The effect of anastrozole therapy on final height and sex hormone levels in pubertal boys receiving growth hormone therapy

ABSTRACT Objective: This research aimed to evaluate retrospectively the effect of anastrozole on height gain and sex hormone levels in pubertal boys receiving growth hormone (GH). Materials and methods: Pubertal boys who received both GH and anastrozole (GH+A) were one-to-one matched with boys who received only GH (GH-Only) for chronological and bone age, pubertal stage and height before the GH initiation, treatment duration and midparental height. Anthropometric measurements throughout treatment and adult heights were compared between the groups. Sex hormone levels were evaluated longitudinally in the GH+A group. Results: Forty-eight cases (24 in each group) were included. There was no statistical difference in adult height between the GH+A and GH-Only (p = 0.071). However, when the analysis was limited to those receiving anastrozole for at least 2 years, mean adult height was higher in the GH+A than in the GH-Only group (173.1 ± 6.2/169.8 ± 5.6 cm, p = 0.044). Despite similar growth rates between the two groups, bone age advancement was slower in the GH+A than in the GH-Only in a mean anastrozole treatment period of 1.59 years (1.37 ± 0.80/1.81 ± 0.98 years, p = 0.001). The greatest increase for FSH, LH, total and free testosterone and decrease for estradiol levels were observed in the third month after anastrozole was started, albeit remaining within the normal ranges according to the actual pubertal stages. Conclusions: Using anastrozole with GH for at least 2 years decelerates the bone age advancement resulting in adult height gain with no abnormality in sex hormone levels. These results suggest anastrozole can be used as an additional treatment to GH for further height gain in pubertal boys.

Effect of treatment with growth hormone on body composition and metabolic profile of short children born small for gestational age / Efeito do tratamento com hormônio de crescimento na composição corporal e no perfil metabólico de crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional com baixa estatura

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effect of recombinant growth hormone (rGH) on body composition and metabolic profile of prepubertal short children born small for gestational age (SGA) before and after 18 months of treatment. Methods: It is a clinical, non-randomized, and paired study. Children born SGA, with birth weight and/or length <-2 standard deviations (SD) for gestational age and sex, prepubertal, born at full term, of both genders, with the indication for treatment with rGH were included. The intervention was performed with biosynthetic rGH at doses ranging from 0.03 to 0.05 mg/kg/day, administered subcutaneously, once a day at bedtime. Total lean mass (LM) and total fat mass (FM) were carried out using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the metabolic profile was assessed for insulin, glycemia, IGF-1 levels and lipid profile. Results: Twelve patients (nine girls, 8.17±2.39 y) were evaluated; three patients dropped out of the study. There was an increase of LM adjusted for length (LMI) (p=0.008), LMI standard deviation score (SDS) adjusted for age and sex (p=0.007), and total LM (p<0.001). The percentage of body fat (BF%) and abdominal fat (AF) remained unaltered in relation to the beginning of treatment. Among the metabolic variables, blood glucose remained within normal levels, and there was a reduction in the number of participants with altered cholesterol (p=0.023). Conclusions: The effect of rGH treatment was higher on LM than in FM, with increased LM adjusted for length and standardized for age and sex. Glycemia remained within the normal limits, and there was a decreased number of children with total cholesterol above the recommended levels.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do hormônio de crescimento recombinante (rHC) na composição corporal e no perfil metabólico de crianças pré-púberes com baixa estatura, nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional (PIG) antes e depois de 18 meses de tratamento. Métodos: Estudo clínico, não randomizado e pareado. Foram incluídas crianças nascidas PIG, com peso e/ou altura ao nascer <-2 desvios padrão (DP) para idade gestacional e sexo, pré-púberes, nascidas a termo, de ambos os sexos, com indicação de tratamento com rGH. A intervenção foi realizada com rGH biossintético com doses variando de 0,03 a 0,05 mg/kg/dia, administrado por via subcutânea, uma vez ao dia ao deitar-se. A massa magra total (LM) e a massa gorda total (MG) foram determinadas por meio de absorciometria de raios X de dupla energia (DXA), e o perfil metabólico foi avaliado com dosagens de insulina, glicemia, IGF-1 e perfil lipídico. Resultados: Doze pacientes (nove meninas, 8,17±2,39 anos) foram avaliados; três pacientes abandonaram o estudo. Houve aumento da LM ajustada para estatura (LMI) (p=0,008), LMI standard deviation scores (SDS) ajustada para idade e sexo (p=0,007) e LM total (p<0,001). O percentual de gordura corporal (GC%) e gordura abdominal (AF) permaneceu inalterado em relação ao início do tratamento. Entre as variáveis metabólicas, a glicemia manteve-se na normalidade, e houve redução do número de participantes com colesterol alterado (p=0,023). Conclusões: O efeito do tratamento com HCr foi maior na MM do que na MG, com o aumento da MM ajustada para altura e padronizada para idade e sexo. A glicemia permaneceu normal e houve redução do número de crianças com colesterol total acima do recomendado.

