The effects of GH replacement in adult GH-deficient patients: changes in body composition without concomitant changes in the adipokines and insulin resistance

Summary background Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adult life has been associated with increased central adiposity, decreased insulin sensitivity, dyslipidaemia and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The effects of GH replacement on adiponectin and resistin, adipokines which have a role in modulating insulin sensitivity have not been previously reported. aim To examine the effects of GH replacement on adipokine levels and insulin resistance in GHD patients. design Seventeen adult GHD patients were examined at baseline and after 1 year of treatment with recombinant human GH (mean dose 0·31 mg/day, range 0·13–0·67 mg/day). results GH replacement significantly increased IGF‐I levels. The mean IGF‐I SD score increased from − 1·98 at baseline to 0·76 at study end. GH replacement was associated with a significant reduction in percentage body fat (34·11 ± 1·33 vs. 30·65 ± 1·27%, P