Growth hormone: a new therapy for heart failure?

There is now little doubt that growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) play a role in cardiac development and in cardiovascular physiology in adult life. Congenital lack of GH is associated with defective cardiac growth, ventricular wall thinning, and impaired systolic function. These abnormalities limit exercise capacity and contribute to the poor quality of life in patients with GH deficiency. In addition, studies with in vitro muscle preparations have shown that IGF-1 affects myocardial contractility by a direct mechanism. These findings suggested that GH would benefit patients affected by heart failure. Indeed, GH and/or IGF-1 have proven beneficial in various models of experimental heart failure. Tested in patients with classes II-IV heart failure, they improved cardiac performance and clinical status. These effects were associated with improved myocardial energetics and de-activation of the neurohormonal system. Because of the uncontrolled nature of the studies and the small number of cases examined, conclusions as to the effectiveness of GH and IGF-1 must await the results from larger trials.