Growth hormone (GH) may influence the immune system. The aim of this study was to assess the immune profile after treatment with GH in pre-pubertal children with a deficiency of this hormone. The study was carried out in two phases. Two groups were included in the first phase: group A) children treated with GH; group B) untreated children, prior to starting treatment. In the second phase, group B children were assessed 6 months after starting treatment. In the first phase, groups A and B were compared (case-control study). In the second phase, group B was compared in terms of baseline and final times (before and after study). We analysed: humoral immunity (immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgG, IgM, C1 inhibitor, C3, and C4) and cell-mediated immunity (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, CD19+ lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells). Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) were also determined. In the first phase, CD3+, CD4+, CD19+, and NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ were greater in the treated group. CD8+ was lower in this group. No variations were seen in immunoglobulins and the complement between both groups. There were no changes to the complement in either of the two phases. In the second phase, untreated patients were assessed after 6 months of treatment. When comparing the baseline and final immune profiles, a statistically significant decrease in IgG and IgM was observed, and an increase of IGF-1 levels and monocytes. In conclusion, our study shows changes in the cellular and humoral immune profiles in children with GH deficiency who were treated.
Keywords: Growth hormone; complement system; growth factors; immunoglobulins; lymphocytes.