Short-term growth hormone treatment in girls with Turner syndrome decreases fat mass and insulin sensitivity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study

Are Young People with Turner Syndrome Who Have Undergone Treatment with Growth and Sex Hormones at Higher Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Complications?

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by visceral obesity, glucose abnormalities, hypertension and dyslipidemia, poses a significant risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Turner syndrome (TS), resulting from X chromosome abnormalities, carries health complications. Despite growing evidence of an increased risk of MetS in women with TS, its prevalence and risk factors remain under investigation. These considerations are further complicated by the varying timing and dosages of treatment with growth hormone and sex hormones.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study comparing 44 individuals with TS with 52 age-matched control subjects. Growth hormone treatment in the study group was administered for varying lengths of time, depending on clinical response. We collected anthropometric, metabolic, endocrine and body composition data. Statistical analyses included logistic regression.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics, including age, BMI and height, were comparable between the TS and control groups. Hormonally, individuals with TS showed lower levels of testosterone, DHEA-S, and cortisol, as well as elevated FSH. Lipid profiles indicated an atherogenic profile, and the body composition analysis showed increased visceral adipose tissue in those with TS. Other metabolic abnormalities were common in individuals with TS too, including hypertension and impaired fasting glucose levels. The risk of MetS components was assessed in subgroups according to karyotypes: monosomy 45X0 vs. other mosaic karyotypes. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between increased visceral adipose tissue in subjects with TS. Those with metabolic complications tended to have less muscle strength compared to those without these complications in both the study and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the unique metabolic and cardiovascular risk profile of individuals with TS, characterized by atherogenic lipids, higher levels of visceral adipose tissue and increased metabolic abnormalities. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring metabolic health in individuals with TS, regardless of age, BMI or karyotype, and suggest the potential benefits of lifestyle modification, building more muscle strength, and weight control strategies. Further research is needed to better understand and address the metabolic challenges faced by women with TS.

Adult Height in Indian Girls with Turner Syndrome Treated with Long-Term Growth Hormone Therapy - A Western India Tertiary Centre Experience

Background and Objectives

Owing to paucity of data on adult height in Indian girls with Turner syndrome treated with growth hormone (GH), this study was conducted to assess improvement in height following GH therapy and adult height achieved with long-term GH therapy in Indian girls with Turner syndrome and to assess relationship between achieved and predicted height.

Methodology

Retrospective analysis was performed on 12 girls with karyotype-proven Turner syndrome, who had attained adult height following mean duration of GH therapy of 4.8 years (range: 2.7-7.6). Adult height predictions were performed using index of responsiveness (IOR) and Ranke's prediction model.

Results

Mean age at starting GH was 10.2 ± 1.9 years; Pubertal induction was between 11 and 15 years. Mean height gain was 29.3 ± 9.8 cm (range: 14-39.5) from onset of treatment to adult height. Significant improvement in height Z scores (IAP 2015 and Indian Turner reference data) following GH therapy (p = 0.002 and 0.012, respectively) was noted. Using Indian Turner reference data, the height Z score improved from pre-treatment 0.8 ± 0.8 to 2.0 ± 0.9 on stopping GH and adult height Z score of 1.3 ± 0.7. Using Ranke's equation for prediction of near adult height, predicted and achieved adult height showed a strong positive correlation (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.827, significant at 0.01 level).

Conclusion

At a dose in the lower range (40-50 mcg/kg/day) of recommendation and duration of 5 years, Indian girls with Turner syndrome can achieve adult height within the healthy Indian reference range. Dose individualization based on IOR would help in optimizing GH dosage and would turn out to be economically sustainable without compromising on height outcomes.

Oxandrolone for growth hormone-treated girls aged up to 18 years with Turner syndrome

BACKGROUND

The final adult height of untreated girls aged up to 18 years with Turner syndrome (TS) is approximately 20 cm shorter compared with healthy females. Treatment with growth hormone (GH) increases the adult height of people with TS. The effects of adding the androgen, oxandrolone, in addition to GH are unclear. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review to investigate the benefits and harms of oxandrolone as an adjuvant therapy for people with TS treated with GH.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of oxandrolone on growth hormone-treated girls aged up to 18 years with Turner syndrome.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, the ICTRP Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. The date of the last search was October 2018. We applied no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) that enrolled girls aged up to 18 years with TS who were treated with GH and oxandrolone compared with GH only treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently screened titles and abstracts for relevance, selected trials, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We resolved disagreements by consensus, or by consultation with a fourth review author. We assessed trials for overall certainty of the evidence using the GRADE instrument.

MAIN RESULTS

We included six trials with 498 participants with TS, 267 participants were randomised to oxandrolone plus GH treatment and 231 participants were randomised to GH only treatment. The individual trial sample size ranged between 22 and 133 participants. The included trials were conducted in 65 different paediatric endocrinology healthcare facilities including clinics, centres, hospitals and academia in the USA and Europe. The duration of interventions ranged between 3 and 7.6 years. The mean age of participants at start of therapy ranged from 9 to 12 years. Overall, we judged only one trial at low risk of bias in all domains and another trial at high risk of bias in most domains. We downgraded the level of evidence mainly because of imprecision (low number of trials, low number of participants or both). Comparing oxandrolone plus GH with GH only for final adult height showed a mean difference (MD) of 2.7 cm in favour of oxandrolone plus GH treatment (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3 to 4.1; P < 0.001; 5 trials, 270 participants; moderate-quality evidence). The 95% prediction interval ranged between 0.3 cm and 5.1 cm. For adverse events, we based our main analysis on reliable date from two trials with overall low risk of bias. There was no evidence of a difference between oxandrolone plus GH and GH for adverse events (RR 1.81, 95% CI 0.83 to 3.96; P = 0.14; 2 trials, 170 participants; low-quality evidence). Six out of 86 (18.6%) participants receiving oxandrolone plus GH compared with 8/84 (9.5%) participants receiving GH only reported adverse events, mainly signs of virilisation (e.g. deepening of the voice). One trial each investigated the effects of treatments on speech (voice frequency; 88 participants), cognition (51 participants) and psychological status (106 participants). The overall results for these comparisons were inconclusive (very low-quality evidence). No trial reported on health-related quality of life or all-cause mortality.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Addition of oxandrolone to the GH therapy led to a modest increase in the final adult height of girls aged up to 18 years with TS. Adverse effects identified included virilising effects such as deepening of the voice, but reporting was inadequate in some trials.

