Endocrine Abstracts

Hypothalamic GH releasing hormone (GHRH) has hypnotic actions by increasing slow wave sleep (SWS) (non-rapid eye movement sleep, non-REM), which account for about 75% of sleep. Conversely, GH may stimulate the rapid eye movement sleep (REM). Patients with GH deficiency (GHD) often exhibit sleep problems leading to daytime fatigue and reduced quality of life (QoL). We have described a cohort of patients with isolated GHD (IGHD) due to GHRH resistance caused by a homozygous null...

Ocular function is fundamental for environmental adaptation and survival capacity. Growth factors are thought to be necessary to reach a mature eyeball and consequent 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) may clarify this issue. The aim of this study was to ...

Mice with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) due to GHRH receptor mutations live longer than their normal siblings with an extended healthspan, i.e., the period of life free from disabilities. Human IGHD individuals due to a mutation in the GHRH receptor gene from Itabaianinha, Brazil, has a normal lifespan with an extended healthspan (1). Our hypothesis is that their aging is accompanied by a delayed cognitive decline. Accordingly, we used the Literacy Independent Cognitive Assess...

Population aging has become a universal worldwide phenomenon. Developing countries (such as Portuguese-speaking countries, with a high rate of illiteracy) will see the greatest increase in the absolute number of elderly people, and dementia disorders will pose enormous challenges to public health in these countries. Although the decline in GH secretion with age has been associated with deleterious conditions of aging, our understanding is the opposite, that the decline in GH s...