Growth hormone and glucose metabolism: the model of the GH-receptor antagonists

Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2004 Feb;65(1):81-3. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4266(04)95636-3.

Abstract

Pegvisomant is a GH analogue that includes a single amino acid substitution at position 120 that generates the GHR antagonist. Additional changes include amino acid substitutions within binding site 1 and a further modification by the addition of polyethylene glycol moieties that increase the half-life and reduce the immunogenicity of the molecule. In acromegalics, pegvisomant is the most effective treatment for normalizing the IGF-I, and pegvisomant significantly improves insulin sensitivity in patients suffering from acromegaly. However, there are simply no data available that might support a role for pegvisomant treatment in disorders in which glucose metabolism is disturbed and in which reducing GH action would be theoretically beneficial.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus / physiopathology
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Growth Hormone / physiology*
  • Human Growth Hormone / metabolism
  • Human Growth Hormone / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Somatotropin / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Somatotropin / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Somatotropin
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Growth Hormone
  • Glucose