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Hepatic Growth Hormone Resistance

Meaning

Hepatic Growth Hormone Resistance describes a specific pathophysiological state where the liver tissue exhibits a diminished biological response to the signaling effects of circulating Growth Hormone (GH). This resistance prevents the liver from adequately synthesizing and secreting Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which is the primary endocrine mediator of GH’s growth-promoting and metabolic actions. Clinically, a patient may present with normal or even elevated GH levels but paradoxically low IGF-1 concentrations, leading to the clinical manifestations of growth hormone deficiency. This is a crucial distinction from primary GH deficiency, which originates in the pituitary gland.