Genetic diagnosis of congenital hypopituitarism in Turkish patients by a target gene panel: novel pathogenic variants in GHRHR, GLI2, LHX4 and POU1F1 genes

ABSTRACT Objective: Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is a rare disease characterized by one or more hormone deficiencies of the pituitary gland. To date, many genes have been associated with CH. In this study, we identified the allelic variant spectrum of 11 causative genes in Turkish patients with CH. Materials and methods: This study included 47 patients [21 girls (44.6%) and 26 boys (55.4%)] from 45 families. To identify the genetic etiology, we screened 11 candidate genes associated with CH using next-generation sequencing. To confirm and detect the status of the specific familial variant in relatives, Sanger sequencing was also performed. Results: We identified 12 possible pathogenic variants in GHRHR, GH1, GLI2, PROP-1, POU1F1, and LHX4 in 11 patients (23.4%), of which six were novel variants: two in GHRHR, two in POU1F1, one in GLI2, and one in LHX4. In all patients, these variants were most frequently found in GLI2, followed by PROP-1 and GHRHR. Conclusion: Genetic causes were determined in only 23.4% of all patients with CH and 63% of molecularly diagnosed patients (7/11) from consanguineous families. Despite advances in genetics, we were unable to identify the genetic etiology of most patients with CH, suggesting the effect of unknown genes or environmental factors. More genetic studies are necessary to understand the etiology of CH.

Tratamiento con hormona de crecimiento en niños nacidos pequeños para la edad gestacional. Experiencia de un centro / Growth hormone treatment in small for gestational age children. A single-center experience

Introducción. Los pequeños para la edad gestacional (PEG) suelen tener una talla final 1 DE bajo la media. Se diferencian tres grupos según antropometría al nacimiento: de peso reducido (PRN), de longitud reducida (LRN) o ambos. Objetivos. Describir las características de los pacientes PEG atendidos en el Servicio de Endocrinología Pediátrica de un hospital de tercer nivel, y analizar la evolución de niños PEG sin crecimiento recuperador a los 4 años de edad, en tratamiento con hormona del crecimiento (GH), según su diagnóstico. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes PEG atendidos desde 2004 hasta 2021. Resultados. Se estudiaron 89 PEG; 44/89 iniciaron tratamiento con GH (11/44 PRN, 8/44 LRN y 25/44 ambos). La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 3,87 años; la talla media al inicio del tratamiento fue de -2,99 DE en los PEG diagnosticados por PRN, -2,85 DE en aquellos diagnosticados por LRN y -3,17 DE en los diagnosticados por bajo PRN y LRN. La talla final fue de -1,77, -1,52 y -1,23 DE, respectivamente, lo que supone una ganancia total de 1,22, 1,33 y 1,93 DE, respectivamente, alcanzando así su talla diana con una diferencia de 0,36 ± 0,08 DE. Conclusión. Menos de la mitad de los PEG derivados a la consulta precisaron tratamiento con GH, por no tener la edad de 4 años aún, o haber completado el crecimiento recuperador. Aquellos pacientes PEG según peso y longitud al nacimiento presentaron percentiles peores al diagnóstico y una mayor respuesta a GH.

