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Growth hormone regulates vascular function—what we know from bench and bedside

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Abstract

The first evidence for a role of growth hormone (GH) in endothelial biology came from studies of growth-hormone-deficient patients, who are at increased cardiovascular risk. GH replacement therapy improves cardiovascular outcome in these patients. Underlying mechanisms include normalization of a disturbed balance of vascular nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species, as well as modulation of extracellular matrix proteins. In this short report we review what is known from bench and bedside about GH-mediated regulation of vascular function. Novel findings suggest Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) and Akt pathways to be involved in GH-mediated activation of the endothelial NO synthase.

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  1. Medizinische Klinik I der Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany

    Thomas Thum & Johann Bauersachs

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  1. Thomas Thum
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  2. Johann Bauersachs
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Correspondence to Thomas Thum.

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Thum, T., Bauersachs, J. Growth hormone regulates vascular function—what we know from bench and bedside. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 62 (Suppl 1), 29–32 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-005-0018-6

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