Long-acting PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone (Jintrolong) for children with growth hormone deficiency: phase II and phase III multicenter, randomized studies.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the efficacy and safety of a weekly pegylated human growth hormone (PEG-rhGH) (Jintrolong) vs daily rhGH for children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). DESIGN: Phase II and III, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trials. METHODS: 108 and 343 children with treatment-naive GHD from 6 hospitals in China were enrolled in the phase II and III studies respectively. Patients in the phase II study were randomized 1:1:1 to weekly Jintrolong (0.1 mg/kg/week PEG-rhGH complex), weekly Jintrolong (0.2 mg/kg/week PEG-rhGH complex) or daily rhGH (0.25 mg/kg/week) for 25 weeks. Patients in the phase III study were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to weekly Jintrolong (0.2 mg/kg/week) or daily rhGH (0.25 mg/kg/week) for 25 weeks. The primary endpoint for both studies was height velocity (HV) increase at the end of treatment. Other growth-related parameters, safety and compliance were also monitored. RESULTS: The phase II study established the preliminary efficacy, safety and recommended dose of Jintrolong PEG-rhGH. In the phase III study, we demonstrated significantly greater HV increases in patients receiving Jintrolong treatment (from 2.26 ± 0.87 cm/year to 13.41 ± 3.72 cm/year) vs daily rhGH (from 2.25 ± 0.82 cm/year to 12.55 ± 2.99 cm/year) at the end of treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, significantly greater improvement in the height standard deviation scores was associated with Jintrolong throughout the treatment (P < 0.05). Adverse event rates and treatment compliance were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Jintrolong PEG-rhGH at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg/week for 25 weeks is effective and safe for GHD treatment and is non-inferior to daily rhGH.

Therapeutic effects of growth hormone combined with low-dose stanozolol on growth velocity and final height of girls with Turner syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Turner syndrome (TS), which is characterized by short stature and gonadal dysfunction, is managed by pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) combined with low-dose stanozolol on the growth and final adult height (FAH) of girls with Turner syndrome (TS). DESIGN: Prospective study. PATIENTS: A total of 44 girls with TS were treated with rhGH (47·6-52·4 µg/kg/day) and low-dose stanozolol (20-35 µg/kg/day), starting at a mean age of 12·65 ± 1·99 year. The control group consisted of 22 girls with TS, who did not receive treatment. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects' growth velocity (GV) was investigated. Height standard deviation score (HtSDS) was calculated relative to healthy Chinese girls (HtSDSN or ) as well as untreated Chinese girls with TS (HtSDSTS ). Post-treatment follow-up was performed until the subjects achieved FAH or near FAH. RESULTS: FAH was significantly higher in subjects receiving treatment compared to the untreated controls (151·42 vs 137·75 cm, P < 0·001). GV was significantly higher in the first to fourth years of treatment compared to baseline values (P < 0·001); it was significantly lower in the second to fourth years of treatment compared to the first year (P < 0·001). CONCLUSIONS: In girls with TS, 9-12 years of age, rhGH combined with low-dose stanozolol may effectively increase growth. At least a 2-year course of this treatment may effectively improve FAH with proper delay of oestrogen-induced development.

Post-receptor crosstalk between growth hormone and insulin signal in rats born small for gestational age with catch-up growth.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance has been observed in individuals born small for gestational age (SGA) with catch-up growth (CUG), yet the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This study examined the role of GH and insulin signaling crosstalk in insulin resistance of SGA rats with CUG. DESIGN AND METHODS: SGA rats were developed by dietary restriction in pregnant rats. GH receptor inhibition was performed on four-week old CUG-SGA and AGA rats. Phosphorylation of IRS-1, AKT, and ERK, and expression of SOCS3 in the skeletal muscle were determined via immunoblot analysis at baseline and after insulin stimulation in CUG-SGA, NCUG-SGA and AGA groups. RESULTS: Compared to AGA controls, phosphorylation of IRS-1 and AKT in response to insulin stimulation in CUG-SGA rats was significantly blunted (P<0.05), and phosphorylation of ERK at baseline was dramatically activated (P<0.05). SOCS3 expression was significantly increased in CUG-SGA compared to AGA (P = 0.001) and NCUG-SGA (P = 0.006) rats, and was significantly suppressed following GHR inhibition (P<0.05). Furthermore, phosphorylation of IRS-1 and AKT in response to insulin stimulation increased after GHR inhibition (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance in CUG-SGA rats is associated with impairment of IRS-1-PI3K-AKT signaling, which may result from GH signaling-induced up-regulation of SOCS3.