Introduction. Small for gestational age (SGA) children usually have a final height of 1 SD below the mean. Three groups are established based on anthropometric characteristics at birth: low birth weight (LBW), short birth length (SBL), or both. Objectives. To describe the characteristics of SGA patients seen at the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology of a tertiary care hospital and to analyze the course of SGA children without catch-up growth at 4 years of age who were receiving treatment with growth hormone (GH), according to their diagnosis. Methods. Retrospective study of SGA patients seen between 2004 and 2021. Results. A total of 89 SGA children were studied; 44/89 started treatment with GH (11/44 LBW, 8/44 SBL, and 25/44 both). Their mean age at diagnosis was 3.87 years; their mean height at treatment initiation was -2.99 SD in SGA children diagnosed by LBW, -2.85 SD in those with SBL, and -3.17 SD in those with both LBW and SBL. Their final height was -1.77, -1.52, and -1.23 SD, respectively, with a total gain of 1.22, 1.33, and 1.93 SD, respectively, thus reaching their target height with a difference of 0.36 ± 0.08 SD. Conclusion. Less than half of SGA children referred to the clinic required treatment with GH because they were not yet 4 years old or had not completed their catch-up growth. SGA patients according to birth weight and length had worse percentiles at diagnosis and a greater response to GH.

Growth hormone effect on body composition of children born small for gestational age: a systematic review

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of GH treatment on the body composition of children born with SGA. Methods This study is a systematic review of the literature. CINAHL, Embase; Medline/Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2022. Results Four studies met the inclusion criteria, with an intervention time of 1 to 3 years, using doses from 0.03 to 0.07 mg/kg/day of GH. Bone densitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with whole-body scans was the most used method to assess body composition. Most studies (n= 3) had SGA children as a control group with the same characteristics as the case group; the mean age was similar between the groups (minimum of 5.1 ± 1.4 years and maximum of 6.7 ± 1 0.8 years) and all participants had an average height ≤ -3DP. The Lean Mass (LM) and Fat Mass (FM) outcomes of the studies were not presented in a standardized manner; thus, they cannot be compared. There was a significant increase in LM in the group treated with GH in relation to the pre-treatment period and in comparison, to the untreated control group. Three studies showed a significant decrease in FM at the end of the intervention period, and in two studies, this decrease occurred in the control group. Conclusions Despite the differences in the presentation of results and in the evaluation periods, the results of the studies showed that growth hormone favors the gain and maintenance of lean mass, and it also affects fat mass reduction and redistribution.

Osteometabolic profile and bone mass in the transition phase: ethnic differences in Brazilians treated with somatropin during childhood

Abstract Objective: The main growth hormone action is to promote linear growth increasing protein synthesis stimulation and osteoblastic activity. Peak bone mass extends from adolescence to 30 years of age. Several factors may influence this acquisition and prevent fracture risk in adulthood, such as genetic potential, GH, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors. This study aims to compare bone mass and osteometabolic profile of white and Afro-descendant Brazilian adolescents in the transition phase, who were treated with human recombinant growth hormone in childhood. Methods: The authors selected 38 adolescents from the Transition Outpatient Clinic of the University of São Paulo. Lumbar spine and total body bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), serum calcium, 25-OH-vitamin D and bone markers were analyzed at the rhGH withdrawal. Results: The mean age was 16.8 ± 1.6 years. There were 21 Afro-descendant and 17 whites. Thirty-four percent of the sample presented vitamin D insufficiency, 66% inadequate calcium intake and 44.7% physical inactivity. The Afro-descendants showed a lower lumbar spine and total body Z scores than those of the whites (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively), as well as their mean body weight (p = 0.03). There were no differences in the remaining osteometabolic parameters. Conclusion: As most adolescents had vitamin D insufficiency, low calcium intake, and physical inactivity, calcium, and cholecalciferol supplementation and lifestyle changes should be encouraged. The Brazilian Afro-descendant may be a vulnerable group for low bone mass, requiring

