GH, CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AND VISCERAL ADIPOSITY IN WOMEN

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. This study examines women who have both high levels of belly fat and low levels of growth hormone (GH). The purpose of the study is to investigate whether GH replacement therapy reduces belly fat in this population. Since belly fat is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, we are also studying whether GH replacement therapy reduces the risk of heart disease in this population. Specific Aims - The following hypotheses will be tested: Specific Aim 1: Women with visceral adiposity have reduce growth hormone (GH) secretion, which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We will investigate in women with visceral adiposity whether: A. Growth hormone secretion is reduced compared with 1) normal-weight women and 2) BMI-matched women who do not have visceral adiposity b. Reduced growth hormone secretion is associated with increases in cardiovascular risk markers. Specific Aim 2: Administration of low dose recombinant GH for six months to women with visceral adiposity and relative growth hormone deficiency will result in reduced visceral fat mass and improvements in markers of cardiovascular risk.