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Horm Metab Res 2010; 42(1): 45-49
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1241169
Humans, Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Evaluation of GH-IGF-I Axis in Adult Patients with Coeliac Disease

E. Ferrante1 , C. Giavoli1 , L. Elli2 , A. Redaelli3 , E. Novati3 , A. De Bellis4 , C. L. Ronchi1 , S. Bergamaschi1 , A. Lania1 , M. T. Bardella2 , G. Bellastella4 , P. Beck-Peccoz1
  • 1Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Milan, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico IRCCS, Milan, Italy
  • 2Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Milan, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico IRCCS, Milan, Italy
  • 3Department of Internal Medicine, Digestive Endoscopy and Gastroenterology Unit, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
  • 4Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Chair of Endocrinology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Publication History

Publication Date:
07 October 2009 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate GH/IGF-I axis and other pituitary functions in adult patients with coeliac disease. For this purpose, twenty-eight adult coeliac patients [20M, 8F:19–74 years; body mass index (BMI): 18.5–28 kg/m2] were recruited. Basal thyroid, adrenal and gonadal function, serum IGF-I and PRL, and routine parameters were evaluated. Dynamic GH secretion was carried out by GHRH plus arginine test. In 20 patients, antipituitary antibodies (APA) were also evaluated. Seven out of 28 patients, independently from disease onset and the gluten-free diet (GFD), showed an impaired GH secretion (25%). All were males, 2 with severe growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and 5 with partial GHD. In patients with GHD, as compared to coeliac patients with normal GH secretion, HOMA (2.1±1.2 vs. 0.9±0.4) and QUICKI (0.35±0.03 vs. 0.39±0.02) levels were significantly higher and lower, respectively, while IGF-I levels were slightly lower (17.7±3.7 vs. 24.7±6.3, p=NS). APA were negative in all 20 patients studied. In conclusion, a significant number of adult coeliac patients show an impaired GH secretion, this alteration being predominant in males and independent from disease onset and diet regimen. Given the absence of APAs, the cause of this pituitary dysfunction remains unclear even if a previous autoimmune involvement in some cases cannot be excluded.

Key words

GH deficiency - GH-IGF-I axis - coeliac disease

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Correspondence

E. FerranteMD 

Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit

Department of Medical Sciences Pad. Granelli

Via F. Sforza, 35

20122 Milan

Italy

Phone: +39/02/50 32 06 08

Fax: +39/02/50 32 06 05

Email: emanuele.ferrante@unimi.it

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