Study summary · research use only
Growth hormone secretagogues: the clinical future
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This review discusses the possible clinical future of GH secretagogues (GHS), including GHRP-6 and other peptidergic and non-peptidergic compounds that release GH in man. The authors outline three areas: therapy of GH-deficient states, diagnosis of GH deficiency, and non-endocrinological actions. They note that compared with GH itself, GHS have lower potency but a more physiological secretion profile, and describe combined GH-releasing hormone plus GHRP-6 as a powerful GH releaser that may serve as an alternative to the insulin tolerance test for diagnosing GH deficiency in adults. The authors describe potential cardiovascular actions as promising and state that identifying the endogenous ligand of the GHS receptor would clarify hypothalamic control of GH secretion. No new experiment is reported; this is a perspective article.
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) releasing hexapeptide (GHRP)-6 and other peptidergic and non-peptidergic compounds collectively designated GH secretagogues (GHS) are potent releasers of GH in man. Their clinical future may be envisioned in three areas: therapy of GH-deficient (GHD) states, diagnosis of GHD, and non-endocrinological actions. As therapeutic agents and compared with GH itself, GHS have the disadvantage of lower potency but have a more physiological and safer profile of GH secretion. GHS administration could be indicated for states in which medium GH doses have been shown to be effective. As a diagnostic tool, the combined administration of GH releasing hormone plus GHRP-6, both at saturating doses, is currently the most powerful releaser of GH, devoid of side effects and convenient for the patient; it may also be an alternative to the insulin tolerance test for the diagnosis of GHD in adult patients. Their potential action at cardiovascular level is highly promising. Although the clinical future of GH releasing substances is appealing, probably the most relevant contribution has yet to be discovered. Once the endogenous ligand of the GHS receptor is identified, we will have an insight into the real hypothalamic control of GH secretion in man. With this knowledge it is likely that some diagnostic and therapeutic actions that are commonly undertaken will significantly change.
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