Growth hormone and ageing

The proportion of elderly people is steadily growing in Western societies. The result is a disproportionate accumulation of the oldest and most vulner able sector of the population, suffering from frailty-associated disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Growth hormone (GH) secretion declines progres sively during adulthood. In ageing and severe GH deficiency, an individual' s muscle mass, muscle strength and bone mass are decreased, and the relativ e proportion of total and visceral fat is increased. An association between reduced GH levels and the catabolism of ageing has been suggested. GH or G H secretagogue treatment could be of value to minimize the health-related c onsequences associated with the ageing process. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publisher s Ltd.