Turner syndrome: mechanisms and management

Turner syndrome is a rare condition in women that is associated with either complete or partial loss of one X chromosome, often in mosaic karyotypes. Turner syndrome is associated with short stature, delayed puberty, ovarian dysgenesis, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, infertility, congenital malformations of the heart, endocrine disorders such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis and autoimmune disorders. Morbidity and mortality are increased in women with Turner syndrome compared with the general population and the involvement of multiple organs through all stages of life necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to care. Despite an often conspicuous phenotype, the diagnostic delay can be substantial and the average age at diagnosis is around 15 years of age. However, numerous important clinical advances have been achieved, covering all specialty fields involved in the care of girls and women with Turner syndrome. Here, we present an updated Review of Turner syndrome, covering advances in genetic and genomic mechanisms of disease, associated disorders and multidisciplinary approaches to patient management, including growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy.

Recognition and management of adults with Turner syndrome: From the transition of adolescence through the senior years

Turner syndrome is recognized now as a syndrome familiar not only to pediatricians and pediatric specialists, medical geneticists, adult endocrinologists, and cardiologists, but also increasingly to primary care providers, internal medicine specialists, obstetricians, and reproductive medicine specialists. In addition, the care of women with Turner syndrome may involve social services, and various educational and neuropsychologic therapies. This article focuses on the recognition and management of Turner syndrome from adolescents in transition, through adulthood, and into another transition as older women. It can be viewed as an interpretation of recent international guidelines, complementary to those recommendations, and in some instances, an update. An attempt was made to provide an international perspective. Finally, the women and families who live with Turner syndrome and who inspired several sections, are themselves part of the broad readership that may benefit from this review.

Cardiometabolic health in Turner syndrome

Individuals with Turner syndrome (TS) have a higher morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are the major contributors to this burden. Precursors to diabetes and cardiovascular disease make up what is known as metabolic syndrome, including abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and elevated fasting glucose. These features of poor cardiometabolic health are also prevalent among women with TS. Youth with TS also exhibit many of these features, indicating that the pathogenesis of these cardiometabolic conditions may begin early in life. The etiology of the increased risk of cardiometabolic conditions in TS is likely multifactorial, involving genetics, epigenetics, hypogonadism, medical comorbidities, medications, and lifestyle. Counseling for the increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases as well as efforts to prevent or lower this risk should be routinely provided in the care of all patients with TS. Clinical practice guidelines are now available to guide screening and treatment of cardiometabolic conditions in girls and women with TS.

Resting energy expenditure in girls with Turner syndrome

BACKGROUND

Knowledge concerning energy metabolism in Turner syndrome (TS) is lacking. We compared the resting energy expenditure per fat-free mass (REE/FFM) in TS with other girls with short stature treated with growth hormone (GH) and age-related controls.

METHODS

We measured prospectively REE by spirometry under fasting conditions in the morning in 85 short prepubertal girls at the start of GH treatment. Diagnoses were TS (n=20), GH deficiency (GHD) (n=38) and small for gestational age (SGA) short stature (n=27). Additionally, 20 age-related controls were studied. Mean ages were 8.3 (TS), 7.1 (GHD), 6.9 (SGA) and 8.5 years (controls). Mean heights were -2.90 (TS), -3.32 (GHD), -3.69 (SGA) and -0.03 standard deviation scores (SDS) (controls). FFM was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

RESULTS

At the start of GH girls with TS showed insignificantly higher REE per FFM (REE/FFM) (mean±SD; 65±9 kcal/kg×day) than did the other female patients (62±9 kcal/kg×day) (p>0.23). The healthy controls had significantly lower REE/FFM (35±4 kcal/kg×day) (p<0.001). Follow-up examination of the patients after 6 or 12 months revealed decreasing REE/FFM in TS (62±9 kcal/kg×day) resulting in comparable REE/FFM in all three patient groups.

CONCLUSIONS

At baseline short girls with TS had insignificantly higher REE/FFM than short children with SGA or GHD, but in follow-up this difference was not detectable any more. Future studies are necessary to understand this observation.

Growth and the Growth Hormone-Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 Axis in Children With Chronic Inflammation: Current Evidence, Gaps in Knowledge, and Future Directions

Growth failure is frequently encountered in children with chronic inflammatory conditions like juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cystic fibrosis. Delayed puberty and attenuated pubertal growth spurt are often seen during adolescence. The underlying inflammatory state mediated by proinflammatory cytokines, prolonged use of glucocorticoid, and suboptimal nutrition contribute to growth failure and pubertal abnormalities. These factors can impair growth by their effects on the GH-IGF axis and also directly at the level of the growth plate via alterations in chondrogenesis and local growth factor signaling. Recent studies on the impact of cytokines and glucocorticoid on the growth plate further advanced our understanding of growth failure in chronic disease and provided a biological rationale of growth promotion. Targeting cytokines using biological therapy may lead to improvement of growth in some of these children, but approximately one-third continue to grow slowly. There is increasing evidence that the use of relatively high-dose recombinant human GH may lead to partial catch-up growth in chronic inflammatory conditions, although long-term follow-up data are currently limited. In this review, we comprehensively review the growth abnormalities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cystic fibrosis, systemic abnormalities of the GH-IGF axis, and growth plate perturbations. We also systematically reviewed all the current published studies of recombinant human GH in these conditions and discussed the role of recombinant human IGF-1.

Therapeutic effects of growth hormone combined with low-dose stanozolol on growth velocity and final height of girls with Turner syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Turner syndrome (TS), which is characterized by short stature and gonadal dysfunction, is managed by pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) combined with low-dose stanozolol on the growth and final adult height (FAH) of girls with Turner syndrome (TS).

DESIGN

Prospective study.

PATIENTS

A total of 44 girls with TS were treated with rhGH (47·6-52·4 μg/kg/day) and low-dose stanozolol (20-35 μg/kg/day), starting at a mean age of 12·65 ± 1·99 year. The control group consisted of 22 girls with TS, who did not receive treatment.

