Effects of Growth Hormone Administration on Muscle Strength and Body Composition in Men Over 50 Years Old

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The growth hormone (GH) secretion declines gradually with age, with studies demonstrating a progressive reduction of 14% secretion per decade of life beginning in the second decade. Other studies suggest a disruption in GH secretion in elderly people. These findings suggest a possible association between growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and the ageing process.GH replacement is well known to improve body composition, leading to a decrease in total body fat and an increase in lean body mass. However, GH replacement has only shown an effect on muscle strength in GH-deficient adults subjected to long-term GH therapy. Few studies have evaluated the effect of GH replacement on muscle strength in elderly people engaged in a program of exercise training.Our purpose is to evaluate the effect of GH therapy on muscle strength in healthy, non-sedentary men over 50 years old.

Detailed Description
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At baseline, subjects are submitted to evaluation of GH secretion, testosterone level, body composition, and muscle strength. Absence of GHD and normal testosterone levels were necessary for the inclusion in the study. These parameters will be evaluated after 6 months of GH use x placebo.

Official Title
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Effects of Growth Hormone Administration on Muscle Strength and Body Composition in Men Over 50 Years Old

Conditions
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Healthy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: growth hormone


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy and non-sedentary men aged 50-70 years Exclusion Criteria: pituitary disease, GH use in the last 12 months, severe acute disease, hepatic and/or renal chronic disease, uncontrolled systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, psychiatric disorders, history of cancer, non-treated hypogonadism and the presence of any other disease that could interfere with the somatotrophic axis.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 50 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: growth hormone<br>GH group received an initial dose of 0.5 units (UI)/day (0.2 mg/day), with readjustments to 1.0 UI/day (0.4 mg/day) and 1.5 UI/day (0.6 mg/day) after 1 and 2 months of treatment, respectively. The last GH dose will be maintained until the end of the study (6 months). | Drug: growth hormone<br>* GH group intervention: use of GH - initial dose of 0.5 UI/day (0.2 mg/day), with readjustments to 1.0 UI/day (0.4 mg/day) and 1.5 UI/day (0.6 mg/day) after 1 and 2 months of treatment, respectively. The last GH dose will be maintained until the end of the study. These GH dosages were based on the dose used for adults of the same age with GHD. Subjects will be re-evaluated after 6 months of GH therapy or placebo according to muscle strength and body composition .The other group received placebo using the same scheme as the GH group.<br>* Other names: somatotropin;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Muscle strength after GH replacement | Muscle strength is evaluated for the maximum strength based on the concept of maximum repetition (1 MR) (i.e., the maximum load that can be performed using the correct technique for an exercise).The exercises evaluated were bench press and leg press. To determine the load associated with 10 MR, each subject can initially performed 10 repetitions of each exercise with a sub maximum load, which is considered a load that was possible to mobilise. Then, the loads are progressively increased and with a maximum of 3 trials, the load of 10 MR is reached. During the 10 MR test, a 2-5 minute interval is provided between the attempts of each exercise. After the load was obtained for a determined exercise, intervals not less than 10 minutes were given before moving on to the next exercise. | after 6 months of GH replacement | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| body composition after growth hormone replacement | Body mass index is calculated using Quetelet's formula (weight/height2) and the percentage of body fat was calculated using the adipometer on seven cutaneous folds (tricipital, subscapular, suprailiac, pectoral, axillary, abdominal and thigh) according to the Pollock and Jackson protocol. Abdominal circumference is measured using a non-elastic tape at the greatest diameter between the last ribs and the iliac crests. The same person examined all subjects. | after 6 months of growth hormone | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Muscle Strength, Growth Hormone, men