Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) have been suggested as “anti-aging” therapies, or for improving quality of life with aging. In this study, we focus on the actions of GH in the main organs and organ systems of the human body, like skeletal muscle, bones and brain, particularly in regard to data and research on the use of GH replacement therapy in adults without growth hormone deficiency, especially elderly patients. Several different studies have been carried out to show what the effects and side effects of GH replacement in healthy people and what would be the impact in quality of life and life span. In this review, we demonstrate what answers we have so far about the effects of GH replacement in many organs and systems in healthy people.
Highlights
The global population is aging, and concurrently life expectancy is increasing
The function of the growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis declines with age, which may result in deleterious effects on body composition, the cardiovascular system, and cognition [1]
We have defined indications for the use of Growth hormone (GH) in patients with adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD), in both adults and children, and we know that GH is used off-label, such as, to improve lean mass and decrease fat mass
Summary
The global population is aging, and concurrently life expectancy is increasing. Aging is accompanied by organic changes, some of which are associated with the endocrine system. Even in healthy patients, aging-associated decreases in serum GH and IGF-1 levels are related to a loss of muscle mass, bone loss, and increased risk of osteoporotic fractures. In a cross-sectional study with 636 elderly men over 74 years of age, IGF-1 levels were independently and positively related to Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and verbal fluency, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) level was inversely related to the MMSE [42]. This was confirmed in a meta-analysis involving 13 studies including 1982 subjects, which reported a relationship between IGF-1 levels and cognitive function in healthy elderly men [43]. Supplementation with growth hormone-release hormone analogs improved cognition in healthy elderly people and those with mild cognitive impairment [39] [44]
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