Kidney Function

Growth hormone and nutritional status regulate renal and systemic IGF1 as well as binding proteins. Specifically, IGF1 determines many functions: dilating the resistance-regulating microvasculature, increasing glomerular filtration rate as well as promoting tubular phosphate and, potentially, sodium absorption. Review current medical research, which shows a positive improvement on kidney function with the use of growth hormone.

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American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for Growth Hormone Use in Adults and Children -- 2003 Update.pdf

This report is based on a thorough review of published studies of the safety and efficacy of GH therapy in children and adults. Summarized herein are the indications for GH use in adults and children, the conditions for which GH use has been investigated but is not approved, and the potential adverse effects of GH therapy. The authors believe that these guidelines will help clinical endocrinologists in the treatment of patients with recombinant GH.
Gharib, H., Cook, D.M., Saenger, P.H., Bengtsson, B.A., Feld, S., et al. (2003). American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists medical guidelines for clinical practice for growth hormone use in adults and children -- 2003 update [Electronic version]. Endocrine Practice: Official Journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 9(1), 64-76. Retrieved September 19, 2005.
 

Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Patients with Acute Renal Failure.pdf

According to this study, administration of rhGH to critically ill patients with acute renal failure resulted in improvements in negative nitrogen balance and a significant decrease in total nitrogen appearance rate. These changes corresponded to increases in serum growth hormone, IGF-1, IGF-1 binding protein 3, and leptin levels after growth hormone administration.
Saadeh, E., Ikizler, T.A., Shyr, Y., Hakim, R.M. & Himmelfarb, J. (2001). Recombinant human growth hormone in patients with acute renal failure [Electronic version]. Journal of Renal Nutrition, 11(4), 212-219. Retrieved November 3, 2005.

Changes in Cardiac Muscle Mass and Function in Hemodialysis Patients During Growth Hormone Treatment.pdf

This study concludes that treatment with rhGH of adult chronic hemodialysis patients for 6 months increased the left ventricular mass significantly, but without any effect on ejection fraction or maximal working capacity. No electrocardiographic signs of ischemia were associated with the increasing muscle mass and only one patient developed symptoms that might relate to ischemia. No changes in B-Hb, blood pressure or pulse were observed during the treatment period.
Jensen, P.B., Ekelund, B., Nielsen, F.T., Baumbach, L., Pedersen, F.B. & Oxhoj, H. (2000). Changes in cardiac muscle mass and function in hemodialysis patients during growth hormone treatment [Electronic version]. Clinical Nephrology, 53(1), 25-32. Retrieved September 28, 2005.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Replacement in Women with Adrenal Insufficiency.pdf

In a double-blind study, 24 women with adrenal insufficiency received in random order 50 mg of dehydroepiandrosterone orally each morning for four months and placebo daily for four months, with a one-month washout period. The study concluded that dehydroepiandrosterone improves well-being and sexuality in women with adrenal insufficiency.
Arlt, W., Callies, F., van Vlijmen, J.C., Koehler, I., Reincke, M., et al. (1999). Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in women with adrenal insufficiency [Electronic version]. The New England Journal of Medicine, 341(14), 1013-1020. Retrieved September 14, 2005.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor System and the Kidney: Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutic Implications.pdf

This article discusses the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system as it relates to the kidney.  It concludes that many questions remain unanswered regarding the role of the IGF system in normal and abnormal renal biology and potential therapeutic applications in kidney diseases.
Hirschberg, R. & Adler, S. (1998). Insulin-like growth factor system and the kidney: physiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic implications [Electronic version]. American Journal of Kidney Diseases: The Official Journal of the National Kidney Foundation, 31(6), 901-919. Retrieved May 18, 2005.

Physiological Effects of Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I on the Kidney.pdf

This article presents evidence that the effects of growth hormone on the kidney are mediated by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
Kopple, J.D. & Hirschberg, R. (1990). Physiological effects of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I on the kidney [Electronic version]. Mineral and Electrolyte Metabolism, 16(1), 82-88. Retrieved May 18, 2005.

Increase in Renal Plasma Flow and Glomerular Filtration Rate During Growth Hormone Treatment May Be Mediated By Insulin-Like Growth Factor I.pdf

In this study, IGF-1 levels were examined in a man with hypothalamic growth hormone-deficiency before and during the first six days of treatment with daily growth hormone injections. 
Hirschberg, R.R. & Kopple, J.D. (1988). Increase in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate during growth hormone treatment may be mediated by insulin-like growth factor I [Electronic version]. American Journal of Nephrology, 8(3), 249-254. Retrieved May 18, 2005.