Extract

A complex relationship exists between disease of the cardiovascular system and a spectrum of neural and humoral factors. Recently, the modulating role of hormones, such as thyroid hormone (1–4), in the atherosclerotic process has been emphasized. However, several other hormones in addition to thyroid hormone may contribute to atherogenesis, thereby constituting a key element in the concept of cardiovascular endocrinology (5). Recently, evidence has been provided to suggest that disturbances of the pituitary GH axis and its mitogenic partners, including IGF-I and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP), are critical actors in the initiation of the atherosclerotic process (6–8). Indeed, disturbances in the GH axis/IGF system appear to be intimately related to the perturbed postprandial lipoprotein metabolism that is typical of subjects presenting premature atherosclerosis (9, 10). Furthermore, a high baseline plasma GH concentration is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (11, 12). These observations suggest a U-shaped relationship between disturbances in the GH axis/IGF system and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

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