In order to examine the effect of GH on adipose tissue inflammation, this study will examine adipose tissue and serum inflammation in patients with GH deficiency before and after GH therapy. The investigators will also obtain serum samples before and after treatment for adipokines, inflammatory markers and examine macrophages in circulation with regard to their inflammatory state. The investigators will also obtain adipose tissue biopsies from healthy subjects matched to the growth hormone deficiency (GHD) subjects. Adipose tissue specimens will be analyzed for adipose tissue morphology, adipocyte size, adipokine gene expression, and adipose tissue macrophage number.
The growth hormone (GH) axis has important influences on adipose tissue. GH may have a novel effect to reduce macrophage yet increase adipocyte inflammation in adipose tissue along with reducing adipose tissue mass. Disordered adipose tissue metabolism may dysregulate adipokine secretion, which could contribute to metabolic abnormalities in GH deficiency. Adipokines, peptides expressed and secreted by adipose tissue, exert important local adipose tissue and systemic metabolic effects. This study will combine direct assessment of adipose tissue with assessment of body composition. Adult GHD can be associated with central adiposity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and increased cardiovascular (CV) risk.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
7
Patients will receive growth hormone replacement therapy as per standard clinical care during this study.
Neuroendocrine Unit and Pituitary Center, Columbia University
New York, New York, United States
Relative gene expression values of CD68 gene
Relative gene expression values of cluster of differentiation (CD68) gene in adipose tissue
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months of GH therapy
Relative gene expression IL6 gene
Relative gene expression interleukin 6 (IL6) gene in adipose tissue
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months of GH therapy
Relative gene expression values of MCP1 gene
Relative gene expression values of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) gene in adipose tissue
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months of GH therapy
Relative gene expression values of CD11c gene
Relative gene expression values of CD11c gene in adipose tissue
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months of GH therapy
Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) mass
Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) mass as measured by magnetic resonance imaging of abdomen
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months of GH therapy
Intra-hepatic lipid level
Intra-hepatic lipid level measured by magnetic resonance imaging of liver
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months of GH therapy
Resting metabolic rate
Resting metabolic rate
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months of GH therapy
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) level
Plasma level of interleukin 6 (IL-6)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months of GH therapy
TNFα level
Plasma level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months of GH therapy
C-reactive protein level
Plasma level of c-reactive protein (CRP)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months of GH therapy
Homocysteine level
Plasma level of homocysteine
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months of GH therapy
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