[Bone and hormones. Effects of growth hormone on bone tissue in adults].

GROWTH HORMONE INSUFFICIENCY: Bone mass is reduced and bone remodeling diminished in case of growth hormone insufficiency. ACROMEGALY: In acromegaly, cortical bone mass increases due to excessive growth hormone. The effect on trabecular bone is less well established. ON THE CELLULAR LEVEL: Growth hormone stimulates the bone formation action of osteoblasts and their synthesis of insulin-like growth factor I. EFFECTS OF TREATMENT: Contradictory results have been obtained in adults treated with growth hormone for insufficiency. Generally, markers of bone remodeling are increased, but the effect on bone density is less clear. Long-term studies are needed. EFFICACY OF GROWTH HORMONE TREATMENT ON OSTEOPOROSIS: Growth hormone has been found to have an effect. Several randomized trials have demonstrated moderate increases in bone density.