MEASUREMENTS

Subjects' growth velocity (GV) was investigated. Height standard deviation score (HtSDS) was calculated relative to healthy Chinese girls (HtSDSN or ) as well as untreated Chinese girls with TS (HtSDSTS ). Post-treatment follow-up was performed until the subjects achieved FAH or near FAH.

RESULTS

FAH was significantly higher in subjects receiving treatment compared to the untreated controls (151·42 vs 137·75 cm, P < 0·001). GV was significantly higher in the first to fourth years of treatment compared to baseline values (P < 0·001); it was significantly lower in the second to fourth years of treatment compared to the first year (P < 0·001).

CONCLUSIONS

In girls with TS, 9-12 years of age, rhGH combined with low-dose stanozolol may effectively increase growth. At least a 2-year course of this treatment may effectively improve FAH with proper delay of oestrogen-induced development.

Low myocardial glucose uptake in Turner syndrome is unaffected by growth hormone: a randomized, placebo-controlled FDG-PET study

BACKGROUND

An unfavourable cardiovascular and metabolic phenotype causes threefold excess mortality in Turner syndrome (TS), and perturbed cardiac substrate metabolism is increasingly recognized as a common component of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We therefore hypothesized that myocardial glucose uptake (MGU) is reduced in TS and that growth hormone (GH) treatment improves MGU. To this end, this controlled trial elucidates MGU in TS and the impact of 6 months of growth hormone treatment on MGU.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Women with TS (n = 9) were examined at baseline, sequentially treated with either Norditropin(®) SimpleXx or placebo and re-examined after 6 months. MGU and myocardial blood flow (MBF) were measured using 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) during a hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp (at baseline and 6 months). Blood pressure measurement, blood sampling, echocardiography and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan were also performed. Age-matched female controls (n = 9) were examined once. Baseline MGU was reduced in TS (0.24 ± 0.08 vs. 0.36 ± 0.13 μmol/g/min in controls; P = 0.036) despite similar insulin sensitivity (whole body glucose uptake (M-value): 9.69 ± 1.86 vs. 9.86 ± 2.58 mg/(min*kg) in controls; P = 0.9). Six months of GH carried no impact on MGU (0.25 ± 0.08 vs. 0.26 ± 0.12 μmol/g/min in the placebo group; P = 0.8). Plasma glucose, low-density cholesterol and triglycerides increased, while M-value and exercise capacity decreased during 6 months of GH treatment.

CONCLUSION

MGU is reduced in TS despite normal insulin sensitivity. GH treatment does not alter MGU despite decreased whole body insulin sensitivity. A perturbed cardiac glucose uptake appears to be a feature of TS.

Cardiometabolic and vascular risks in young and adolescent girls with Turner syndrome

BACKGROUND

Turner syndrome (TS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality in females and is associated with several co-morbidities. It commonly results from X monosomy which is diagnosed on a 30 cell karyotype. Congenital heart disease is a clinical feature in 30% of cases. It is becoming evident that TS patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This review provides a detailed overview of the literature surrounding cardiometabolic health in childhood and adolescent TS. In addition, the review also summarises the current data on the impact of growth hormone (GH) therapy on cardiometabolic risk in paediatric TS patients.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Current epidemiological evidence suggests that young women and girls with TS have unfavourable cardiometabolic risk factors which predispose them to adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular outcomes in young adulthood. It remains unclear whether this risk is the result of unidentified factors which are intrinsic to TS, or whether modifiable risk factors (obesity, hypertension, hyperglycaemia) are contributing to this risk.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

From a clinical perspective, this review highlights the importance of regular screening and pro-active management of cardiometabolic risk from childhood in TS cohorts and that future research should aim to address whether modification of these variables at a young age can alter the disease process and atherosclerotic outcomes in adulthood.

Insulin resistance in adolescents with Turner syndrome is comparable to obese peers, but the overall metabolic risk is lower due to unknown mechanism

PURPOSE

An increased risk of insulin resistance, hypertension and liver dysfunction is related to obesity (Ob), but may be also present in normal-weight Turner syndrome (TS) patients. The aim of the study was to compare metabolic risk in adolescents with TS and Ob.

METHODS

The study included 21 non-obese with TS (all receiving human recombinant growth hormone, 17/21 estrogen/estrogen-progesterone), and 21 age-matched Ob girls (mean age 13.9 years). Glucose and serum insulin levels were assessed fasting and in 120' of standard oral glucose tolerance test. Levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), FGF19, FGF21 and FGF23 levels were measured fasting.

RESULTS

Mean BMI SDS was significantly lower in TS patients (0.1 vs 4.8 SD, p < 0.001). The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in TS patients (102.6 vs 124.2 mmHg, p < 0.001 and 67.1 vs 76.5 mmHg, p = 0.02). There were no differences concerning mean fasting, and post-load glucose (4.5 vs 4.3, 5.1 vs 5.8 mmol/L), and insulin (14.97 vs 17.19 and 69.3 vs 98.78 μIU/mL) levels, HOMA-IR (3.02 vs 3.4), TC (4.05 vs 4.4 mmol/L), TG (1.25 vs 1.37 mmol/L), ALT (26.9 vs 28.3 IU/L), FGF19 (232.8 vs 182.7 pg/mL), and FGF23 (12.3 vs 17.5 pg/mL) levels. Mean LDL (2.05 vs 2.7 mmol/L, p = 0.003) and FGF21 (293.9 vs 514.7 pg/mL, p = 0.007) levels were significantly lower, and HDL (1.7 vs 1.2 mmol/L, p < 0.001) level higher in TS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin resistance in adolescents with TS on growth hormone treatment is comparable to Ob patients, but overall metabolic risk factors seem to be lower.

Body composition in Egyptian Turner syndrome girls

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study was undertaken to construct the new body fat % curve and provide body composition reference data for adolescent girls with Turner syndrome (TS). They diagnosed cytogenetically by blood karyotyping and not treated with growth hormone (GH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 70 TS girls from age 13 years to age 17 years. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Smoothed centile charts were derived by using the least mean square (LMS) method.

