Supraphysiological doses of GH induce rapid changes in cardiac morphology and function

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002 Apr;87(4):1654-9. doi: 10.1210/jcem.87.4.8363.

Abstract

GH is an agent widely used in sport to improve physical performance and has been proposed as adjunctive therapy in several clinical conditions. However, its short-term effects on the normal human heart are poorly understood. Sixty young normal volunteers (30 males and 30 females) were enrolled in a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. All subjects were randomized to receive GH (0.03 or 0.06 mg/kg.d) or placebo. A complete Doppler-echocardiographic examination was performed at baseline and after 4 wk of treatment. Low-dose GH did not significantly affect echocardiographic parameters. In contrast, high-dose GH increased left ventricular mass index by 12% (P < 0.05). The type of growth response was concentric, because left ventricular wall thickness but not diameter increased, leading to a 10% increase of relative wall thickness. These structural changes were associated with functional changes, including a significant increase in cardiac index and a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance; diastolic function was not altered. Fractional shortening and systemic blood pressure were unchanged in the two treatment groups. In conclusion, administration of GH for 4 wk at doses that simulate GH abuse in sport caused a high cardiac output state associated with concentric left ventricular remodeling.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiac Output / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Growth Hormone / administration & dosage
  • Growth Hormone / pharmacology*
  • Heart / anatomy & histology*
  • Heart / drug effects
  • Heart / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Recombinant Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Reference Values
  • Ventricular Remodeling

Substances

  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Growth Hormone