Association between Alanine Aminotransferase and Growth Hormone: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Short Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to examine the relationship between serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and growth hormone (GH) in children and adolescents with short stature. Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, 670 Chinese children and adolescents with short stature were included, and 253 of them received recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy. Anthropometric and biochemical indicators were measured. GH peak levels were assessed after provocation tests with L-dopa and insulin. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to the GH peak level. The association between the GH peak and ALT was analyzed. The change of ALT during rhGH therapy was assessed by a generalized additive mixed model. Results. Serum ALT and incidence of ALT elevation were both decreased across the GH tertiles (P = 0.002, 0.012, respectively). A univariate analysis showed that the GH peak was negatively associated with ALT (β: -0.12; 95%CI: -0.22, -0.02; P = 0.023). Furthermore, multiple linear stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that the GH peak was independently related to ALT after adjusting for other confounding variables (β: -0.12; 95%CI: -0.24, -0.00; P = 0.042). Besides, mean values of the change in ALT from baseline displayed that, during the early stages of rhGH treatment, serum ALT level indicated a temporary upward trend, but it subsequently gradually decreased (β: -0.16; 95%CI: -0.23, -0.09; P < 0.001). Conclusions. GH secretion level was strongly negatively correlated with ALT in short children and adolescents. And rhGH therapy could reduce ALT level over time.

Correlation between systolic blood pressure and alanine aminotransferase in children and adolescents with short stature based on growth hormone peak

“…In addition, a negative correlation was found between GH peak and ALT in subjects with GH peak <5 ng/mL. This nding is consistent with reports by Ji et al, who found that the GH secretion levels in children and adolescents with short stature were signi cantly and negatively correlated with ALT and that recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy reduced ALT levels [22] .…”

Off‐label use of letrozole in Chinese short pubertal boys: Effectiveness, safety, and exposure–response analysis

“…Skin diseases have been broadly described in postmenopausal women and correlate with letrozole‐induced changes in sex hormone levels 37 . Abnormal liver function has been observed in GH monotherapy patients; in the boy from this study, letrozole treatment was stopped, but he continued on GH after 15 days; liver function return to normal 38 . In prior studies, HDL‐C reductions within the normal range have been observed; here, four boys had HDL‐C reductions below the limit of 1.04 mmol/L 12 …”

“…37 Abnormal liver function has been observed in GH monotherapy patients; in the boy from this study, letrozole treatment was stopped, but he continued on GH after 15 days; liver function return to normal. 38 In prior studies, HDL-C reductions within the normal range have been observed; here, four boys had HDL-C reductions below the limit of 1.04 mmol/L. 12 ADRs should be closely monitored during letrozole therapy in Chinese pubertal boys.…”

Relationship between the Stimulated Peak Growth Hormone Level and Metabolic Parameters in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency

“…Few studies have evaluated the presence of NAFLD in GHD children due to the very low prevalence of NAFLD in young children. A recent study reported a negative association between PGH level and ALT level in short children and adolescents without NAFLD [36].…”