Growth hormone (GH), given therapeutically in many human diseases, is able to modulate the maturation and function of many cells of immune system. The present study demonstrates the effect of human recombinant GH on the production of acute phase proteins (APP) as well as on the gene expression of junB proto-oncogene on human hepatoma cell line, HepG2. When applied alone GH resulted in an increase in the transcription of junB proto-oncogene within 30 min. The production of alpha2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin and fibrinogen was also enhanced by rhGH treatment. However, both IL-6-stimulated junB gene expression (junB mRNA) and biosynthesis of type II APP (alpha2-macroglobulin, fibrinogen, haptoglobin) were strongly inhibited by the GH. The results indicate that GH has a modulatory role in regulating inflammation both in the absence and presence of IL-6. These findings call for further in vivo studies to determine the potential anti-inflammatory actions of GH therapy.
Copyright 2000 Academic Press.