Advances in genetic etiology of isolated growth hormone deficiency / 国际儿科学杂志

Isolated growth hormone deficiency(IGHD)is a growth disorder characterized by short stature.The etiology and pathogenesis of IGHD are still not fully understood.IGHD can be caused by congenital(heredity and/or malformations)or acquired(tumors, physical trauma, inflammation, brain infections, or radiation therapy)factors.The most common genes in its genetic etiology are the growth hormone 1(GH1)and growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor(GHRHR). In rare cases, IGHD may be caused by mutations in transcription factors such as HESX1, SOX3, OTX2, POU1F1, etc.The disease phenotype of IGHD patients is highly variable.Correct diagnosis and early treatment are crucial for the long-term prognosis of IGHD patients.This review mainly discusses advance of IGHD gene mutation and disease phenotype.

Advances in the pathogenesis and treatment of short stature in Noonan syndrome / 国际儿科学杂志

Noonan syndrome(NS)is an inherited disease involving multiple systems.The main clinical manifestations include distinctive facial features, short stature, heart defects, developmental delay and chest deformity.Short stature, reported in up to 70% of NS patients, is one of the main reasons NS patients seek medical treatment.The pathogenesis is associated with the up-regulation of RAS-mitogen activated protein kinase(RAS-MAPK)signal pathway.Further study is needed for some further specific mechanisms.Recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH)therapy has been approved for NS patients with short stature and has achieved a good therapeutic effect.However, the knowledge of drug dosage, influencing factors, long-term efficacy and risk of rhGH treatment is still insufficient.This paper reviews the pathogenesis and treatment of short stature in NS, providing help for the treatment and management of the disease.

A novel bioassay to assess bioactivity of PEG-rhGH using Nb2-11 cells / 药学学报

In this study, we established a novel bioassay to determine the activity of polyethylene glycolated recombinant human growth hormone (PEG-rhGH) using Nb2-11 cells. We performed experimental condition optimization and methodological verification, and then detected the relative potency of PEG-rhGH products using this method. We demonstrated that the bioactivity of PEG-rhGH in promoting Nb2-11 cell proliferation displays a dose-response relationship, which conformed to the four-parameter model. Using PEG-rhGH reference as a control, we analyzed the relative potency of six batches of PEG-rhGH products, as well as linearity, regression and parallelism of the obtained curves. The relative potency of six batches of PEG-rhGH products was 95% to 105%. These results implied that the new bioassay established may be employed in quality control of PEG-rhGH products.

Robinow syndrome and its response to growth hormone treatment / Síndrome de Robinow y su respuesta al tratamiento con hormona del crecimiento

Abstract Background: Robinow syndrome is a rare disease with short stature, characteristic phenotypical abnormalities, and intellectual integrity in most cases. Case report: We present the case of a 13-year and one-month-old male who came for medical consultation at 3 years of age due to short stature. Additionally, the patient showed craniofacial dysmorphia, congenital heart disease, and growth hormone deficiency. As per family history, the mother presented the same phenotype. The genetic study identified an unreported variant of the WNT5A gene. Conclusions: The patient initiated growth hormone treatment at a dose of 0.7 U/kg/week at 4 years of age with favorable results, increasing his height from the < 1st percentile to the 44th percentile.

