Modulating effect of human growth hormone on tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β

We measured serum tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as well as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and GH concentrations in 15 children with isolated growth hormone deficiency (GHD), age range 5.1-13.9 years, before and 4 and 24 h after the first GH injection (0.1 IU/kg s.c.). No differences were found in basal concentrations of serum TNF-α and IL-1β between GHD children (10.01±l.55 pg/ml and 2.14±0.16 ng/ml respectively) and sex- and age- matched controls (11.57±2.16 pg/ml and 3.78±1.46 ng/ml respectively). In GHD children, serum TNF-α and IL-1β values had significantly increased (P < 0.002) 4 h (26.75±5.57 pg/ml and 2.99±0.21 ng/ml respectively) and decreased again 24 h after GH administration. Likewise, serum GH levels had significantly increased 4 h (from 1.29±0.69 to 48.71±13.35 ng/ml, P<0.001) and decreased to basal values 24 h after GH administration. A significant correlation was found between basal serum concentrations of GH and those of both TNF-α (P < 0.01) and IL-1β (P < 0.05). However, no correlation was found between serum GH concentration and either TNF-α or IL-1β levels 4 and 24 h after GH administration. Our data suggest that GH plays a role in modulating TNF-α and IL-1β release in humans.