11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, growth hormone and the pathophysiology of age related sarcopaenia

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With increasing age the body changes in a number of ways including a decrease in muscle mass, increase in abdominal fat and a decrease in bone density. A number of hormones in the blood also change with increasing age. One of the main hormones that decrease with age is growth hormone. Patients who have low growth hormone or too much steroids in their body have very similar changes in body shape to those which occur with ageing. We believe that the changes that occur in body shape and muscle with ageing are due to a decrease in growth hormone and a relative increase in steroid levels in the body‘s tissues. This study aims to look at the levels and role of these hormones directly in human muscle tissue. This will involve blood and urine samples and a taking a small piece of muscle tissue from the thigh of these patients. People who take part will also assessment of body fat and muscle mass and muscle strength. This study will help us understand further the effects of hormones on the ageing process.