Cognition in the adult with childhood-onset GH deficiency

Abstract

The GH/IGF1 axis may play an important role in cognitive function. This theory is supported by the finding that both GH and IGF1 receptors are located in several brain areas such as the hippocampus, a brain area that is known to play an essential role in cognitive processes, especially memory and learning. However, the exact mechanism by which the GH/IGF1 axis influences the cognitive functions is still unknown. Furthermore, little is known about the cognition in adults with both childhood-onset and adult-onset GH deficiency (CO-GHD and AO-GHD). Recent data indicate that cognitive function, particularly attention and memory, in adults with GHD might be impaired. To date, only a limited number of studies have been conducted to study the effects of GH replacement therapy on cognitive function in adults with GHD. In this paper, the results of studies on cognitive functioning in GHD patients, in particular the results of the studies performed in adults with CO-GHD, and the effects of GH replacement therapy in these patients, will be discussed. European Journal of Endocrinology 159 S53-S57

MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Lessons from growth hormone receptor gene-disrupted mice: are there benefits of endocrine defects?

“…In childhood or adult-onset GHD because of pituitary dysfunction, a decline in neurocognitive functionalities like cognition, memory, motivation, attention, and sleep, and overall quality of life (QoL) have been observed. GH replacement therapy showed significant improvements in these variables (254,285,286,287,288,289,290,291,292). Similar observations were also made following GH treatment in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (293).…”

Growth Hormone Prevents the Memory Deficit Caused by Oxidative Stress in Early Neurodegenerative Stage in Rats

“…We found that treatment with GH alone shows a tendency to facilitate the execution of two tasks in 7, 15, and 30 days (Figures 1(b) and 2(b)) and activates the expression of IGF-I (Figure 3(a)). This is in agreement with previous studies showing that GH participates in the improvement of the memory function [6,19]. In addition, GH has been reported to reduce oxidative stress in the central nervous system [10,11].…”

GH in the Central Nervous System: Lessons from the Growth Hormone Receptor Knockout Mouse

“…Supraphysiologic GH levels in acromegaly have neither proved to be beneficial nor detrimental to brain function. Some researchers believe that the emerging picture for adult GHD patients is one of impaired cognition, however, there is limited data and further study is needed [63]. In Laron patients, the variety of psychological presentations, particularly the diverse phenotypes associated with different molecular defects of the GHR gene, further confounds the role of GH in the brain.…”