RESULTS

The new body fat curves reflect the increase of body fat mass (FM) from age 13 years to age 17 years. Body FM % of Egyptian TS girls was lower when compared with age-matched American untreated TS girls.

CONCLUSION

This study presents the new body fat curves and reference values of body composition for untreated Egyptian TS adolescent girls. The present charts can be used for direct assessment of body FM % for Egyptian TS girls and evaluation for cases on GH treatment or other growth promoting therapy.

Cardiovascular phenotype in Turner syndrome--integrating cardiology, genetics, and endocrinology

Cardiovascular disease is emerging as a cardinal trait of Turner syndrome, being responsible for half of the 3-fold excess mortality. Turner syndrome has been proposed as an independent risk marker for cardiovascular disease that manifests as congenital heart disease, aortic dilation and dissection, valvular heart disease, hypertension, thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Risk stratification is unfortunately not straightforward because risk markers derived from the general population inadequately identify the subset of females with Turner syndrome who will suffer events. A high prevalence of endocrine disorders adds to the complexity, exacerbating cardiovascular prognosis. Mounting knowledge about the prevalence and interplay of cardiovascular and endocrine disease in Turner syndrome is paralleled by improved understanding of the genetics of the X-chromosome in both normal health and disease. At present in Turner syndrome, this is most advanced for the SHOX gene, which partly explains the growth deficit. This review provides an up-to-date condensation of current state-of-the-art knowledge in Turner syndrome, the main focus being cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim is to provide insight into pathogenesis of Turner syndrome with perspectives to advances in the understanding of genetics of the X-chromosome. The review also incorporates important endocrine features, in order to comprehensively explain the cardiovascular phenotype and to highlight how raised attention to endocrinology and genetics is important in the identification and modification of cardiovascular risk.

Favorable impact of growth hormone treatment on cholesterol levels in turner syndrome

Background: Patients with Turner syndrome (TS) are prone to having metabolic abnormalities, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperinsulinemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus, resulting in increased risks of developing atherosclerotic diseases. Objective: To determine the effect of growth hormone (GH) therapy on serum cholesterol levels in prepubertal girls with TS enrolled in the Turner syndrome Research Collaboration (TRC) in Japan. Patients and methods: Eighty-one girls with TS were enrolled in the TRC, and their total cholesterol (TC) levels before GH therapy were compared with reported levels of healthy school-aged Japanese girls. TC levels after 1, 2 and 3 yr of GH treatment were available for 28 of the 81 patients with TS. GH was administered by daily subcutaneous injections, 6 or 7 times/wk, with a weekly dose of 0.35 mg/kg body weight. Results: Baseline TC levels revealed an age-related increase in TS that was in contrast to healthy girls showing unchanged levels. During GH therapy, TC decreased significantly after 1 yr of GH treatment and remained low thereafter. Conclusions: Girls with untreated TS showed an age-related increase in TC that was a striking contrast to healthy girls, who showed unchanged levels. GH therapy in girls with TS brought about a favorable change in TC that indicates the beneficial impact of GH on atherogenic risk.

Turner syndrome and metabolic derangements: another example of fetal programming

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Turner syndrome (TS) patients have an increased risk of weight gain and metabolic syndrome. To date, it is unknown what factors are involved in this metabolic process, even though it is recognized that TS patients are frequently born small-for-gestational age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between lipid and glucose profiles with being overweight and birth weight and length in TS patients.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

SUBJECTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES

Serum glucose, insulin (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured in 64 patients with TS. Data regarding birth weight and length and current body mass index (BMI) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Total cholesterol showed a significant negative correlation with birth weight and a positive correlation with BMI; triglycerides showed significant negative correlation with birth weight and length and a positive correlation with BMI; and HOMA-IR showed a significant negative correlation with birth weight and length. Low birth weight and a high BMI were predictive for 28% of total cholesterol and triglycerides; and low birth weight for 22% of HOMA-IR.

CONCLUSIONS

Lipid profile was correlated with a high current BMI and low birth weight and length in TS patients and glucose profile only with low birth weight. Thus far, growth retardation may play a role in metabolic derangements in this group of patients, being considered another example of fetal programming.

Long-term DHEA substitution in female adrenocortical failure, body composition, muscle function, and bone metabolism: a randomized trial

CONTEXT

Adrenal derived androgens are low in women with adrenal failure. The physiological consequences of substitution therapy are uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of DHEA substitution in women with adrenal failure on body composition, fuel metabolism, and inflammatory markers. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: In this study, ten female patients (median age 38.5 years, range 28-52) with adrenal failure were treated with DHEA 50 mg for 6 months in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and crossover study. The participants underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, computed tomography scan of abdominal fat, indirect calorimetry, bicycle ergometry, muscle and fat biopsies, and blood samples.

RESULTS

Baseline androgens were normalized to fertile range during active treatment. Anthropometric data were unaffected, but lean body mass (LBM) slightly increased compared with placebo (delta LBM (kg) placebo versus DHEA: -0.48±6.1 vs 1.6±3.4, P=0.02) with no alterations in total or abdominal fat mass. PTH increased with DHEA, but no significant changes were observed in other bone markers or in bone mineral content. The mRNA levels of markers of tissue inflammation (adiponectin, interleukin 6 (IL6), IL10, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and tumor necrosis factor α) in fat and muscle tissue were unaffected by DHEA treatment, as was indirect calorimetry and maximal oxygen uptake. A high proportion of self-reported seborrheic side effects were recorded (60%).

CONCLUSION

In female adrenal failure, normalization of androgens with DHEA 50 mg for 6 months had no effects on muscle, fat, and bone tissue and on fuel metabolism in this small study. A small increase in LBM was observed. Treatment was associated with a high frequency of side effects.