Associations between serum apelin-12 levels and obesity-related markers in Chinese children.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible correlations between apelin-12 levels and obesity in children in China and associations between apelin-12 and obesity-related markers, including lipids, insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). METHODS: Forty-eight obese and forty non-obese age- and gender-matched Chinese children were enrolled between June 2008 and June 2009. Mean age was 10.42 ± 2.03 and 10.86±2.23 years in obesity and control groups, respectively. Main outcome measures were apelin-12, BMI, lipids, glucose and insulin. HOMA-IR was calculated for all subjects. RESULTS: All obesity group subjects had significantly higher total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin levels and HOMA-IR (all P<0.05). In separate analyses, obese girls had significantly higher LDL-C, insulin and HOMA-IR than controls, and obese boys had significantly higher TC, TG, insulin and HOMA-IR than controls (all P<0.05). Apelin-12 levels were significantly higher in obese girls compared to controls (P = 0.024), and correlated positively with TG in all obese subjects. Among obese girls, apelin-12 levels correlated positively with TG, insulin and HOMA-IR after adjusting for age and BMI. In all boys (obese and controls) apelin-12 was positively associated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG). No significant correlations were found in either group between apelin-12 levels and other characteristics after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Apelin-12 levels are significantly higher in obese vs. non-obese girls in China and correlate significantly with obesity-related markers insulin, HOMA-IR, and TG. Increased apelin-12 levels may be involved in the pathological mechanism of childhood obesity.

[Mutation analysis for a Chinese family featuring X-linked alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To identify potential mutation in a Chinese family featuring X-linked alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome (ATR-X). METHODS: Based on clinical symptoms and inheritance pattern, linkage analysis of X chromosome short tandem repeats (X-STR) loci was carried out to locate the candidate gene. Subsequently, sequences of exons and exon-intron boundaries of the candidate gene were amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Potential mutations were detected by direct DNA sequencing. All patients were also analyzed for the trait of thalassemia. RESULTS: Linkage analysis indicated the candidate gene to be ATRX. Subsequently, a homozygous missense mutation c.736C>T (p.R246C) was found in exon 9 of ATRX in all of the 3 patients. And a heterozygous mutation c.736C>T (p.R246C) was also identified in the patient's mother and grandmother. Similar mutations were not detected in other members of the family. Alpha thalassemia was detected in the proband and another patient, whose genotypes were determined as -α(3.7)/αα and --(sea)/αα, respectively. CONCLUSION: Missense mutation of c.736C>T in ATRX gene is a mutation hotspot, and p.R246C may disturb the function of ATRX-DNMT3-DNMT3L domain (ADD), which may be responsible for the disease in this family.

[Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog combined with stanazolol on final height in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty and apparent decrease of linear growth].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of combined use of stanazolol (ST) on the final adult height (FAH) in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) and apparently decreased linear growth during gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) therapy. METHOD: Sixty-three girls with ICPP and decreased velocity of growth of height (HV<4 cm/yr) during GnRHa therapy were divided into 3 groups based on the following types of interventions:group 1 (n = 20), GnRHa+ST [25-30 µg/(kg·d) every 3-month followed by 3-month discontinuation], group 2 (n = 21), GnRHa+recombinant human growth hormone [rhGH, 1-1.1 U/(kg·w)], group 3 (n = 22), GnRHa alone.HV, the advancement of bone age (BA) for chronological age (CA) (ΔBA/ΔCA) and FAH were compared among groups. RESULT: (1)Total duration of ST combination therapy was (12.22 ± 3.62) months, while total duration of combination of rhGH was (13.22 ± 6.80) months. (2)HV increased significantly in both group 1 [ (2.79 ± 0.60) cm/yr vs. (6.27 ± 1.98) cm/yr, P < 0.01] and in group 2 [(2.80 ± 0.50) cm/yr vs. (6.25 ± 1.98) cm/yr, P < 0.01] during combined therapy, but maintained at low levels in group 3 [(3.95 ± 1.10) cm/yr vs. (3.34 ± 0.95) cm/yr, P > 0.05].No significant differences of ΔBA/ΔCA were found among the three groups [0.25(0.11∼0.28), 0.22(0.15∼0.31),0.19(0.10∼0.32), P > 0.05]. (3)FAH was significantly higher than predicted adult height (PAH) before combined therapy, as well as higher than target height (THt) in both group 1 [(156.25 ± 2.90) cm vs. (150.78 ± 3.70) cm, P < 0.01, (156.25 ± 2.90) cm vs. (153.94 ± 2.62) cm, P < 0.01], and in group2 [ (157.33 ± 4.69) cm vs. (152.61 ± 3.92) cm, P < 0.01, (157.33 ± 4.69) cm vs. (154.39 ± 4.72) cm, P = 0.01].In group 3, FAH was similar to PAH [(153.88 ± 2.6) cm vs. (152.54 ± 5.86) cm, P > 0.05], and was less than THt [(153.88 ± 2.6) cm vs. (155.60 ± 4.52) cm, P = 0.02]. (4)In girls treated with ST, no hirsutism, clitorism or hoarse voice was recorded.No polycystic ovary syndrome was found by B-mode ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Intermittent combined use of low dose ST therapy can increase HV and thus improve FAH in girls with ICPP and apparently decreased linear growth during GnRHa therapy.

Insulin resistance and adiponectin levels are associated with height catch-up growth in pre-pubertal Chinese individuals born small for gestational age.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The study was performed to determine whether catch-up growth is associated with the development of insulin resistance and to explore serum endocrine markers associated with the metabolism of adipose tissue in a Chinese population born small for gestational age(SGA) SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We recruited 56 children born SGA with catch-up growth and 55 born without catch-up growth, who were further grouped into groups I (with BMI catch-up) and II (without BMI catch-up) respectively, as well as 52 children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) with normal height. Their serum fasting insulin, fasting glucose, insulin-like growth factor-1, adiponectin, IGFBP-1, triglyceride concentrations, and the homeostasis assessment model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were evaluated. RESULTS: (1) The HOMA-IR values in SGA-I with catch-up growth group were significantly higher than those in SGA-II with catch-up growth, SGA-I without catch-up growth and AGA children respectively. (2) The serum adiponectin levels of individuals in the SGA-I without catch-up growth and SGA-II with catch-up growth groups were significantly lower than those from the SGA-II without catch-up growth group. There was no difference in triglyceride or IGFBP-1 levels among the groups. (3) The degree of HOMA-IR was positively correlated with age, current BMI and △height SDS in SGA children. CONCLUSION: The development of insulin resistance and lower levels of adiponectin were closely correlated with higher BMI and the postnatal height catch-up growth in SGA children.

Effects of a high-protein diet on insulin resistance and body fat in catch-up growth rats born small for gestational age.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a high-protein (HP) diet on insulin resistance and body fat in catch-up growth (CUG) rats born small for gestational age (SGA). METHODS: SGA rats were randomly divided into standard diet and HP diet groups. Perirenal fat weight and blood glucose, serum insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were measured at 4 and/or 8 weeks. Insulin resistance and ß-cell function were evaluated by homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and HOMA%. RESULTS: The values of HOMA-IR in both CUG-SGA groups were significantly higher than those in the appropriate for gestational age (AGA) group (p < 0.01), whereas they were significantly lower in the HP diet CUG-SGA group than in the standard diet CUG-SGA group at week 8 (p < 0.01). At week 8, perirenal fat weight and adipocyte diameters were higher in both CUG-SGA groups than in the AGA group (p < 0.05), but these values were significantly lower in the HP diet CUG-SGA group than in the standard diet CUG-SGA group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The HP diet had positive effects on the prevention of insulin resistance, which may have been caused by the reduction of body fat.

