Effect of recombinant human GH on circulating granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and neutrophils in patients with adult GH deficiency

Abstract

Background: We previously reported that short-term continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSI) of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) increased plasma erythropoietin levels and hemoglobin concentrations in patients with adult GH deficiency. In the present study, we investigated the effect of rhGH on plasma granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) levels and neutrophil counts in patients with adult GH deficiency. Methods: rhGH was administrated for 1 year in six patients with adult GH deficiency (age range, 24–69 years; mean ± s.e.m., 51.7 ± 5.8 years; two males and four females) by means of CSI at a rate of 0.25 U/kg per week. Blood samples were obtained in the morning after overnight fasting every month before and after the start of rhGH administration. Plasma GH, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and G-CSF levels, and neutrophil counts, were measured. Results: Mean ( ± s.e.m.) plasma GH levels increased from 0.26 ± 0.14 to 2.28 ± 0.20 μg/l 1 month after the start of rhGH administration. An increase of the plasma GH levels was accompanied by an increase in the plasma IGF-I levels from 64.7 ± 8.5 to 293.3 ± 80.6 μg/l. Plasma G-CSF levels increased at 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 months after the start of rhGH administration compared with 28.6 ± 11.0 ng/l at time 0. The neutrophil counts increased at 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12 months after the start of rhGH administration compared with 2822 ± 377 neutrophils/μl at time 0. Conclusion: rhGH administration increased plasma G-CSF levels and neutrophil counts. GH and/or IGF-I might stimulate neutrophil production and/or release via G-CSF.