Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Vol 75, 833-837, Copyright © 1992 by Endocrine Society

ARTICLES

Body composition in adult growth hormone-deficient men, assessed by anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis

H De Boer, GJ Blok, HJ Voerman, PM De Vries and EA van der Veen
Department of Endocrinology, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) were used to assess body composition in 42 GH-deficient (GHD) adult males (mean age, 27.2 +/- 4.7 yr). During childhood, all patients had received GH treatment for a mean period of 8.4 +/- 3.8 yr. At the start of this study, GH therapy had been discontinued for a mean period of 7.5 +/- 4.5 yr. Eighteen patients had isolated GH deficiency (I-GHD). Twenty-four patients had multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (M-PHD), substituted adequately. Compared to age- and sex-matched controls, the sum of skinfolds measured at 7 different sites was significantly higher in I- GHD and M-PHD patients [controls, 73.1 +/- 25.4 mm; I-GHD patients, 102.1 +/- 37.7 mm (P less than 0.001); M-PHD patients, 126.8 +/- 35.4 mm (P less than 0.001)]. The increase in sc fat deposition was most pronounced on the trunk, particularly in the breast and abdominal area. Total body muscle mass was significantly lower in GHD patients (P less than 0.001). In patients, body muscle mass and plasma somatomedin-C level were positively correlated (r = 0.43; P less than 0.005). Total body resistance measured by whole body BIA was significantly higher in the patient group and was negatively correlated with plasma somatomedin- C (r = -0.53; P less than 0.001). The high resistance values observed in GHD patients could only in part be explained by their lower lean body mass. The most important cause, however, was an increase in specific electrical resistance of the lean body mass (LBM), reflecting relative dehydration. We conclude that GH deficiency in adult males is associated with an increase in sc fat and a decrease in body muscle mass. In addition, there is a qualitative change in LBM. The BIA data indicate that in these patients, the hydration state of the LBM is lower than normal, due to a decrease in extracellular water.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L A Behan, J Phillips, C J Thompson, and A Agha Neuroendocrine disorders after traumatic brain injury J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry, July 1, 2008; 79(7): 753 - 759. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Ukropec, A. Penesova, M. Skopkova, M. Pura, M. Vlcek, Z. Radikova, R. Imrich, B. Ukropcova, M. Tajtakova, J. Koska, et al. Adipokine Protein Expression Pattern in Growth Hormone Deficiency Predisposes to the Increased Fat Cell Size and the Whole Body Metabolic Derangements J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2008; 93(6): 2255 - 2262. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. Beauregard, A. L. Utz, A. E. Schaub, L. Nachtigall, B. M. K. Biller, K. K. Miller, and A. Klibanski Growth Hormone Decreases Visceral Fat and Improves Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Women with Hypopituitarism: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2008; 93(6): 2063 - 2071. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. E. Berryman, E. O. List, D. T. Kohn, K. T. Coschigano, R. J. Seeley, and J. J. Kopchick Effect of Growth Hormone on Susceptibility to Diet-Induced Obesity Endocrinology, June 1, 2006; 147(6): 2801 - 2808. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. J. Woodhouse, A. Mukherjee, S. M. Shalet, and S. Ezzat The Influence of Growth Hormone Status on Physical Impairments, Functional Limitations, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults Endocr. Rev., May 1, 2006; 27(3): 287 - 317. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Koranyi, I. Bosaeus, M. Alpsten, B.-A. Bengtsson, and G. Johannsson Body composition during GH replacement in adults - methodological variations with respect to gender. Eur. J. Endocrinol., April 1, 2006; 154(4): 545 - 553. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Mukherjee, J. E Adams, L. Smethurst, and S. M Shalet Interdependence of lean body mass and total body water, but not quality of life measures, during low dose GH replacement in GH-deficient adults Eur. J. Endocrinol., November 1, 2005; 153(5): 661 - 668. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. D. Veldhuis, J. N. Roemmich, E. J. Richmond, A. D. Rogol, J. C. Lovejoy, M. Sheffield-Moore, N. Mauras, and C. Y. Bowers Endocrine Control of Body Composition in Infancy, Childhood, and Puberty Endocr. Rev., February 1, 2005; 26(1): 114 - 146. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Bohlooly-Y, B. Olsson, C. E.G. Bruder, D. Linden, K. Sjogren, M. Bjursell, E. Egecioglu, L. Svensson, P. Brodin, J. C. Waterton, et al. Growth Hormone Overexpression in the Central Nervous System Results in Hyperphagia-Induced Obesity Associated With Insulin Resistance and Dyslipidemia Diabetes, January 1, 2005; 54(1): 51 - 62. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. R. Hoffman, J. E. Kuntze, J. Baptista, H. B. A. Baum, G. P. Baumann, B. M. K. Biller, R. V. Clark, D. Cook, S. E. Inzucchi, D. Kleinberg, et al. Growth Hormone (GH) Replacement Therapy in Adult-Onset GH Deficiency: Effects on Body Composition in Men and Women in a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., May 1, 2004; 89(5): 2048 - 2056. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. D. Murray, J. E. Adams, and S. M. Shalet Adults with Partial Growth Hormone Deficiency Have an Adverse Body Composition J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., April 1, 2004; 89(4): 1586 - 1591. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. D. Murray, B. Columb, J. E. Adams, and S. M. Shalet Low Bone Mass Is an Infrequent Feature of the Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Syndrome in Middle-Age Adults and the Elderly J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., March 1, 2004; 89(3): 1124 - 1130. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T.-J. Wu, S.-M. Huang, R. L. Taylor, and P. C. Kao Thyroxine Effects on Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor I Levels, Anthropometric Measures, and Body Composition in Patients After Thyroidectomy Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci., October 1, 2003; 33(4): 423 - 428. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. M. McConnell, A. B. Atkinson, C. Ennis, D. R. Hadden, D. R. McCance, B. Sheridan, and P. M. Bell The Effects on Insulin Action in Adult Hypopituitarism of Recombinant Human GH Therapy Individually Titrated for Six Months J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., November 1, 2001; 86(11): 5342 - 5347. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. M. Ahmad, R. Guzder, A. M. Wallace, J. Thomas, W. D. Fraser, and J. P. Vora Circadian and Ultradian Rhythm and Leptin Pulsatility in Adult GH Deficiency: Effects of GH Replacement J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., August 1, 2001; 86(8): 3499 - 3506. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. F. Muller, J. A. Janssen, L. J. Hofland, S. W. Lamberts, M. Bidlingmaier, C. J. Strasburger, and A. J. van der Lely Blockade of the Growth Hormone (GH) Receptor Unmasks Rapid GH-Releasing Peptide-6-Mediated Tissue-Specific Insulin Resistance J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., February 1, 2001; 86(2): 590 - 593. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				A. M. Rosenfalck, S. Maghsoudi, S. Fisker, J. O. L. Jørgensen, J. S. Christiansen, J. Hilsted, A. Vølund, and S. Madsbad The Effect of 30 Months of Low-Dose Replacement Therapy with Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) on Insulin and C-Peptide Kinetics, Insulin Secretion, Insulin Sensitivity, Glucose Effectiveness, and Body Composition in GH-Deficient Adults J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., November 1, 2000; 85(11): 4173 - 4181. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				G. Sesmilo, B. M.K. Biller, J. Llevadot, D. Hayden, G. Hanson, N. Rifai, and A. Klibanski Effects of Growth Hormone Administration on Inflammatory and Other Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Men with Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial Ann Intern Med, July 18, 2000; 133(2): 111 - 122. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. Vahl, A. Juul, J. O. L. Jørgensen, H. Ørskov, N. E. Skakkebæk, and Jens. S. Christiansen Continuation of Growth Hormone (GH) Replacement in GH-Deficient Patients during Transition from Childhood to Adulthood: A Two-Year Placebo-Controlled Study J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., May 1, 2000; 85(5): 1874 - 1881. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				S. M. Shalet Growth Hormone (GH) Replacement Is Not Justified for All Adults with GH Deficiency J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., March 1, 2000; 85(3): 937 - 939. [Full Text]