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de Robinow es una enfermedad rara en la que se presentan estatura baja, anomalías fenotípicas características y, en la mayoría de los casos, integridad intelectual. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 13 años y 1 mes de edad quien acudió a consulta a los 3 años por estatura baja. Adicionalmente, el paciente presentaba dismorfias craneofaciales, cardiopatía congénita y deficiencia de hormona de crecimiento. Como antecedentes familiares, la madre presentó el mismo fenotipo. El estudio genético identificó una variante no reportada del gen WNT5A. Conclusiones: El paciente inició tratamiento con hormona del crecimiento a una dosis de 0.7 U/kg/semana a los 4 años de edad con resultados favorables, aumentando su estatura del percentil < 1 a percentil 44.

The relationship between serum leptin, insulin-like growth factor-1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels and clinical parameters in primary fibromyalgia patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of leptin, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and their relations with clinical parameters in patients with primary fibromyalgia and healthy controls. METHODS: Our study was performed on 30 female patients with primary fibromyalgia and 30 healthy controls. The levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 were measured by a two-site immunoradiometric assay. The serum level of leptin was measured by the ELISA kit. RESULTS: The serum level of leptin was significantly higher, but the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 were significantly lower in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome than healthy controls (p<0.001). The leptin level was positively correlated with the Visual Analog Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score, Beck Depression Inventory score, tender point count, age, and duration of disease (p<0.001), but it was negatively correlated with insulin-like growth factor-1 (p<0.001). The insulin-like growth factor-1 level was negatively correlated with age, Visual Analog Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory scores, duration of disease, and tender point count (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that high levels of serum leptin and low levels of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 may play a role in the physiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia and may be related to some symptoms.

Application of Design of Experiment in development of purification process of recombinant human growth hormone-Fc fusion protein / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#ObjectiveTo optimize the condition for anion exchange chromatography in purification process of recombinant human growth hormone-Fc(rhGH-Fc)fusion protein by Design of Experiment(DOE)so as to decrease the content of host cell protein(HCP)in bulk of protein.MethodsA complete factorial experimental design with four factors at two levels was established by the DOE in Minitab 19 software.The condition(flow rate,sample load,pH value of buffer and salt concentration of eluent)for anion exchange chromatography in purification process of rhGH-Fc was optimized by DOE to find out the operating space.ResultsThe experimental results were predicted accurately by the established DOE model.The sample load,pH value of buffer,salt concentration of eluent as well as the interaction of pH value of buffer and salt concentration of eluent showed significant influence on the HCP content in the harvest.The optimal sample load,flow rate as well as pH value and salt concentration of eluent were 15 mg/mL,120 cm/h,7.0 ～ 8.0 and 0.1 mol/L respectively.The HCP contents in eluents under the optimal condition were less than 400 ng/mg,which met the requirements for verification within the range of results in determined operating space.ConclusionThe condition for removal of HCP by anion exchange chromatography was successfully optimized by DOE,which provided a reference for further application of DOE in the biopharmaceutical field.

Optimization of glycosylation type of recombinant human growth hormone-Fc fusion protein expressed in CHO cells / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To optimize the expression of recombinant human growth hormone-Fc(rhGH-Fc)fusion protein in CHO cells in order to obtain better glycosylation ratio and lower content of highmannose.Methods CHO cells expressing rhGH-Fc were cultured in a 7 L bioreactor.The glycosylation modifications of rhGH-Fc were adjusted by improving the composition of feeding media(using three commercial media:Gly-1:EX-CELL Glycosylation Adjust,Gly-2:SHEFF-CHO PLUS PG ACF and Gly-3:EfficientFeed C + AGT Supplement & GlycanTune C + Total Feed),and the glycosylation type and proportion of the target proteins were analyzed by mass spectrometry.Results The G0F(main glycosylation types:G0,G1 and G2;F:fucose)of Gly-1,Gly-2 and Gly-3 were 32.89%,58.66% and 33.28%,the G1F were 31.39%,18.03%and 34.90%,and the G2F were 31.39%,18.03% and 34.90%,respectively.Gly-1 and Gly-3 made the target protein contain less G0F while more G2F;Gly-3 feeding scheme-showed less high mannose modification than the other two schemes.Conclusion Gly-1 medium changed the glycosylation modification from G0F to G1F and G2F,while Gly-2 medium changed that from G2F and G1F to G0F.However,Gly-3 medium changed the glycosylation modification from G0F to G1F and G2F,and the contentof high mannose was less than 5%,which may have a better effect on modifying glycosylation type and proportion of the target protein.

