Exploring GHBP as a surrogate of GH activity in multimorbid older adults: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: With the rise of aging societies and complex multimorbidity, age related endocrine alterations such as insulin-like growth factor I (IGFI) deficiency gain clinical importance. Beyond reduced growth hormone (GH) secretion, GH resistance represents an additional mechanism contributing to IGF-I deficiency, potentially aggravating age-related diseases. PURPOSE: This study investigates whether multimorbid, high-aged patients with IGF-I deficiency exhibit a form of acquired peripheral GH resistance, as indicated by altered GH-binding protein (GHBP) concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional design we conducted a retrospective analysis of serum samples of 759 patients from the geriatric day clinic and acute geriatric ward of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich. RESULTS: The mean age was 81 years, with a mean baseline IGF-I of 85 ng/ml (corresponding to -0.07/-0.1 SDS in males/females), a mean GHBP concentration of 751 pM and a mean GH concentration of 1.68 ng/ml. Patients with IGF-I concentrations below 2 standard deviation score (SDS) exhibited significantly elevated GH alongside reduced GHBP, suggestive of a peripheral GH resistance (n = 48). In contrast, the subgroup (n = 26) with the highest IGF-I concentrations (up to 2 SDS), demonstrated elevated GH and high GHBP concentrations. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that low GHBP may indicate acquired peripheral GH resistance in a subset of multimorbid, high-aged patients. Further functional endocrine testing, including IGF-I generation test is necessary. Analysis of the subgroup with above-average IGF-I concentrations could provide insights into longevity and on the safety of GH and IGF-I treatment.