Pathophysiology of the GH/IGF-1 axis : long-term consequences on joints and bone

In this thesis, a number of observations are described in acromegaly patients with cured or biochemically well-controlled disease during long-term follow-up. These observations focus on the long-term consequences of the disease on joints and bone. In addition, we investigated the role of the Growth Hormone (GH)/Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) axis, including the possible effects of the exon 3 deleted GH receptor (d3-GHR) polymorphism, in patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA) that have serum IGF-1 levels within the normal range. Finally, we studied the long-term consequences of recombinant human GH (rhGH) replacement in GH Deficient (GHD) adults, focusing on the cardiovascular effects and the effects on bone in comparison to healthy controls.Ferring BV, Pfizer BV, Novartis Pharma BV, Novo Nordisk BV, Ipsen Farmaceutica BV, Sanofi-Aventis BV, ABN AMROUBL - phd migration 201