Growth hormone regulates carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in a tissue-specific manner, and its decreased secretion in obesity may further contribute to metabolic abnormalities and fat accumulation.
Growth hormone (GH), a master regulator of somatic growth, also regulates carbohydrate and lipid metabolism via complex interactions with insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Data from human and rodent studies reveal the importance of GH in insulin synthesis and secretion, lipid metabolism and body fat remodeling. In this review, we will summarize the tissue-specific metabolic effects of GH, with emphasis on recent targets identified to mediate these effects. Furthermore, we will discuss what role GH plays in obesity and present possible mechanisms by which this may occur.
Vijayakumar et al. (2011) conducted a review in Metabolic effects of growth hormone and obesity. Growth hormone was evaluated. Growth hormone regulates carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in a tissue-specific manner, and its decreased secretion in obesity may further contribute to metabolic abnormalities and fat accumulation.