[Determination of serum steroids in monitoring therapy of congenital adrenal hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of serum steroids measurement in monitoring the treatment of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). METHOD: Nineteen Patients with CAH 21OHD aged (3.67±1.54) years treated with hydrocortisone and fluorocortisone replacement were followed up at an intervals of 0.33 - 1.0 years over a period of (1.47±0.7) years. At each visit, roentgenograms of the hands and wrists were taken, fasting peripheral blood were collected to test serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), androstenedione (Δ4-A), testosterone, free testosterone, estrone, and estradiol concentrations at 8 AM in the morning before the first dose of glucocorticoid. Then the patients were classified as being in "Good Control" or in "Poor Control" based on clinical criteria including signs of androgen excess, growth velocity and bone age increment at each interval. Comparisons were carried out between the serum steroid concentrations of the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the cut-off values for diagnosing "Poor Control". RESULT: Both of serum Δ4-A and 17-OHP concentrations were higher in "Poor Control" group than those in "Good Control" group [5.95 (2.23-11.2) nmol/L versus 1.05 (1.05-9.89) nmol/L, t=2.19; 13.85 (6.06-20) µg/L versus 3.67 (0.42-21.1) µg/L, t=2.17; P<0.05, respectively]. The ROC curves for serum Δ4-A concentrations, serum 17-OHP concentrations, serum Δ4-A in combination with 17-OHP concentrations were constructed with areas under the ROC curves (95%CI) of 0.76 (0.62, 0.90), 0.75 (0.62, 0.88), 0.69 (0.54, 0.84), P<0.05, respectively. Serum Δ4-A of 3.9 nmol/L had 0.78 of sensitivity and 0.75 of specificity in diagnosing "Poor Control". Serum 17-OHP of 7.1 µg/L has 0.67 of sensitivity and 0.71 of specificity in diagnosing "Poor Control". CONCLUSION: Each of serum 17-OHP or/and Δ4-A concentration was of significance in diagnosing "Poor Control" during the glucocorticoid replacement treatment of CAH 21OHD, with the diagnostic efficacy being serum Δ4-A concentration, serum 17-OHP concentration and serum Δ4-A in combination with 17-OHP concentration in descending order. Serum Δ4-A and 17-OHP concentrations may be used as the biochemical indicators to monitor the therapy of CAH 21OHD.

[Rapid prenatal genetic diagnosis of a fetus with a high risk for Morquio A syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To provide rapid and accurate prenatal genetic diagnosis for a fetus with high risk of Morquio A syndrome. METHODS: Based on ascertained etiology of the proband and genotypes of the parents, particular mutations of the GALNS gene were screened at 10th gestational week with amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS), denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), and direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS: DHPLC screening has identified abnormal double peaks in the PCR products of exons 1 and 10, whilst only a single peak was detected in normal controls. Amplification of ARMS specific primers derived a specific product for the fetus's gene, whilst no similar product was detected in normal controls. Sequencing of PCR products confirmed that exons 1 and 10 of the GALNS gene from the fetus contained a heterozygous paternal c.106-111 del (p.L36-L37 del) deletion and a heterozygous maternal c.1097 T>C (p.L366P) missense mutation, which resulted in a compound heterozygote status. CONCLUSION: The fetus was diagnosed with Morquio A syndrome and a genotype similar to the proband. Termination of the pregnancy was recommended. Combined ARMS, DHPLC and DNA sequencing are effective for rapid and accurate prenatal diagnosis for fetus with a high risk for Morquio A syndrome. Such methods are particularly suitable for early diagnosis when pathogenesis is clear. Furthermore, combined ARMS and DHPLC are suitable for rapid processing of large numbers of samples for the identification of new mutations.

Two cases of Fanconi-Bickel syndrome: first report from China with novel mutations of SLC2A2 gene.

