GH-deficient humans exhibit decreased skeletal growth and an increased risk of bone fractures. The relationship between growth hormone (GH) deficiency and bone strength is complex. This is highlighted in a study by Evans and colleagues who looked at whether elevated adiposity and hyperleptinaemia play a role in the impairment of bone integrity, using moderately or profoundly GH-deficient rats. They found that bone structure is impaired more in moderately GH-deficient rats than profoundly GH-deficient rats. Further, diet-induced obesity makes a negligible contribution to femoral trabecular architecture, suggesting that leptin influences bone by several mechanisms. Evans et al. (2011) Journal of Endocrinology 208 69-79.

Read the full article at DOI: 10.1677/JOE-10-0178.