Effect of growth hormone administration to mature miniature Brahman cattle treated with or without insulin on circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I and other metabolic hormones and metabolites

Previously, we determined that a primary cause of proportional stunted growth in a line of Brahman cattle was related to an apparent refractoriness in metabolic response to GH in young animals. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of administration of GH, insulin (INS), and GH plus INS to mature miniature Brahman cows (n = 6; 9.7 ± 2.06 y; 391 ± 48.6 kg) and bulls (n = 8; 9.4 ± 2.00 y; 441 ± 54.0 kg) on circulating concentrations of metabolic hormones and metabolites, primarily IGF-I and IGF-I binding proteins. We hypothesized that IGF-I secretion could be enhanced by concomitant administration of exogenous GH and INS, and neither alone would be effective. Animals were allotted to a modified crossover design that included four treatments: control (CON), GH, INS, and GH + INS. At the start of the study, one-half of the cattle were administered GH (Posilac; 14-d slow release) and the other one-half served as CON for 7 d. Beginning on day 8, and for 7 d, INS (Novolin L) was administered (0.125 IU/kg BW) twice daily (7:00 AM and 7:00 PM) to all animals; hence, the INS and GH + INS treatments. Cattle were rested for 14 d and then were switched to the reciprocal crossover treatments. Blood samples were collected at 12-hour intervals during the study. Compared with CON, GH treatment increased (P < 0.01) mean plasma concentrations of GH (11.1 vs 15.7 ± 0.94 ng/mL), INS (0.48 vs 1.00 ± 0.081 ng/mL), IGF-I (191.3 vs 319.3 ± 29.59 ng/mL), and glucose (73.9 vs 83.4 ± 2.12 mg/dL) but decreased (P < 0.05) plasma urea nitrogen (14.2 vs 11.5 ± 0.75 mg/dL). Compared with INS, GH + INS treatment increased (P < 0.05) mean plasma concentration of INS (0.71 vs 0.96 ± 0.081 ng/mL), IGF-I (228.7 vs 392.3 ± 29.74 ng/mL), and glucose (48.1 vs 66.7 ± 2.12 mg/dL), decreased (P < 0.01) plasma urea nitrogen (13.6 vs 10.4 ± 0.76 mg/dL), and did not affect GH (13.5 vs 12.7 ± 0.95 ng/mL). In the miniature Brahman model, both the GH and GH + INS treatments dramatically increased circulating concentrations of IGF-I in mature cattle, suggesting that this line of Brahman cattle is capable of responding to bioactive GH.

Growth hormone: health considerations beyond height gain

The therapeutic benefit of growth hormone (GH) therapy in improving height in short children is widely recognized; however, GH therapy is associated with other metabolic actions that may be of benefit in these children. Beneficial effects of GH on body composition have been documented in several different patient populations as well as improvements in lipid profile. Marked augmentation of bone mineral density also seems evident in many pediatric populations. Some of these benefits may require continued therapy past the acquisition of adult height. With long-term therapy of any kind, the adverse consequences of treatment should also be considered. Fortunately, long-term GH treatment seems to be safe and well-tolerated. This review describes the long-term metabolic effects of GH treatment in the pediatric population and considers how these may benefit children who are treated with GH.

Inconsistent determination of overweight by two anthropometric indices in girls with Turner syndrome

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence of overweight in girls with Turner syndrome (TS) as classified by the two major anthropometric indices, body mass index (BMI) and weight-for-height (WFH) and to make growth reference charts of them for comparison with those of the normal population.

METHOD

The samples for analysis were obtained from a retrospective cohort. In total, 1447 girls' cross-sectional data were analysed. Subjects were divided into four groups by ages: group A (0-5.99 years), B (6-10.99 years), C (11-15.99 years) and D (16-20.99 years). The cut-off values of overweight by BMI and WFH were those of the 90th percentile and 120 percent, respectively and the prevalence was calculated. For constructing growth reference charts, the LMS method was used.

RESULTS

The prevalence of overweight differed between the two indices. The proportions of the coincidental classification in all subjects, group A, B, C and D were 82.53%, 89.96%, 91.79%, 69.98% and 60.61%, respectively. These differences corresponded to the difference of age-dependent patterns of the two indices from those of the normal population, as judged from the growth charts constructed with all subjects.

CONCLUSION

A discrepancy in the prevalence of overweight as classified by BMI and WFH for girls with TS was detected.

Reduced abdominal adiposity and improved glucose tolerance in growth hormone-treated girls with Turner syndrome

BACKGROUND

Individuals with Turner syndrome (TS) are at increased risk for impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus. It is unknown whether pharmacological GH treatment commonly used to treat short stature in TS alters this risk.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to compare adiposity and glucose tolerance in GH-treated vs. untreated girls with TS.

METHODS

In a cross sectional study, GH-treated girls with TS (n = 76; age 13.6 +/- 3.7 yr) were compared to girls with TS that never received GH (n = 26; age 13.8 +/- 3.5 yr). Protocol studies took place in the NIH Clinical Research Center from 2001-2006 and included oral glucose tolerance tests, body composition analysis by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and abdominal fat quantification by magnetic resonance imaging. GH was not given during testing.

RESULTS

Total body fat (35 +/- 8 vs. 28 +/- 8%, P < 0.0001), sc abdominal fat (183 vs. 100 ml, P = 0.001), and intraabdominal fat (50 vs. 33 ml, P < 0.0001) were significantly greater in untreated girls. Fasting glucose and insulin were similar, but the response to oral glucose was significantly impaired in the untreated group (28 vs. 7% with impaired glucose tolerance, P = 0.006). A specific excess of visceral fat and insulin resistance was apparent only in postpubertal girls that had never received GH. GH-treated girls demonstrated lower adiposity compared with untreated girls for an average of 2 yr after discontinuation of GH.

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominal adiposity is significantly lower and glucose tolerance significantly better in GH-treated vs. untreated girls with TS, suggesting that beneficial effects upon body composition and regional fat deposition outweigh transient insulin antagonism associated with GH administration.

Growth hormone (GH) treatment reduces peripheral thyroid hormone action in girls with Turner syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Turner syndrome (TS) is an indication for GH therapy in spite of the modest growth response. Somatic growth depends not only on GH insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis but also on thyroid hormone (TH) status. We have previously reported that supraphysiological IGF-I levels diminished TH actions in rat tissues by reducing the nuclear TH receptor (TR). GH treatment to TS patients induces high IGF-I levels and therefore a reduction of TH action in tissues may be expected. We aimed at evaluating the effect of GH therapy in TS girls on peripheral TH action.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

We set up a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for TR mRNA estimation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and compared TR mRNA levels from 10 normal, 10 TS and 10 TS girls under GH therapy (0.33 mg/kg/week for 0.5-2 years).

