ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: In recent years, one of the most frequently studied focuses is the pathophysiology of adipose and muscle tissue; however, in the literature there is no report about regulatory proteins (myokines/adipomyokines), which expression affects the body’s metabolism and communication between tissues especially in children population. Irisin (Ir) is one of the adipomyokines, which induces the conversion of white adipocytes into beige adipose tissue, and Ir deficiency may be a factor contributing to the development of metabolic diseases.

The aim: Of the project is to evaluate the effect of rhGH treatment on Ir concentration in children with GHD in relation to the selected bone parameters.

Participants and Methods: 78 patients (33 girls and 45 boys) with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) qualified for recombinant growth hormone (rhGH) therapy and treated with rhGH for 6 months were prospectively studied. The diagnosis of GHD was confirmed by a peak GH secretion below 10 mg/dl during three tests performed. All patients were examined with magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland. The exclusion criteria were: a tumor of the hypothalamic-pituitary region, multiple pituitary hormone deficiency and other comorbidities that can affect metabolism. All children received rhGH daily injections in the evening at a dose of 0.023 mg per kg body weight. The control group consisted of 24 healthy children (14 girls and 14 boys) without growth problems, autoimmune diseases or other diseases affecting the growth process selected according to age, and sex of the study group. The fasting blood samples were taken to determine concentrations of: Ir, HbA1c, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, PTH, AP, P, Ca, 25OHD3, Mg, K, and Na. In a group of children with GHD a twice determinations were done (before treatment, and after 6 month therapy). The obtained data was subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: We did not find statistically important difference in Ir concentration between GHD children and control group. Of the 78 children with GHD (mean age 7.43) we did not observed any significant difference in Ir levels between neither the age groups nor the sex (boys and girls). We did not find any association between Ir and BMI or bones markers.

Conclusions: The replacement doses of rhGH applied in children with GHD do not significantly affect the concentration of Ir. It seems valuable to extend the observation period during rhGH therapy.