Integrated concentrations of growth hormone, insulin, C-peptide and prolactin in human obesity

Mary T. Meistas, Giraud V. Foster, Simeon Margolis, A. Avinoam Kowarski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

Twenty-four hour integrated concentrations of growth hormone (IC-GH) were significantly lower in young, obese subjects than in young subjects who were lean. Significant inverse correlations were found between IC-GH and body mass index (BMI) as well as the IC-GH and the 24 hr integrated concentrations of insulin (IC-I) and C-peptide (IC-C) in obese subjects below 30 yr of age. Since IC-GH decreases with age, the effect of obesity on IC-GH could not be demonstrated in the older subjects; a weak inverse correlation (p < 0.05) between IC-GH and IC-C was found. Prolactin was significantly lower in the older subjects but did not correlate with IC-GH and was similar in lean and obese. Lipid deposition in adipose cells is promoted by high concentrations of insulin as well as low concentrations of growth hormone. We found a significant correlation between the IC-I IC-GH ratio and BMI of both the young and older subjects. Correlations between these two factors do not necessarily imply a cause and effect relationship. It is plausible, however, that the elevated IC-I IC-GH of the obese may facilitate their lipid storage and counter their efforts at weight reduction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1224-1228
Number of pages5
JournalMetabolism
Volume31
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1982
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Integrated concentrations of growth hormone, insulin, C-peptide and prolactin in human obesity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this