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Review
. 2014 Jan 27;220(3):R57-65.
doi: 10.1530/JOE-13-0477. Print 2014 Mar.

Determinants of GH resistance in malnutrition

Pouneh K Fazeli  1 , Anne Klibanski
Affiliations
Review

Determinants of GH resistance in malnutrition

Pouneh K Fazeli et al. J Endocrinol. .

Abstract

States of undernutrition are characterized by GH resistance. Decreased total energy intake, as well as isolated protein-calorie malnutrition and isolated nutrient deficiencies, result in elevated GH levels and low levels of IGF1. We review various states of malnutrition and a disease state characterized by chronic undernutrition - anorexia nervosa - and discuss possible mechanisms contributing to the state of GH resistance, including fibroblast growth factor 21 and Sirtuin 1. We conclude by examining the hypothesis that GH resistance is an adaptive response to states of undernutrition, in order to maintain euglycemia and preserve energy.

Keywords: IGF; growth hormone; neuroendocrinology; pituitary.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Potential causes and mediators of growth hormone (GH) resistance
Starvation, protein-calorie malnutrition and isolated vitamin deficiencies can all lead to a state of GH resistance, with normal or elevated levels of GH coincident with low levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Recent evidence suggests that the state of GH resistance in starvation may result from a decrease in signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)5 phosphorylation, mediated by fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) and/or Sirtuin1 (SIRT1).
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