Growth hormone variants: a potential avenue for a better diagnostic characterization of growth hormone deficiency in children

J Endocrinol Invest. 2012 Nov;35(10):937-44. doi: 10.3275/8647. Epub 2012 Oct 1.

Abstract

Human GH (hGH) is a heterogeneous protein hormone consisting of several isoforms. This heterogeneity is the consequence of multiple hGH genes, mRNA splicing, post-translational modifications, and peripheral metabolism, and it represents one important reason for the disparity among GH assay results from different laboratories. However, other factors are involved: a) interference from endogenous GH binding proteins; b) different specificities of anti- GH (monoclonal and polyclonal) antibodies; c) different matrix effects among the calibrators; d) the use of different calibrators. The measurement of GH levels in response to provocative testing is an essential part of the diagnosis of GH deficiency. For this purpose, an accurate, reproducible and universally valid GH measurement would be highly desirable, but, despite a huge number of efforts in clinical biochemistry, this goal remains elusive.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Assay
  • Growth Disorders / blood
  • Growth Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Human Growth Hormone / blood*
  • Human Growth Hormone / genetics
  • Humans
  • Multigene Family
  • Protein Isoforms

Substances

  • Protein Isoforms
  • Human Growth Hormone