What is the Origin of Acquired GH Resistance?

This descriptive term arises from clinical endocrinology, classifying a non-response to a key endocrine signal as an 'Acquired' dysfunction. It relates directly to the Growth Hormone-IGF-1 axis, the central regulatory system for growth and metabolism. The concept emerged from understanding conditions where GH levels were high but the expected biological outcomes were absent.

What is the Mechanism of Acquired GH Resistance?

The primary molecular mechanism involves post-receptor defects, such as reduced expression of the Growth Hormone Receptor (GHR) on the cell surface or impaired intracellular signaling, notably the JAK-STAT pathway. Chronic systemic inflammation, severe illness, or states of malnutrition can induce these changes. The impaired signaling prevents the liver from producing sufficient IGF-1, thereby blunting GH's anabolic and metabolic effects on the body.

Acquired GH Resistance ∞ Area

Acquired GH Resistance

Meaning

Acquired GH Resistance is a clinical state where target tissues, predominantly the liver and peripheral cells, exhibit a diminished biological response to circulating Growth Hormone (GH). This condition occurs despite normal or elevated levels of GH secretion from the pituitary gland. The resistance results in an effective deficiency of the downstream anabolic mediator, Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). This acquired impairment in the somatotropic axis is distinct from congenital genetic defects.