Effects of Growth Hormone Administration on Plasma Levels of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Soluble Apoptosis Mediators Fas/FasLigand in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

were determined (ELISA method) in 10 patients with IDC (NYHA class III; EF: 24±2%) before and after a 3-month subcutaneous administration of GH 4 IU every other day (randomized crossover design). Peak oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was also used to evaluate the functional status of IDC patients. Results: Treatment with GH produced a significant reduction in plasma levels of TNF-· (8.2±1.2 vs 5.7±1.1 pg/ml, p<0.05), sTNFRI (4.0±0.4 vs 3.2±0.3 ng/ml, p<0.005), sTNFRII (2.6±0.3 vs 2.2±0.2 ng/ml, p<0.05), IL-6 (5.5±0.6 vs 4.4±0.4 pg/ml, p=0.05), sIL-6R (32.7±5 vs 28.2±3 ng/ml, p<0.05), sFas (4.4±0.8 vs 3.1±0.6 ng/ml, p<0.05), and sFasL (34.3±11.7 vs 18.8±7.3 pg/ml, p<0.01). A significant improvement was also observed in VO2 max after the completion of 3 month treatment with GH (15.0±0.8 vs 17.2±1.0 ml/kg/min, p<0.05). Good correlations were found between GH-induced reduction in TNF-· levels and increase in VO2 max (r=-0.64, p<0.05), as well as between GH-induced reduction in sFasL and increase in VO2 max (r=-0.56, p=0.08). Conclusions: Chronic treatment with GH reduces plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines and soluble Fas/FasL system in patients with IDC. These immunomodulatory effects may be associated with the improvement in clinical performance and exercise capacity of IDC patients. Clinical Research Clinical Research