Normative values of growth hormone binding protein (GHBP) for a Chilean pediatric population

Circulating concentrations of the high affinity growth hormone binding prot ein (GHBP) may be a marker of GH receptor density as well as GH sensiffvity . Goal: To determine values of GHBP for a normal Chilean pediatric populati on. Methods: We determined GHBP levels in 73 males and 73 females between 4 to 15.5 years and 4 to 16.8 years respectively, divided in 7 groups accord ing to age and puberal status. Results: The population was normally distrib uted in weight, height and body mass index (BMI). GHBP activity increased u p to Tanner IV in males and Tanner III in females and decreased slightly th ereafter in Tanner V and IV respectively. There was a significant differenc e between GHBP levels of preschool children and those found in Tanner II to V in both sexes (p <0.05). In addition, we found a positive correlation be tween GHBP vs weight, height and BMI (p <0.001) in males and females. Concl usion: The availability of this methodology allows us to establish the norm ative value of GHBP in our population and provides useful information to in terpret GH circulating levels in children with growth disorders.