GROWTH-HORMONE IN THE ADULT - AN ELIXIR O F YOUTH

Studies have revealed a partial deficiency of growth hormone (GK) secr etion in the elderly. Aging has a central effect on the GH secretion a nd probably a peripheral effect on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1 ) or somatomedin C through changes in body composition. Simultaneously therapeutic efficiency of recombinant GH was confirmed in adults with GH deficiency. These notions have led to some controlled trials of GH treatment in elderly. Further studies of GH replacement are needed, e xamining issues such as dosage, tolerance (still inadequate) and effic acy before the widespread use of GH or IGH-F1 in the elderly is advoca ted.