MEASUREMENTS

After RNA extraction from PBMC, TR and beta-actin mRNAs were coamplified by RT-PCR. In addition serum biochemical markers of TH action were measured: thyrotropin (TSH), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), osteocalcin (OC), beta-crosslaps (beta-CL), iodothyronines by electrochemiluminescency and IGF-I by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) with extraction.

RESULTS

TR mRNAs from PBMC were reduced in TS patients under GH treatment. In turn, serum TSH, OC, beta-CL and IGF-I were increased while SHBG was reduced by GH treatment in TS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

GH treatment reduced TR expression in PBMC and biochemical serum markers of TH action. These results suggest that GH treatment in TS patients impair peripheral TH action at tissue level and prompt a role in the reduced growth response to the therapy.

Protein metabolism in Turner syndrome and the impact of hormone replacement therapy

BACKGROUND

Studies have documented an altered body composition in Turner syndrome (TS). Body fat is increased and muscle mass is decreased. Ovarian failure necessitates substitution with female hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and HRT induces favourable changes in body composition. It is unknown how HRT affects protein metabolism.

AIM

To test whether alterations in body composition before and after HRT in TS are a result of altered protein metabolism.

DESIGN

We performed a randomized crossover study with active treatment (HRT in TS and oral contraceptives in controls) or no treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied eight women (age 29.7 +/- 5.6 (mean +/- SD) years) with TS, verified by karyotype, and eight age-matched controls (age 27.3 +/- 4.9 years). All subjects underwent a 3-h study in the postabsorptive state. Protein dynamics of the whole body and of the forearm muscles were measured by an amino acid tracer dilution technique using [(15)N]phenylalanine and [(2)H(4)]tyrosine. Substrate metabolism was examined by indirect calorimetry.

RESULTS

Energy expenditure was comparable among TS and controls, and did not change during active treatment. Whole-body phenylalanine and tyrosine fluxes were similar in the untreated situations, and did not change during active treatment. Amino acid degradation and protein synthesis were similar in all situations. Muscle protein breakdown was similar among groups, and was not affected by treatment. Muscle protein synthesis rate and forearm blood flow did not differ among groups or due to treatment.

CONCLUSION

Protein metabolism in TS is comparable to controls, and is not affected by HRT.

Effects of ovarian failure and X-chromosome deletion on body composition and insulin sensitivity in young women

OBJECTIVE

Menopause is associated with increased visceral adiposity and reduced insulin sensitivity. It remains unclear whether these changes are due primarily to ovarian failure or aging. The aim of this study was to clarify the impact of ovarian failure on body composition and insulin sensitivity in young women.

DESIGN

In a cross-sectional study, we compared main outcome measures (body mass index, body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and insulin sensitivity by Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) in three groups: women with 46,XX premature ovarian failure (POF), women with premature ovarian failure associated with 45,X or Turner syndrome (TS), and normal control women (NC). Participants were enrolled in National Institutes of Health Clinical Center protocols between years 2000 and 2005.

RESULTS

Mean body mass index (+/- SD) was lower in women with POF (n = 398): 24.3 +/- 5 kg/m versus 27.8 +/- 7 for women with TS (n = 131) and 26.6 +/- 4 for controls (n = 73) (both P < 0.001). Only 33% of women with POF were overweight or obese, compared with 56% of those with TS and 67% of NC women (P < 0.0001 for both). Despite less obesity, women with POF had lower insulin sensitivity (0.367 +/- 0.03) compared with those with TS (0.378 +/- 0.03, P = 0.003) and NC women (0.376 +/- 0.03, P = 0.04). In groups selected for similar age and body mass index, women with POF (n = 89), women with TS (n = 48), and NC women (n = 40) had similar total body and trunk adiposity. After adjustment for age and truncal adiposity, women with POF had significantly lower insulin sensitivity than women with TS (P = 0.03) and NC women (P = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to observations in middle-aged postmenopausal women, ovarian failure in young women is not associated with increased total or central adiposity. In fact, women with TS were similar to NC women, whereas women with POF were leaner. The lower insulin sensitivity observed in women with POF deserves further investigation.

Effects of Growth Hormone on Growth, Insulin Resistance and Related Hormones (Ghrelin, Leptin and Adiponectin) in Turner Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Concomitant evaluation of the metabolic and growth-promoting effects of growth hormone (GH) therapy in Turner syndrome (TS) may be used in the prediction of the growth response to GH therapy.

AIM

To evaluate the metabolic effects of GH therapy in TS and correlation with the short-term growth response.

PATIENTS

24 prepubertal children with TS, aged 9.4 +/- 2.6 years were followed for auxology and IGF-I, IGFBP-3, leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, lipids and OGTT results in a prospective multicenter study.

INTERVENTION

GH (Genotropin) in a dose of 50 microg/kg/day for 1 year.

RESULTS

Height standard deviation score (SDS) increased from -3.9 +/- 1.5 to -3.5 +/- 1.4 (p = 0.000) on therapy. BMI did not change. IGF-I SDS increased from -2.3 +/- 0.4 to -1.6 +/- 1.1 at 3 and 6 months (p = 0.001) and decreased thereafter. Serum leptin decreased significantly from 2.3 +/- 3.9 to 1.7 +/- 5.3 ng/ml (p = 0.022) at 3 months and increased afterwards. Serum ghrelin decreased from 1.2 +/- 0.8 to 0.9 +/- 0.4 ng/ml (p = 0.005) with no change in adiponectin. Basal and stimulated insulin levels also increased significantly. Delta height SDS over 1 year showed a significant correlation with Delta IGF-I(0-3 months) (r = 0.450, p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

IGF-I may be considered as a marker of growth response in TS at short term. Leptin shows a decrease at short term but does not have a correlation with growth response. The decrease in ghrelin in face of unchanged weight seems to be associated with increase in IGF-I and insulin levels. The unchanged adiponectin levels in spite of an increase in insulin levels indicates that adiponectin is mainly affected by weight, not insulin.

