Colleagues, the following is FYI and does not necessarily reflect my own
opinion. I have no further knowledge of the topic.
------------------------
Public release date: 11-Mar-2005
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-03/es-ght031105.php
Contact: Tadu Yimam
[log in to unmask]
301-941-0251
Endocrine Society
Growth hormone treatment improves symptoms of metabolic disorder in
postmenopausal women
Researchers in Sweden have discovered that growth hormone (GH) treatment
may result in the reduction of multiple metabolic disorders associated
with abdominal obesity in postmenopausal women. Published in today in
the March issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism,
these findings demonstrate the important role growth hormone treatment
may play in reducing serious metabolic conditions, such as diabetes and
heart disease.
Typically, GH is known for its importance in the growth of a child, but
it also has powerful metabolic effects in adults. A previous trial of GH
treatment in men with abdominal obesity demonstrated reduction in
abdominal fat mass and beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and
lipids. Many postmenopausal women experience a natural increase in
obesity, particularly an increase of intra-abdominal fat, which refers
to fat that is stored in and around the internal organs.
Dr. Gudmundur Johannsson and his research team at the Sahlgrenska
University Hospital in Sweden investigated the effect of GH treatment
for one year on insulin sensitivity in postmenopausal women with
abdominal adiposity. They also studied the effects of the hormone on
abdominal fat, hepatic fat content and size of the thigh muscle area.
The team discovered that the GH treatment in postmenopausal women
significantly reduced their intra-abdominal fat, increased thigh muscle
area, reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration,
and improved insulin sensitivity. The placebo group did not experience
these positive results.
"Previous research has shown that obesity is linked to metabolic
syndrome, which has several known risk factors including high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, increased levels of fasting glucose
and an increase in waist circumference," explains Dr. Johansson. "The
results of our study suggest that growth hormone treatment has a
favorable effect on multiple metabolic disorders associated with
abdominal obesity in postmenopausal women."
This information may offer a treatment option for doctors who treat
postmenopausal women and may reduce the metabolic consequences
associated with intra-abdominal fat accumulation.
--
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD < [log in to unmask] >
"Ask the Parkinson Dietitian" http://www.parkinson.org/
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease"
"Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy"
http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/
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