				B. M. K. Biller, G. Sesmilo, H. B. A. Baum, D. Hayden, D. Schoenfeld, and A. Klibanski Withdrawal of Long-Term Physiological Growth Hormone (GH) Administration: Differential Effects on Bone Density and Body Composition in Men with Adult-Onset GH Deficiency J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., March 1, 2000; 85(3): 970 - 976. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				S. A. G. Kemink, J. T. M. Frijns, A. R. M. M. Hermus, G. F. F. M. Pieters, A. G. H. Smals, and W. D. Van Marken Lichtenbelt Body Composition Determined by Six Different Methods in Women Bilaterally Adrenalectomized for Treatment of Cushing's Disease J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., November 1, 1999; 84(11): 3991 - 3999. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				A. Colao, G. Cerbone, R. Pivonello, G. Aimaretti, S. Loche, C. Di Somma, A. Faggiano, G. Corneli, E. Ghigo, and G. Lombardi The Growth Hormone (GH) Response to the Arginine Plus GH-Releasing Hormone Test Is Correlated to the Severity of Lipid Profile Abnormalities in Adult Patients with GH Deficiency J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., April 1, 1999; 84(4): 1277 - 1282. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				D. M. Hoffman, R. Pallasser, M. Duncan, T. V. Nguyen, and K. K. Y. Ho How Is Whole Body Protein Turnover Perturbed in Growth Hormone-Deficient Adults? J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., December 1, 1998; 83(12): 4344 - 4349. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				M. Miyakawa, T. Tsushima, H. Murakami, O. Isozaki, H. Demura, and T. Tanaka Effect of Growth Hormone (GH) on Serum Concentrations of Leptin: Study in Patients with Acromegaly and GH Deficiency J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., October 1, 1998; 83(10): 3476 - 3479. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				H. B. A. Baum, L. Katznelson, J. C. Sherman, B. M. K. Biller, D. L. Hayden, D. A. Schoenfeld, K. E. Cannistraro, and A. Klibanski Effects of Physiological Growth Hormone (GH) Therapy on Cognition and Quality of Life in Patients with Adult-Onset GH Deficiency J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., September 1, 1998; 83(9): 3184 - 3189. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				S. M. Shalet, A. Toogood, A. Rahim, and B. M. D. Brennan The Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children and Adults Endocr. Rev., April 1, 1998; 19(2): 203 - 223. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				E. R. Christ, M. H. Cummings, N. B. Westwood, B. M. Sawyer, T. C. Pearson, P. H. Sonksen, and D. L. Russell-Jones The Importance of Growth Hormone in the Regulation of Erythropoiesis, Red Cell Mass, and Plasma Volume in Adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., September 1, 1997; 82(9): 2985 - 2990. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. de Boer and E. A. van der Veen Why Retest Young Adults with Childhood-Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency? J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., July 1, 1997; 82(7): 2032 - 2036. [Full Text] [PDF]

