Contributions of growth hormone receptor and postreceptor defects to growth hormone resistance in malnutrition

Abstract

Malnutrition results in poor growth and is associated with resistance to growth hormone (GH) action. The mechanisms involved in the GH resistance depend on the severity and the timing of the nutritional insult. Stringent dietary restrictions such as fasting may produce GH resistance by reducing the number of GH receptors. Less severe nutritional deprivation such a short-term protein restriction may cause GH insensitivity mainly through postreceptor mechanisms.