Ocular findings in adult subjects with an inactivating mutation in GH releasing hormone receptor gene

Augusto C.N. Faro, Virginia M. Pereira-Gurgel, Roberto Salvatori, Viviane C. Campos, Gustavo B. Melo, Francielle T. Oliveira, Alecia A. Oliveira-Santos, Carla R.P. Oliveira, Francisco A. Pereira, Ann Hellström, Luís A. Oliveira-Neto, Eugenia H.O. Valença, Manuel H. Aguiar-Oliveira

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective Ocular function is fundamental for environmental adaptation and survival capacity. Growth factors are necessary for a mature eyeball, needed for adequate vision. However, the consequences of the deficiency of circulating growth hormone (GH) and its effector insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) on the physical aspects of the human eye are still debated. A model of untreated isolated GH deficiency (IGHD), with low but measurable serum GH, may clarify this issue. The aim of this study was to assess the ocular aspects of adult IGHD individuals who have never received GH therapy. Design Cross sectional study. Methods Setting: University Hospital, Federal University of Sergipe, Brazil. Patients: Twenty-five adult (13 males, mean age 50.1 years, range 26 to 70 years old) IGHD subjects homozygous for a null mutation (c.57 + 1G > A) in the GHRH receptor gene, and 28 (15 males, mean age 51.1 years, range 26 to 67 years old) controls were submitted to an endocrine and ophthalmological assessment. Forty-six IGHD and 50 control eyes were studied. Main outcome measures: Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, refraction (spherical equivalent), ocular axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), vitreous depth (VD), mean corneal curvature (CC) and central corneal thickness (CCT). Results IGHD subjects exhibited unmeasurable serum IGF-I levels, similar visual acuity, intraocular pressure and LT, higher values of spherical equivalent and CC, and lower measures of AL, ACD, VD and CCT in comparison to controls, but within their respective normal ranges. While mean stature in IGHD group was 78% of the control group, mean head circumference was 92% and axial AL was 96%. Conclusions These observations suggest mild ocular effects in adult subjects with severe IGF-I deficiency due to non-treated IGHD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8-12
Number of pages5
JournalGrowth Hormone and IGF Research
Volume34
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2017

Keywords

  • Eye size
  • GH deficiency
  • Visual acuity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

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