Laron syndrome: A tale of two siblings / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

@#Primary growth hormone (GH) resistance or growth hormone insensitivity syndrome, also called Laron syndrome, is a hereditary disease caused by mutations in the GH receptor or in the post-receptor signaling pathway. This disorder is characterized by postnatal growth failure resembling GH deficiency. Differentiating the two conditions is necessary. We present the cases of two siblings, a 16-year-old female and a 9-year-old male, born from a consanguineous union. Both had normal birth weights with subsequent severe short stature and delayed teeth eruption, with no features suggestive of any systemic illness. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) were both low. Suspecting GH deficiency, provocative testing with clonidine was done revealing peak growth hormone >40 ng/mL in both patients. In view of low IGF1 and IGFBP3 and high GH on stimulation, IGF1 generation test was done for both siblings, with values supporting the diagnosis of GH insensitivity or Laron syndrome.

Optimization and verification of size exclusion chromatography-high performance liquid chromatography for determination of recombinant human growth hormone-Fc immunofusion protein polymer / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To optimize and verify the size exclusion chromatography-high performance liquid chromatography(SEC-HPLC) method for the determination of recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH)-Fc immunofusion protein polymer.Methods The multimer content of rhGH-Fc immunofusion protein was detected by SEC-HPLC.The detection conditions(salt concentration,mobile phase pH,flow rate,column temperature and column model) were optimized to observe the separation effect of the target proteins and polymers.The system suitability,specificity,linearity and range,precision,accuracy and limit of quantification of the method were verified.Results The optimized method was to use TSK-gel G2000SW_(x1)column(5 μm,7.8 mm × 300 mm),mobile phase of 50 mmol/L phosphate buffer(pH 6.80),detection wavelength of280 nm,injection volume of 100 μL,flow rate of 0.6 mL/min and column temperature of 45 ℃.The resolution of rhGHFc immunofusion protein and polymer,the theoretical plate number and the tailing factor all met the requirements;the peak time of rhGH-Fc immunofusion protein was the same as that of the control,while the peak time of GH national standard was different from that of the control,and the protein buffer showed no peak;the concentration of rhGH-Fc immunofusion protein was in the range of 0.307～1.842 mg/mL with good linear correlation between the peak area integral value and the injection volume(R~2=0.999 4);the RSD of peak area and purity in repeatability verification were 0.7% and 0.1%,respectively;the RSD of intermediate precision verification was 0.8%;the average recovery rate of accuracy verification was 99.1% with the RSD of 1.9%;the limit of quantification was 6 μg/mL.Conclusion The optimized SEC-HPLC method was used to detect the content of polymer in rhGH-Fc immunofusion protein with improved accuracy,and the column efficiency and separation were in accordance with the relevant requirements of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(Volume Ⅳ,2020edition),which could be used for the detection of polymer content in samples.

