Replacement therapy and cardiovascular diseases

J Endocrinol Invest. 2008 Sep;31(9 Suppl):85-90.

Abstract

It is known that hypopituitarism reduces life expectancy and increases the risk of death for cardio- and cerebrovascular disease. Many studies report this phenomenon due to vascular diseases, and GH deficiency (GHD) seems to significantly contribute to the higher mortality. Aim of this article is to review the relationship between GH and cardiovascular risk factors to evaluate the beneficial effects of therapy in the adult GHD. GH replacement therapy (GHRT) improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Several studies also documented a decrease in the intima-media thickness at major arteries and improvement in microvascular and endothelial function. Other studies showed a decrease of inflammatory markers and the normalization of coagulation parameters. Finally, some authors have reported improvements in cardiac performance as well. These data evidence the positive effects of GHRT in the prevention of premature atherosclerosis in adults with GHD, and encourage the early administration of replacement therapy.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis / epidemiology
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Coagulation Factors / analysis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy*
  • Human Growth Hormone / deficiency
  • Human Growth Hormone / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hypopituitarism / blood
  • Hypopituitarism / complications
  • Hypopituitarism / drug therapy*
  • Hypopituitarism / epidemiology
  • Inflammation / blood
  • Lipids / blood
  • Models, Biological
  • Prevalence
  • Tunica Intima / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Coagulation Factors
  • Lipids
  • Human Growth Hormone