Modulating effect of human growth hormone on tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β

We measured serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as well as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and GH concentrations in 15 children with isolated growth hormone deficiency (GHD), age range 5.1-13.9 years, before and 4 and 24 h after the first GH injection (0.1 IU/kg s.c.). No differences were found in basal concentrations of serum TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta between GHD children (10.01+/-1.55 pg/ml and 2.14+/-0.16 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-1 beta values had significantly increased (P<0.002) 4 h (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 24 h 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-1 beta (P<0.05). However, no correlation was found between serum GH concentration and either TNF-alpha or IL-1 beta levels 4 and 24 h after GH administration. Our data suggest that GH plays a role in modulating TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta release in humans.