Fanconi-Bickel syndrome (FBS) is a rare inherited disease caused by mutations in the glucose transporter 2 gene, SLC2A2. We reported the first two Chinese cases of FBS. Both cases presented typical clinical features of hepatomegaly, hypophosphatemic rickets, severely stunted growth, fasting hypoglycemia along with postprandial hyperglycemia, and proximal renal tubular dysfunction with disproportionately severe glucosuria. Genetic analysis of SLC2A2 gene revealed novel compound heterozygous mutations in both patients. The characteristics of being born as small for gestational age and apparent liver dysfunction in our cases have been seldom discussed in the literature. It seems FBS patients in general have lower birth weight than normal, but further data collection is still needed. Symptomatic treatments were effective, but the serum transaminase of patient 2 remained moderately increased, and he patient needed further follow-up. The present study will supplement the up-to-date clinical characteristic spectrum for FBS.

Clinical characteristics of adrenocortical tumors in children.

BACKGROUND: Adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) are rare in children. Because of the rarity and various manifestations of ACTs, patients of ACTs are not easily diagnosed. Some patients were misdiagnosed before surgery. OBJECTIVE: Identify the clinical, laboratorial, imaging and histopathological characteristics of adrenocortical tumors in children. Compare adrenalcortical adenoma with carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective review of 34 identified patients who were younger than 15 years old with histologic confirmation of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) or adenomas from 1991 to 2010. RESULTS: In these 34 patients, 19 were adrenocortical adenoma (ACA) and 15 were ACC. The median age at diagnosis was 3.33 years (range, 0-16 years), and 70.6% of the patients were younger than five years. Girls slightly predominated over boys (1.4:1). For endocrine abnormality, 14 patients had isolated precocious puberty, five patients had isolated Cushing syndrome, 10 patients had precocious puberty plus Cushing syndrome, and five patients did not have any symptoms. The most frequent findings in laboratory tests were disturbance of the normal circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion (93.8%), followed by elevated serum level of testosterone (89.7%). Only 3.8% of ultrasound diagnosis and 12.1% of computed tomography (CT) diagnosis were consistent with pathologic diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Different from those in adult, the most frequent presentation in children with ACTs is peripheral precocious puberty with or without Cushing syndrome, and isolated Cushing syndrome. Few present with non-functional local mass. Laboratory tests usually reveal the discordantly elevated serum levels of sexual corticosteroid hormones, change of diurnal rhythm of cortisol or increase of morning cortisol. The differentiation of malignant from benign tumor cannot merely depend on imaging. Final diagnosis relies on comprehensive evaluation of clinical manifestations, laboratory data, imaging and pathology.

Stanozolol regulates proliferation of growth plate chondrocytes via activation of ERalpha in GnRHa-treated adolescent rats.

Improving the final adult height is one of the most important aims for treatment of central precocious puberty. Stanozolol (ST) is a synthetic derivative of androgen. In this study, we investigated the effects and the mechanisms of ST on the proliferation of growth plate chondrocytes isolated from adolescent rats treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa). Treatment with ST resulted in time- and concentration-dependent effects on proliferation as determined by MTT and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) assays. Western blotting showed that ST increased the phosphorylation level of the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha), but not the androgen receptor (AR). Pharmacological inhibition of ERalpha and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) attenuated the effects of ST on the proliferation of growth plate chondrocytes. A molecular dynamics simulation showed hydrophobic interactions between ST and ERalpha. These results suggested that ERalpha, but not AR, partially mediates the ST-driven proliferation of growth plate chondrocytes, and that multiple pathways may be involved in the mechanism of action of ST.

[Identification of a novel mutation of GALNS gene from a Chinese pedigree with mucopolysaccharidosis type IV A].

OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular genetic mechanism of mucopolysaccharidosis type IV A(MPS IV A), and reveal the relationship between the genotype and phenotype, and provide a basis for prenatal gene diagnosis in the future. METHODS: A preliminary diagnosis was made by qualitative detection of urinary glycosaminoglycans of the suspected MPS IV A proband. Then, mutation detection was performed on the proband and her family members with PCR and direct sequencing of the PCR products. After a novel c.1567T to G mutation was detected, Xsp I restriction enzyme digestion and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) fast specific identification were established to analyze the sequences of exon 14 in GALNS gene, including 110 randomly selected healthy controls, the proband and other pedigree members. At the same time, bioinformatic approaches for protein secondary, tertiary structure prediction were applied to identify the novel pathologic mutation. RESULTS: The proband's urine GAGs test was a weak positive(± ), and a c.1567T to G heterozygous termination codon mutation in exon 14 and a c.374C to T heterozygous missense mutation in exon 4 were found. The proband was compound heterozygous of the two mutations, so was her younger sister. Her mother was a carrier with only a c.1567T to G heterozygous mutation in exon 14. Her father had a heterozygous mutation of c.374C to T in exon 4. After Xsp I restriction enzyme digestion, healthy controls had three bands including 28 bp, 120 bp and 399 bp, while the proband and her mother had four bands consisting of 28 bp, 120 bp, 148 bp and 399 bp. For amplification by ARMS specific primers, it was negative for the controls, while it was positive for the proband and the carrier. The results of protein secondary and tertiary structure prediction showed that the c.1567T to G mutation located in the stop codon, resulted in stop codon (TAG) changing to glutamic acid (GAG), with the peptide chain extending 92 amino acid residues, and secondary and tertiary protein structure change, which were not found in the controls. The result of enzyme assay showed that the activity of GALNS enzyme in the affected child was 8.3 nmol/17h/mg pr, which was obviously lower than the normal value (the normal range is 41.9-92.1 nmol/17h/mg pr). CONCLUSION: These results illustrate that the c.1567 T to G is a novel pathologic mutation, which is the main cause of the disease in this family.

Epidermal growth factor receptor signalling mediates growth hormone-induced growth of chondrocytes from sex hormone-inhibited adolescent rats.

1. Growth hormone (GH) has been demonstrated to overcome the inappropriate deceleration of growth rate in children with central precocious puberty treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa). However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In the present study, we investigated the potential involvement of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway in the growth promotion by GH using in vitro cultured growth plate chondrocytes isolated from adolescent rats treated with GnRHa. 2. Chondrocytes were stimulated with GH in the presence or absence of the Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK) 2 inhibitor AG490 (1, 10 and 100 nmol/L), the EGFR kinase inhibitor AG1478 (0.1, 1 and 10 nmol/L), U0126 (an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) activation; 10 µmol/L) or a neutralizing antibody against epidermal growth factor (EGF Ab; 0.1, 1 and 10 µg/mL). The proliferation of chondrocytes was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2 thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay and immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and EGFR was detected by western-blotting. Intracellular mRNA and extracellular protein levels of EGF were detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, respectively. 3. Growth hormone promoted the proliferation of chondrocytes, which was correlated with increased phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and EGFR and enhanced expression of EGF. Pretreatment with AG490, AG1478, U0126 or EGF Ab completely or partially inhibited the proliferation of chondrocytes and activation of Erk1/2 and EGFR. Pretreatment with AG490, AG1478, or U0126 partially inhibited the expression of EGF. 4. The findings indicate that GH promotes chondrocyte proliferation by activating EGFR signalling.

Association between height and weight catch-up growth with insulin resistance in pre-pubertal Chinese children born small for gestational age at two different ages.

This study was performed to test whether children born small for gestational age (SGA) with catch-up growth (CUG) could be associated with the early development of insulin resistance and the ß-cell dysfunction and to explore the impacts of height CUG and weight CUG on the insulin resistance in a Chinese population. A total of 30 children born SGA with CUG, 37 non-CUG (NCUG), and 42 born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) with normal height were recruited. Their fasting serum insulin, fasting glucose, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations, and the homeostasis assessment model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and ß-cell function (HOMA%) were evaluated. The values of HOMA-IR in CUG SGA were significantly higher than that in NCUG SGA (P = 0.002) and AGA children (P = 0.036), respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that the concentrations of fasting serum insulin were positively correlated with IGF-1 (r = 0.443, P = 0.001) and Δheight standard deviation score (SDS; r = 0.500, P = 0.002) in ≤ 6-year-old SGA children, but only with Δweight SDS (r = 0.496, P = 0.030) in >6-year-old children. In conclusion, SGA children with CUG in height and a higher body mass index are prone to the development of insulin resistance. Higher levels of insulin were closely correlated with the postnatal height CUG in young SGA children and with the weight CUG in old children.

