Growth Hormone (GH) and Wound Healing

Abstract

Wound healing is complex and numerous factors overlap perfectly with the goal of wound closure. Among them, we will focus on a large amount of experimental and clinical evidence on the action of GH in wound repair. We will analyze how the physiological rhythm of GH secretion influences this process, and also one of the most important signaling pathways that mediate the effects of GH on tissue regeneration. The role of IGF-1 and the factors that stimulate GH secretion and that have also been shown to improve healing will also be reviewed. In addition, it will be analyzed the cellular senescence process, which plays a key role in nonhealing wounds associated with chronic diseases. The benefit of GH in this last circumstance is especially important. The lesions associated with catabolic states, mainly burns, are considered a delicate situation in which it is extraordinarily difficult to act with growth factors due to the fragile situation of these patients, often children. The positive action of GH in these states will also be described. In summary, we will analyze many evidences about the beneficial effects of GH and its main secretagogues in the healing of wounds.

Topical Clonidine Accelerates Cutaneous Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats by Regulating the Expression of Related Cytokine Signaling

“…Noteworthy among these factors are vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), and Stromal cell-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1), collectively orchestrating tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. GH, functioning as a regulatory maestro, elevates the expression and availability of these growth factors, thereby fostering an environment optimally conducive to accelerating wound healing [ 27 ]. In another study, independent of GH, clonidine demonstrated an increase in VEGF and VEGF receptor expression, along with a concurrent reduction in lung inflammation, ultimately culminating in the amelioration of lung tissue repair [ 9 ].…”

The Inflammatory Pattern of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in Muscles: The TNF-α Hypothesis

“…The GHAS study, a phase III randomized controlled trial, was designed to test the benefit of low dose of GH (0.4 mg per day, 5 days a week, during 2 months) for wound healing and rest pain relief in CLTI patients compared to placebo or control group, in which an injection of serum was administered with the same protocol instead of GH [ 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Blood samples were extracted for the determination of plasma biomarkers at the beginning of the study (basal) and after two months of treatment initiation (final).…”

Genetics of Vascular Inflammation in Lower Limb Ischemia: The TNF-α Hypothesis in Peripheral Arterial Disease

“…From January 2016 to December 2018, all patients with diagnosis of CLTI who met inclusion criteria were enrolled in the Growth Hormone Angiogenic Study (GHAS) trial. The GHAS study, a phase III randomized controlled trial, was designed to test the benefit of low dose of GH for wound healing and rest pain relief in CLTI [27][28][29]. Blood samples were extracted for the determination of plasma biomarkers at the beginning of the study (basal) and after two months of treatment initiation (final).…”