Development and verification of whole-column imaging capillary isoelectric focusing electrophoresis analysis method for charge heterogeneity of human growth hormone Fc fusion protein / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To develop and verify a whole-column image capillary isoelectric focusing(iCIEF) electrophoresis method to analyze the charge heterogeneity of recombinant human growth hormone Fc fusion protein(Fc-rhGH).Methods The iCIEF analysis method of Fc-rhGH was developed by optimizing the target protein concentration,cosolvent(urea)concentration and focusing time.The target protein was simultaneously analyzed by this method and traditional flat plate isoelectric focusing(IEF) electrophoresis,and the results were compared;The specificity,accuracy,precision,limit of quantitation(LOQ) and durability of the developed method were verified.Results The optimized method was using the mixed solution of 8 mol/L urea,0.35% methyl cellulose(MC),4% amphoteric electrolyte and 0.5% isoelectric point marker as the sample buffer,and the focusing condition was 1 500 V 1 min,3 000 V 5.5 min.IEF was not suitable for analyzing the charge heterogeneity of Fc-rhGH solution.Using the optimized iCIEF for analysis,the target protein was significantly different from the unrelated protein,and the baseline of blank reagent was stable;The recovery rate of accuracy verification was within 90%～110%,and the linear range was 0.25～0.75 mg/mL(50%～150% of the target loading volume);The RSD of each isomer pI in the repeatability verification was less than 0.3%,and the RSD of peak area percentage was less than 5%;The LOQ was 0.04 mg/ml.The sample storage time durability,amphoteric electrolyte pharmalyte 3-10 durability and MC durability of this method were good.Using this method to analyze the charge heterogeneity of Fc-rhGH physicochemical reference substance,eight charge heterogeneities of the reference substance were effectively separated,and the pI ranged from 5.9 to 6.4.Conclusion The developed iCIEF method had good specificity,accuracy,precision and durability,and was more suitable for efficient analysis of charge heterogeneity of Fc-rhGH than traditional flat plate IEF,which was of great significance for the quality control of Fc-rhGH and other Fc fusion proteins.

Reporter gene assay for detection of biological activity of human growth hormone / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To develop and verify a reporter gene assay(RGA) for the detection of biological activity of human growth hormone(hGH).Methods The biological activity of hGH was evaluated by the expression of luciferase(Luc)activated by hGH binding to hGH receptor(hGHR) on HEK293/GH-Luc cell membrane.The developed detection conditions were as follows:the initial concentration of sample was 1 μg/mL;the cell inoculation amount was(2.45～2.66) × 10~4 cells/well;the sample was of 3-fold serial dilution,with a total of 8 dilutions and the incubation time was 18～24 h.The relative biological activity of the sample was calculated by measuring Luc intensity and comparing it with the national standard by four-parameter fitting.The developed method was verified for specificity,repeatability,intermediate precision,relative accuracy,linear range and durability.Results The excipient components in product and the serum components in culture medium showed no effect on the activity detection results;The geometric coefficient of variation(GCV) of relative titer of one batch of samples in six repeated detections was 6.794%,much lower than 20%.The relative titer GCV detected by two experimenters in different batches of samples at different times were both lower than 20%;The relative deviations of the relative titer determination values of samples at different concentrations were within ±12%,the slope of linear regression equation was 0.982,the linear range was 0.6～1.6 μg/mL,and the coefficient of determination(R~2) was 0.997;The GCV of three batches of stock solutions and one batch of finished products were 4.758%,4.430%,7.294% and 2.771% respectively under the conditions of different cell generation,cell density and sampling location,all of which were less than 20%.Conclusion The developed RGA showed good specificity,repeatability,intermediate precision,relative accuracy,linear range and durability,which met the application requirements and was expected to replace the traditional in vivo biological activity detection methods for the activity evaluation and quality control of hGH.

