# Twenty-Four-Month rhGH Intervention: Insights into Redox Regulation, Vascular Biomarkers, and Body Composition in Adult GHD Patients

## TL;DR

A 24-month rhGH treatment in adults with growth hormone deficiency improves redox balance, vascular function, and body composition.

## Contribution

This study provides new evidence on the long-term effects of rhGH therapy on redox regulation and vascular biomarkers in GHD patients.

## Key findings

- rhGH therapy significantly increased IGF-1 and improved redox markers like Ox-LDL, Trx, and OGG1.
- Vascular biomarkers E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 decreased, indicating better endothelial function.
- Lean body mass and bone mineral density increased, while lipid profiles remained unchanged.

## Abstract

Adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is linked to increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk due to oxidative stress (OS), endothelial dysfunction, and unhealthy body composition. Long-term systemic effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy remain insufficiently defined. This study assessed the impact of 24-month rhGH replacement on OS, vascular markers, body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD) in adults with severe GHD. Fifteen adults with confirmed GHD received rhGH for 24 months. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL), thioredoxin (Trx), 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) were measured at baseline and 12 and 24 months. Body composition and BMD were evaluated by DXA. IGF-1 increased significantly at 12 and 24 months (p < 0.001). Ox-LDL markedly decreased (p < 0.00001), while Trx and OGG1 increased (p < 0.05). Levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 declined, indicating improved endothelial function. Lean body mass and BMD increased, while body fat parameters showed heterogeneous changes. Lipid profiles were unchanged. Significant correlations were observed between vascular markers and adiposity, and between BMD, triglycerides, and IGF-1. A 24-month course of rhGH therapy improves redox balance, vascular function, and body composition in adults with severe GHD, supporting the use of redox and vascular biomarkers to monitor treatment efficacy.