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Growth hormone variants: A potential avenue for a better diagnostic characterization of growth hormone deficiency in children

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Abstract

Human GH (hGH) is a heterogeneous protein hormone consisting of several isoforms. This heterogeneity is the consequence of multiple hGH genes, mRNA splicing, post-translational modifications, and peripheral metabolism, and it represents one important reason for the disparity among GH assay results from different laboratories. However, other factors are involved: a) interference from endogenous GH binding proteins; b) different specificities of anti-GH (monoclonal and polyclonal) antibodies; c) different matrix effects among the calibrators; d) the use of different calibrators. The measurement of GH levels in response to provocative testing is an essential part of the diagnosis of GH deficiency. For this purpose, an accurate, reproducible and universally valid GH measurement would be highly desirable, but, despite a huge number of efforts in clinical biochemistry, this goal remains elusive.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

    A. E. Rigamonti MD, PhD, E. E. Müller & S. G. Cella

  2. Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy

    M. Bozzola & C. Meazza

  3. Department of Health Technologies, University of Milan, and Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, Milan, Italy

    G. Banfi

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  1. A. E. Rigamonti MD, PhD
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  2. M. Bozzola
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  3. G. Banfi
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Correspondence to A. E. Rigamonti MD, PhD.

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Rigamonti, A.E., Bozzola, M., Banfi, G. et al. Growth hormone variants: A potential avenue for a better diagnostic characterization of growth hormone deficiency in children. J Endocrinol Invest 35, 937–944 (2012). https://doi.org/10.3275/8647

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