Growth Hormone Fat Metabolism refers to the critical, lipolytic role that Somatotropin, or Growth Hormone (GH), plays in regulating the mobilization and utilization of stored triglycerides within adipose tissue. GH acts as a potent counter-regulatory hormone to insulin, promoting the breakdown of fat into free fatty acids (FFAs) for use as cellular fuel, thereby sparing glucose and protein. This function is essential for maintaining energy balance during fasting and is a key contributor to the favorable body recomposition effects observed with healthy GH pulsatility. Dysfunction in this metabolic pathway can contribute to increased visceral adiposity and unfavorable lipid profiles.
Origin
The understanding of this function originated from early endocrinology studies in the mid-20th century that observed the metabolic effects of GH deficiency and excess. While the hormone’s name emphasizes growth, its metabolic role, particularly its lipolytic effect, became increasingly recognized as equally important. The term fat metabolism is appended to specify this distinct function, separating it from the hormone’s anabolic effects on muscle and bone. This dual role highlights GH’s complex, multifaceted influence on human physiology and body composition.
Mechanism
The mechanism involves GH binding to its receptors on adipocytes, which initiates an intracellular signaling cascade, primarily involving the JAK-STAT pathway. This activation leads to the upregulation and activation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), the key enzymes responsible for hydrolyzing stored triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. These FFAs are then released into the circulation and transported to peripheral tissues, like muscle and liver, where they are oxidized for energy. GH effectively shifts the body’s fuel preference from carbohydrate toward fat utilization, which is beneficial for body composition.
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