exercise capacity

Measurement of serum alphaKlothe by an ELISA

Detailed description: Using the two-step hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp technique hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity is assessed. Lipid depots (skeletal muscle and liver) are measured by MR-spectroscopy, visceral fat mass by MR-imaging. Exercise capacity ist measured on a treadmill. Counterregulatory hormones, glucose and free fatty acids are measured during a 2h physical exercise at 50-60 VO2max Identical investigations are performed in adult growth hormone (GH) deficient patients before and after six months GH replacement therapy, in sedentary matched control subjects and in endurance trained athletes.

Minimum age: 18 Years. Maximum age: 80 Years. Gender(s): Both.

Criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

- Male and female patients with proven GH-deficiency defined as a peak GH of less than

3mU/l during an insulin provocation test with nadir plasma glucose less than 2. 2 mmol/l and additionally, stable conventional replacement therapy including corticoids, thyroxin and gonadal hormones as needed.

- Ability to perform an exercise test on a treadmill or a walking band.

- Willingness to participate in the study and to give written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria: Active neoplasia

- Severe cardiovascular disease (unstable coronary heart disease, heart failure NYHA

III-IV)

- Type 2 Diabetes mellitus

- Haemophilia or other coagulation disorder

- Inability to exercise

- Contraindications to exposure to a 3-T magnetic field (Pace-Makers, osteosynthetic

material)

- Pregnant women

- Women in childbearing age unless on a continuous contraceptive therapy or surgically

sterilised.

- Abnormal liver or renal function (Creatinine >130mmol/L, normal reference

45-93mmol/L; ASAT and ALAT > 3 times the upper reference limit).

- Major depression, psychosis and other severe personality disorders

- Excessive alcohol consumption (>60g/d) or drug-abuse

- Refusal to give written consent

- Patients, who are not suitable for the study according to the study physician

Abt. für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klin. Ernährung, Inselspital, Bern 3010, Switzerland

Starting date: July 2007
Last updated: August 12, 2013