Correlation analysis of anterior pituitary hormone and tumor size in patients with pituitary adenomas / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To summarize the correlation between anterior pituitary function and tumor size in patients with different hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas.Methods:This was a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 1 946 patients with pituitary adenoma hospitalized in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2020, were collected. The correlation between tumor size and anterior pituitary hormone levels was analyzed using Spearman rank correlation analysis in different types of pituitary adenomas.Results:The median age of the 1 946 patients was 45.1 years, of which 857 (44.0%) were men. The maximum tumor diameter of the patients [ M ( Q1, Q3)] was 22 (14, 30) mm. Tumor size in nonfunctioning adenomas ( n=1 191) was negatively correlated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) ( r=-0.11, P<0.001), growth hormone ( r=-0.13, P<0.001), and luteinizing hormone (men: r=-0.26, P<0.001, women: r=-0.31, all P<0.001). The tumor size of somatotropic adenomas ( n=297) was positively correlated with growth hormone ( r=0.46, P<0.001), but negatively correlated with male testosterone ( r=-0.41, P<0.001). The tumor size of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas ( n=155) was positively correlated with the ACTH level at 8∶00 AM ( r=0.25, P<0.001); however, no correlation was found with cortisol at 8∶00 AM ( P>0.05). The tumor size of prolactinomas ( n=303) was positively correlated with the prolactin level (men: r=0.34, P=0.001; women: r=0.13, P=0.070). Conclusions:The correlation between the function of the anterior pituitary and size of the tumor depends on the cellular origin of the pituitary adenoma and specific type of hormone secretion. In somatotroph adenomas, ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas, and prolactinomas, there is a positive correlation between tumor size and level of hormones secreted by the corresponding tumors. In patients with nonfunctioning adenomas, the tumor size was negatively correlated with the hormone levels of the pituitary-adrenal and pituitary-growth hormone axes.

The effect of adult growth hormone deficiency on cognitive function / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of adult growth hormone deficiency on cognitive function in adults.Methods:A total of 19 hypophyseal or craniopharyngioma patients who underwent surgical treatment and were diagnosed with adult growth hormone deficiency in Department of Endocrinolog, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University from June 2017 to June 2018 were selected as the case group, and 19 normal people were included as the control group. All the members were assessed with the cognitive function scale and brain functional magnetic resonance examination, data between the groups were analyzed.Results:The body weight within a year of case group was significantly increased than that of the control group( P=0.017). Compared with the control group, the case group was relatively inattentive and had decreased memory(Time of stroop color words test-a, test-c, and trail-making test-A, P values were 0.009, 0.018, 0.020 respectively; Auditory word learning test N6, P=0.008). The executive function and language ability of the case group were weakened compared with the control group(Raven′s matrices score E1-E12, P=0.022; Time cost and the number of arrivals in 1 min of connection test B, P values were 0.023, 0.004; Symbol digit modalities test, P=0.037; The number of words spoken in 46-60 s and total number in 0-60 s of the case group was less than the control, P values were 0.030, 0.006). The general mental state of the case group was worse than the control group( P=0.018). The accuracy of the 2-back task of the case group was significantly lower and the activation signal of the left frontal lobe in the case group was significantly weaker( P<0.005). Conclusions:Adult growth hormone deficiency may increase obesity risk and have a detrimental influence on patients′ overall mental health, resulting in varying degrees of cognitive impairment. Working memory impairments associated with adult growth hormone deficiency may be a result of decreased frontal lobe brain activity.

Actively separated microneedle patch for sustained-release of growth hormone to treat growth hormone deficiency

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) has become a serious healthcare burden, and presents a huge impact on the physical and mental health of patients. Here, we developed an actively separated microneedle patch (PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN) based on silk protein for sustained release of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). Silk protein, as a friendly carrier material for proteins, could be constructed in mild full-water conditions and ensure the activity of rhGH. After manually pressing PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN patch to skin for 1 min, active separation is achieved by absorbing the interstitial fluid (ISF) to trigger HCO3 ‒ in the active backing layer to produce carbon dioxide gas (CO2). In rats, the MN patch could maintain the sustained release of rhGH for more than 7 days, and produce similar effects as daily subcutaneous (S.C.) injections of rhGH in promoting height and weight with well tolerated. Moreover, the PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN patch with the potential of painless self-administration, does not require cold chain transportation and storage possess great economic benefits. Overall, the PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN patch can significantly improve patient compliance and increase the availability of drugs, meet current unmet clinical needs, improve clinical treatment effects of GHD patients.