Modulating effect of human growth hormone on tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta

We measured serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as well as interleukin-1betta (IL-1beta) and GH concentrations in 15 children with isolated growth hormone deficiency (GHD), age range 5.1-13.9 years, before and 4 and 24h after the first GH injection (0.1 IU/kg s.c.). No differences were found in basal concentrations of serum TNF-alpha and IL-1beta between GHD children (10.01 +/- 1.55 pg/ml and 2.14 +/- .16 ng/ml respectively) and sex- and age-matched controls (11.57 +/- 2.16 pg/ml and 3.78 +/- 1.46 ng/ml respectively). In GHD children, serum TNF-alpha and IL-1beta values had significantly increased (P < 0.002) 4h (26.75 +/- 5.57 pg/ml and 2.99 +/- 0.21 ng/ml respectively) and decreased again 24 h after GH administration. Likewise, serum GH levels had significantly increased 4 h (from 1.29 +/- 0.69 to 48.71 +/- 13.35 ng/ml, P < 0.001) and decreased to basal values 24h after GH administration. A significant correlation was found between basal serum concentrations of GH and those of both TNF-alpha (P < 0.01) and IL-1beta (P < 0.05). However, no correlation was found between serum GH concentration and either TNF-alpha or IL-1beta levels 4 and 24h after GH administration. Our data suggest that GH plays a role in modulating TNF-alpha and IL-1beta release in humans.