Metabolic effects of growth hormone

Human growth hormone (hGH) is a key ‘player’ in the regulation of growth and metabolism. Several disease conditions, mostly involving growth retardation or GH deficiency, have been approved for recombinant hGH replacement therapy. The focus of this review centers on the metabolic effects of GH on carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Current knowledge of GH signaling pathways and metabolic attributes of GH deficient and GH excess (acromegaly) states are described. Mouse models commonly used for the study of GH action also are compared to further illustrate the metabolic role of GH. Finally, the metabolic effects of a GH receptor antagonist (Pegvisomant) used for the treatment of acromegaly are mentioned.