Twenty-Four-Month rhGH Intervention: Insights into Redox Regulation, Vascular Biomarkers, and Body Composition in Adult GHD Patients

Background: Adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is linked to increased cardio-vascular and metabolic risk due to oxidative stress (OS), endothelial dysfunction, and adverse body composition. Long-term systemic effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy remain insufficiently defined. This study assessed the impact of 24-month rhGH replacement on OS, vascular markers, body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD) in adults with severe GHD. Methods: Fifteen adults with confirmed GHD received rhGH for 24 months. Serum insulin-like growth factor -1 (IGF-1), oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL), thioredoxin (Trx), 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1), E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were meas-ured at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Body composition and BMD were evaluated by DXA. Results: IGF-1 increased significantly at 12 and 24 months (p < 0.001). Ox-LDL decreased markedly (p < 0.00001), while Trx and OGG1 increased (p < 0.05). Levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 declined, indicating improved endothelial function. Lean body mass and BMD (lumbar spine and femoral neck) increased, whereas body fat percentage decreased. Lipid profiles were unchanged. Significant correlations were observed be-tween vascular markers and adiposity, and between BMD, triglycerides, and IGF-1. Conclusion: A 24-month rhGH therapy improves redox balance, vascular function, and body composition in adults with severe GHD, supporting the use of redox and vascular biomarkers to monitor treatment efficacy.