				W. D. van Marken Lichtenbelt, Y. E. M. Snel, R.-J. M. Brummer, and H. P. F. Koppeschaar Deuterium and Bromide Dilution, and Bioimpedance Spectrometry Independently Show That Growth Hormone-Deficient Adults Have an Enlarged Extracellular Water Compartment Related to Intracellular Water J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., March 1, 1997; 82(3): 907 - 911. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. F. Attanasio, S. W.J. Lamberts, A. M.C. Matranga, M. A. Birkett, P. C. Bates, N. K. Valk, J. Hilsted, B.-A. Bengtsson, and C. J. Strasburger Adult Growth Hormone (GH)-Deficient Patients Demonstrate Heterogeneity Between Childhood Onset and Adult Onset Before and During Human GH Treatment J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., January 1, 1997; 82(1): 82 - 88. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Thoren, A. Hilding, R. C. Baxter, M. Degerblad, I.-L. Wivall-Helleryd, and K. Hall Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I), IGF-Binding Protein-1 and -3, and the Acid-Labile Subunit as Serum Markers of Body Composition during Growth Hormone (GH) Therapy in Adults with GH Deficiency J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., January 1, 1997; 82(1): 223 - 228. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. B.A. Baum, B. M.K. Biller, J. S. Finkelstein, K. B. Cannistraro, D. S. Oppenheim, D. A. Schoenfeld, T. H. Michel, H. Wittink, and A. Klibanski Effects of Physiologic Growth Hormone Therapy on Bone Density and Body Composition in Patients with Adult-Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Ann Intern Med, December 1, 1996; 125(11): 883 - 890. [Abstract] [Full Text]