The effects of growth hormone treatment on bone mineral density and body composition in girls with turner syndrome

BACKGROUND

Many girls with Turner syndrome (TS) are treated with GH to increase adult height. In addition to promoting longitudinal bone growth, GH has effects on bone and body composition.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to determine how GH treatment affects bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in girls with TS.

METHOD

In a cross-sectional study, we compared measures of body composition and BMD by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and phalangeal cortical thickness by hand radiography in 28 girls with TS who had never received GH and 39 girls who were treated with GH for at least 1 yr. All girls were participants in a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Research Center (CRC) protocol between 2001 and 2006.

RESULTS

The two groups were similar in age (12.3 yr, sd 2.9), bone age (11.5 yr, sd 2.6), and weight (42.8 kg, sd 16.6); but the GH-treated group was taller (134 vs. 137 cm, P = 0.001). The average duration of GH treatment was 4.2 (sd 3.2) yr (range 1-14 yr). After adjustment for size and bone age, there were no significant differences in BMD at L1-L4, 1/3 radius or cortical bone thickness measured at the second metacarpal. However, lean body mass percent was higher (P < 0.001), whereas body fat percent was lower (P < 0.001) in the GH-treated group. These effects were independent of estrogen exposure and were still apparent in girls that had finished GH treatment at least 1 yr previously.

CONCLUSIONS

Although GH treatment has little effect on cortical or trabecular BMD in girls with TS, it is associated with increased lean body mass and reduced adiposity.

Low-dose growth hormone treatment (0.175 mg/kg/week) for short stature in patients with Turner Syndrome: data from KIGS Japan

Turner syndrome is a common sex chromosome anomaly. Human growth hormone (hGH) is effective for treating short stature, which is a major characteristic of the disease. In this report, we analyzed the results of low-dose GH treatment for short stature in 212 Turner syndrome patients with growth hormone deficiency. These patients were enrolled in KIGS Japan. After 5 years of treatment, change in height was more than the mean growth curve in many patients, and the standard deviation (SD) for stature improved by +1.22 SDS. As the treatment progressed, the weight-for-height index (WHI) decreased in patients aged 8.1 years or older but not more than 14.8 years at the commencement of the treatment.

The correlation of the IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and ALS generation test to height velocity after 6 months of recombinant growth hormone therapy in girls with Turner syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Girls with Turner syndrome (TS) have short stature and benefit from growth hormone therapy (hGH). Some TS present a significant change in height velocity in response to hGH while others have only a mild increment. Our objective was to correlate the response to hGH (height velocity after 6 months of therapy) to biochemical data prior to and after the beginning of hGH to try to define a tool to predict the response to hGH.

METHODS

Thirteen TS participated in the study (ages 3.5-14 years). Levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were measured before and 5, 30 and 90 days after starting hGH (0.05 mg/kg/day), ALS levels were measured only prior and after 5 days.

RESULTS

The mean height velocity (+/-SD) increased from 4.27 (+/-1.18) cm/year to 8.46 (+/-2.17) cm/year (p=0.0001). There was no correlation between the height velocity encountered and the expected height velocity using published mathematical models. Basal ALS values correlated to height velocity SDS and IGF-I and IGFBP-3, after 90 days, correlated to height velocity. Most of the data was too scattered to be used individually for each patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though we observed a relationship between biochemical markers and height velocity in TS treated with hGH, the response to hGH therapy in this condition is highly variable.

Growth hormone treatment and aortic dimensions in Turner syndrome

BACKGROUND

In recent years many girls with Turner syndrome (TS) have been treated with supraphysiological doses of GH to increase adult height. In addition to promoting statural growth, GH may have direct effects on the cardiovascular system.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether GH treatment affects aortic diameter in girls with TS because there is an increased risk for aortic dilation and dissection in this syndrome.

METHODS

In a retrospective, cross-sectional study, we compared ascending and descending aortic diameters measured by magnetic resonance imaging in GH-treated (n = 53) vs. untreated (n = 48) patients with TS participating in a National Institutes of Health protocol between 2001 and 2004.

RESULTS

The average duration of GH treatment was 4.7 with se 0.4 yr (range 2-11 yr). The two groups were similar in age and weight, but GH-treated subjects were on average 8 cm taller (P = 0.002). The diameter of the ascending aorta was increased by 7.3% and descending aorta by 8.9% in the GH-treated group. However, after correction for age, height, weight, and presence of bicuspid aortic valve and coarctation, using a multiple regression, neither history of GH treatment nor the length of GH treatment had an effect on the aortic diameter. Weight (P = 0.02), height (P = 0.001), and presence of bicuspid aortic valve (P = 0.0001) were associated with larger ascending aortic diameter, whereas age (P = 0.008), height (P = 0.02), and history of coarctation (P = 0.006) were associated with larger descending aortic diameter.

CONCLUSIONS

GH treatment of girls with TS does not seem to affect ascending or descending aortic diameter above the increase related to the larger body size.

Nocturnal hypertension and impaired sympathovagal tone in Turner syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Increased blood pressure (BP), night: day BP ratio, and heart rate is seen in Turner syndrome (TS), and an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as aortic dilatation and dissection. We hypothesized that altered heart rate variability is present in TS in comparison with controls, and can be influenced by hormonal replacement therapy (HRT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined the impact of HRT on sympathovagal control of heart rate variability. Patients (n = 8, aged 29.5 +/- 5.3 years; no treatment or HRT) and controls (n = 8, aged 28.5 +/- 4.2 years; no treatment) were examined by short-term spectral analysis (supine-standing), bedside neuropathy tests, and 24-h ambulatory BP. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), renin, aldosterone and urinary albumin excretion was determined. The interaction between position and status (TS or control) was examined for data from spectral analysis.

RESULTS

Low-frequency (LF) power, coefficient of component variation of LF (both measures of sympathetic and vagal activity), and the LF: high-frequency (HF) power ratio (a measure of sympathovagal balance) were diminished in TS compared with controls, especially during standing. Systolic and diastolic night ambulatory BP (both P = 0.03), and systolic and diastolic night: day ratio (P = 0.01; P = 0.004) was increased in TS. During HRT diastolic day (P = 0.05) and 24-h diastolic ambulatory BP (P = 0.08) decreased. N-terminal pro-BNP was elevated in TS.

