Increased serum and bone matrix levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 in patients with GH deficiency in response to GH treatment

OBJECTIVE: Patients with adult onset GH deficiency (aoGHD) have secondary osteoporosis, which is reversed by long-term GH substitution. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1 or TGFB1) is abundant in bone tissue and could mediate some effects of GH/IGFs on bone. We investigated its regulation by GH/IGF1 in vivo and in vitro. DESIGN AND METHODS: The effects of GH substitution (9-12 months, placebo controlled) on circulating and cortical bone matrix contents of TGF beta 1 were investigated in patients with aoGHD. The effects of GH/IGF1 on TGF beta 1 secretion in osteoblasts (hFOB), adipocytes, and THP-1 macrophages as well as the effects on release from platelets were investigated in vitro. RESULTS: In vivo GH substitution increased TGF beta 1 protein levels in cortical bone and serum. In vitro, GH/IGF1 stimulation induced a significant increase in TGF beta 1 secretion in hFOB. In contrast, no major effect of GH/IGF1 on TGF beta 1 was found in adipocytes and THP-1 macrophages. Finally, a minor modifying effect on SFLLRN-stimulated platelet release of TGF beta 1 was observed in the presence of IGF1. CONCLUSION: GH substitution increases TGF beta 1 in vivo and in vitro, and this effect could contribute to improved bone metabolism during such therapy, potentially reflecting direct effect of GH/IGF1 on bone cells.