GH effect on enzyme activity of 11βHSD in abdominal obesity is dependent on treatment duration

• Published in: European journal of endocrinology Vol. 154; no. 1; pp. 69 - 74
• Main Authors: Sigurjónsdóttir, Helga Á, Koranyi, Josef, Axelson, Magnus, Bengtsson, Bengt-Åke, Johannsson, Gudmundur
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester European Society of Endocrinology 01.01.2006; Portland Press
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Clinical Studies; Endocrinopathies; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Medical sciences; Vertebrates: endocrinology; Obesity; Treatment; Adenohypophyseal hormone; Enzyme; Nutrition disorder; Somatotropin hormone; Biological activity; Endocrinology; Nutritional status; Abdomen
• ISSN: 0804-4643; 1479-683X
• DOI: 10.1530/eje.1.02061

Objective: In the past years the interaction of GH and 11βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD) in the pathogenesis of central obesity has been suggested. Design: We studied the effects of 9 months of GH treatment on 11βHSD activity and its relationship with body composition and insulin sensitivity in 30 men with abdominal obesity, aged 48–66 years, in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Methods: Urinary steroid profile was used to estimate 11βHSD type 1 and 2 (11βHSD1 and 11βHSD2) activities. Abdominal s.c. and visceral adipose tissues were measured using computed tomography. Glucose disposal rate (GDR) obtained during a euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic glucose clamp was used to assess insulin sensitivity. Results: In the GH-treated group the 11βHSD1 activity decreased transiently after 6 weeks (P < 0.01) whereas 11βHSD2 increased after 9 months of treatment (P < 0.05). Between 6 weeks and 9 months, GDR increased and visceral fat mass decreased. Changes in 11βHSD1 correlated with changes in visceral fat mass between baseline and 6 weeks. There were no significant correlations between 11βHSD1 and 11βHSD 2 and changes in GDR. Discussion: The study demonstrates that short- and long-term GH treatment has different effects on 11βHSD1 and 11βHSD2 activity. Moreover, the data do not support that long-term metabolic effects of GH are mediated through its action on 11βHSD.