Growth hormone (GH) induces fat metabolism. The mechanisms underlying the fat metabolizing effects of GH remain elusive. However, it is known that insulin suppresses fat metabolism, and GH inhibits the expression of certain insulin-dependent signaling proteins. We therefore hypothesize that the fat metabolizing effects of GH depend on abrogation of insulin-dependent signaling pathways. In order to investigate the fat metabolizing effects of GH, we'll analyze consecutive adipose tissue biopsies taken after GH exposure and GH blocking, respectively. Knowledge of the effects of growth hormone and fat metabolism can in shot-sight as well as in long-sight have great importance for the understanding of growth disorders from overweight and type 2 diabetes to malnutrition and eating disorders.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
9
Subjects are receiving one injection of growth hormone (Genotropin) 0,5 mg
One the placebo day the subjects are receiving injection with pegvisomant (Somavert 30 mg) to block the action of endogenous growth hormone
University Hospital of Aarhus
Aarhus, Denmark
Lipolytic activity measured as area under the curve (AUC) for FFA (blood sample).
Time frame: 1 year
Substrate metabolism as measured by indirect calorimetry
Time frame: 3 months
GH signaling proteins in adipose tissue measured by western blotting
Time frame: 1,5 years
Intracellular lipolytic activity measured by an ATGL assay
Time frame: 1 year
GH signaling gene targets in adipose tissue measured by qPCR
Time frame: 1,5 years
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