Crosstalk between the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis and the gut microbiome: A new frontier for microbial endocrinology

Growth Horm IGF Res. 2020 Aug-Oct:53-54:101333. doi: 10.1016/j.ghir.2020.101333. Epub 2020 Jul 18.

Abstract

Both the GH/IGF-1 axis and the gut microbiota independently play an important role in host growth, metabolism, and intestinal homeostasis. Inversely, abnormalities in GH action and microbial dysbiosis (or a lack of diversity) in the gut have been implicated in restricted growth, metabolic disorders (such as chronic undernutrition, anorexia nervosa, obesity, and diabetes), and intestinal dysfunction (such as pediatric Crohn's disease, colonic polyps, and colon cancer). Over the last decade, studies have demonstrated that the microbial impact on growth may be mediated through the GH/IGF-1 axis, pointing toward a potential relationship between GH and the gut microbiota. This review covers current research on the GH/IGF-1 axis and the gut microbiome and its influence on overall host growth, metabolism, and intestinal health, proposing a bidirectional relationship between GH and the gut microbiome.

Keywords: Ghrelin; Growth; Growth hormone; Gut microbiome; Insulin-like growth factor-1; Leptin; Metabolism; Microbial mimetics; Short chain fatty acids; Somatostatin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Human Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism*

Substances

  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I