CONCLUSION

Decreased sympathovagal balance or tone and nocturnal hypertension is present in TS, and N-terminal pro-BNP is elevated. HRT did not modulate the sympathovagal tone, but decreased BP. These changes may be linked to the increased cardiovascular risk and possibly the increased risk of aortic dilatation in TS.

Insulin Resistance Is an Intrinsic Defect Independent of Fat Mass in Women with Turner’s Syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Turner's syndrome (TS) is associated with increased insulin resistance and adiposity, which might be associated with type 2 diabetes in later life. We aimed to determine whether the defect in insulin sensitivity is a primary intrinsic defect in TS or dependent on variation in body composition.

METHODS

Sixteen women with TS not on growth hormone replacement but receiving oestrogen replacement therapy [age (mean +/- SD): 30.2 +/- 8.5 years; height-corrected fat-free mass: 26.1 +/- 3.1 kg/height] and a control group of 16 normal healthy women (age: 30.1 +/- 8.2 years; height-corrected fat-free mass: 25.9 +/- 2.4 kg/height) were studied. Fasting blood samples were obtained for measurement of glucose, insulin, IGF-I, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-3 and lipid levels. The hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp was performed to assess peripheral insulin sensitivity (M value), and the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-S) was used to estimate fasting insulin sensitivity. Body composition was assessed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan.

RESULTS

Fasting insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S 103.2 +/- 78.6 vs. 193.9 +/- 93.5, p = 0.006) was lower in TS subjects compared to controls as was whole-body insulin sensitivity (M value 2.9 +/- 1.9 vs. 5.5 +/- 2.6 mg/kg/min, p = 0.003). In a multiple regression analysis the Turner karyotype was significantly related to insulin sensitivity (p = 0.008) independent of any differences in fat-free mass and percent whole-body fat mass.

CONCLUSION

The increased insulin resistance in women with TS is independent of measures of body composition and may represent an intrinsic defect related to their chromosomal abnormality.

Growth hormone treatment in 35 prepubertal children with achondroplasia: a five-year dose-response trial

BACKGROUND

Achondroplasia is a skeletal dysplasia with extreme, disproportionate, short stature.

AIM

In a 5-y growth hormone (GH) treatment study including 1 y without treatment, we investigated growth and body proportion response in 35 children with achondroplasia.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to either 0.1 IU/kg (n = 18) or 0.2 IU/kg (n = 17) per day. GH treatment was interrupted for 12 mo after 2 y of treatment in prepubertal patients to study catch-down growth. Mean height SDS (HSDS) at start was -5.6 and -5.2 for the low- and high-dose groups, respectively, and mean age 7.3 and 6.6 y.

RESULTS

Mean growth velocity (baseline 4.5/4.6 cm/y for the groups) increased significantly by 1.9/3.6 cm/y during the first year and by 0.5/1.5 cm/y during the second year. During the third year, a decrease of growth velocity was observed at 1.9/1.3 cm/y below baseline values. HSDS increased significantly by 0.6/0.8 during the first year of treatment and in total by 1.3/1.6 during the 5 y of study. Sitting height SDS improved significantly from -2.1/-1.7 to -0.8/0.2 during the study. Body proportion (sitting height/total height) or arm span did not show any significant change.

CONCLUSION

GH treatment of children with achondroplasia improves height during 4 y of therapy without adverse effect on trunk-leg disproportion. The short-term effect is comparable to that reported in Turner and Noonan syndrome and in idiopathic short stature.

Effect of growth hormone and 17beta-oestradiol treatment on metabolism and body composition in girls with Turner syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Girls with Turner syndrome (TS) receive GH treatment during childhood, and in adolescence this treatment may be combined with oestradiol. We have studied the effects of this combined treatment on metabolism and body composition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study. All girls with TS (n = 8, 16 +/- 2 years) were treated with placebo + placebo, GH + placebo or GH + 17beta-oestradiol for 2 months, and were studied at the end of each period. Controls (n = 10, 14 +/- 2 years) were studied once without treatment. Twenty-four-hour sampling of oestradiol, growth factors, insulin, glucose, lipolytic and gluconeogenic precursors was performed, followed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and assessment of body composition and mineral content.

RESULTS

GH induced insulin resistance, which was not aggravated further by concomitant oestradiol treatment. The 24-h integrated serum 17beta-oestradiol was reduced compared to controls (0.58 +/- 0.32 vs. 2.81 +/- 2.78 nmol/l/24 h, P = 0.032), but increased during GH + oestrogen (E2) treatment without reaching control levels, while GH + placebo caused a further reduction (anova, P = 0.008). Total fat mass was increased in girls with TS compared with controls (P = 0.009), while lean body mass (P = 0.02) and bone mineral content (P = 0.04) was decreased, with specific regional characteristics in body composition.

CONCLUSION

GH treatment induces insulin resistance and changes in body composition in TS, which is not further compromised by concomitant oestradiol treatment. Body composition is changed in TS, with specific regional changes, in comparison with controls. Integrated 24-h oestradiol is low in TS, and is only partially restored during treatment with standard doses of 17beta-oestradiol.

Epidemiological, endocrine and metabolic features in Turner syndrome

Turner syndrome is one of the more common genetic disorders, associated with abnormalities of the X chromosome, and occurring in about 50 per 100,000 liveborn girls. Turner syndrome is usually associated with reduced adult height, gonadal dysgenesis, and thus insufficient circulating levels of female sex steroids, and infertility. A number of other signs and symptoms are seen more frequent with the syndrome. Morbidity and mortality is increased. The average intellectual performance is within the normal range. With respect to epidemiology, cardiology, endocrinology and metabolism a number of recent studies have allowed new insight. Treatment with GH during childhood and adolescence allows a considerable gain in adult height. Puberty has to be induced in most cases, and female sex hormone replacement therapy is given during adult years. The proper dose of HRT has not been established, and, likewise, benefits and/or drawbacks from HRT has not been thoroughly evaluated. Since the risk of cardiovascular and endocrinological disease is clearly elevated, proper care during adulthood is emphasized. In summary, Turner syndrome is a condition associated with a number of disease and conditions which are reviewed in present paper.