Reduced foetal growth and growth hormone secretion in adult life

ObjectivesRecent studies suggest that growth restriction or other adverse influences acting in utero or during early infancy lead to permanent alterations in growth hormone (GH) secretion. As GH secretion is known to predict cardiovascular risk, alterations in GH may contribute to the association between reduced foetal growth and cardiovascular disease. We have therefore assessed the relationship between birth size and GH secretion in a prospective study of young adults whose birth size was recorded and who have had their current blood pressure and glucose tolerance measured.DesignProspective cohort studyPatients153 healthy men and women, aged 20-21 years.MeasurementsSubjects carried out a timed overnight urinary collection for analysis of GH excretion. Insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion were measured using the intravenous glucose tolerance test with minimal model analysis. Blood pressure, height, weight, usual level of exercise, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and socio-economic status were also recorded.ResultsGH excretion ranged from 0.01 to 41.8 microU per subject. It did not differ according to gender but was markedly reduced in obese subjects (P ConclusionsBody size at birth predicts GH excretion in adult life. Low GH excretion in people who were small at birth may be one mechanism explaining their increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Flanagan, Daniel E; Moore, Vivienne M; Godsland, Ian F; Cockington, Richard A; Robinson, Jeffrey S; Phillips, David I