DYSLIPIDEMIA IN ADULT GROWTH-HORMONE (GH) DEFICIENCY AND THE EFFECT OF GH REPLACEMENT THERAPY - A REVIEW

Adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency is associated with a lipid profil e known to be related to atherosclerosis. GH replacement therapy impro ves the lipid profile with the exception of lipoprotein (a) concentrat ions, which tend to increase after GH therapy. Plasma lipid concentrat ions depend on its plasma carriers, the lipoproteins. Possible mechani sms involved in the dyslipidaemia of GH-deficient patients and the eff ects of GH replacement therapy are discussed with a special focus on h epatic lipoprotein metabolism.