[Diagnostic value of serum levels of ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hcG) combined with ß-hcG in cerebrospinal fluid for determining locations of germinomas in children with precocious puberty].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical manifestations of germinoma in children with precocious puberty and to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum levels of ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hcG) combined with detections of ß-hcG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). METHOD: Twelve male children with germinomas confirmed by pathology from Jan. 2005 to Dec. 2009, aged from 4.2 to 10.2 years, were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified into two groups according to tumor locations: intracranial group and non-intracranial group. Levels of ß-hcG in serum as well as in CSF were detected before the initiation of therapy. Age and gender matched 5 children undergoing lumbar puncture for other diseases were set as control group for the determinations of ß-hcG in CSF. Levels of ß-hcG and testosterone in serum and CSF were compared between intracranial group and non-intracranial group, and levels of ß-hcG in CSF were compared between non-intracranial group and control group. RESULT: The 12 children showed elevated serum levels of testosterone: 10.43 (1.70-254.00) µg/L, 11 children had testicular volume > 4 ml, while response to LHRH stimulation tests were low; 6 children had gynecomastia. Serum levels of ß-hcG were elevated in both intracranial and non-intracranial group and no significant differences were found between groups 63.75 (8.50-309.50) IU/L vs. 59.00 (25.10-71.77) IU/L, P = 0.644. No correlations were found between serum levels of ß-hcG and ages, tumor locations, and courses of the patients. Levels of ß-hcG in CSF were significantly higher in intracranial group than that in non-intracranial group 488.99 (17.30-1048.53) IU/L vs. 1.20 (1.20-1.50) IU/L, P = 0.009. Children with non-intracranial germinomas had similar levels of ß-hcG in CSF as that in control group (P = 0.571). CONCLUSION: The main clinical manifestations in boys suffered from germinoma included pseudo-precocious puberty, disproportionate testicular volume and gynecomastia. Detection of serum levels of ß-hcG combined with ß-hcG levels in CSF may be useful for determination of the locations of germinomas in children with precocious puberty.

[Longitudinal study of the pattern of pubertal development in Cantonese schoolgirls].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pattern of pubertal development in healthy Cantonese schoolgirls. METHOD: From 1992 to 2001, 311 normal Cantonese schoolgirls, ages from 6.25 to 8.83 yrs (7.24 +/- 0.38) at baseline, were followed up until they reached their final adult height (age 15.72 +/- 0.84 yrs, n = 238). Annual physical examinations including height and weight measurement were performed. From the 3rd visit, pubertal maturations (breast and pubic hair development) were also assessed annually until they were 14.5 years. Age of menarche was recorded. RESULT: (1) Median age at the entry of puberty (age at reaching B2) was 9.83 years (9.33-10.33). Median age at initiation of pubic hair development (PH2) was 10.67 (9.92-11.38) years. Menarche occurred at (12.35 +/- 1.30) years. The age at reaching B2, age at reaching PH2 and age of menarche were all later than that observed in the cross-section study performed in 2003, Guangzhou, China. Peak height velocity (PHV) was reached at (10.52 +/- 1.07) years, 1.00 (0.50-1.50) years after B2 was reached. Interval between "age at onset of breast development" and "age at menarche" was 2.92 (2.08-3.67) years. Duration of pubertal growth (defined as the time from age at B2 to age at which adult height was attained) was (4.80 +/- 0.85) years. (2) Average final adult height (FAH) was (158.74 +/- 5.74) cm. As compared with the cross-section studies held in Guangzhou, China, the FAH in our study was higher than that observed in 1985 but was lower than that observed in 2003. (3) Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the age reaching B2 was an independent factor associated with the age of menarche. (4) Durations of breast stages, interval between B2 and menarche and duration of pubertal growth were similar to that reported in the longitudinal studies in the United Kingdom (1969), Senegal (1995-2000), the United States (1986-1996). CONCLUSION: In healthy Cantonese schoolgirls, the timing of sexual maturation was in a trend of decline in the past 20 years, however it may have no significant impacts on the tempo of pubertal development and FAH.