Update on new therapeutic options for the somatopause

Gian Paolo Ceda; Elisabetta Dall'Aglio; Simonetta Morganti; Licia Denti; Marcello Maggio; Fulvio Lauretani; Andrea Artoni; Graziano Ceresini; Chiara Cattabiani; Giorgio Valenti

Update on new therapeutic options for the somatopause

Authors

Gian Paolo Ceda Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Parma, Italy and Geriatric Clinic, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Elisabetta Dall'Aglio Section of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Parma, Italy and Metabolic Disease and Diabetology Unit, 2nd Polispecialist Medical Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy,
Simonetta Morganti Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Parma, Italy and Geriatric Clinic, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Licia Denti Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Parma, Italy and Geriatric Clinic, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Marcello Maggio Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Parma, Italy and Geriatric Clinic, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Fulvio Lauretani Geriatric Unit, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Andrea Artoni Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Parma, Italy and Geriatric Clinic, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Graziano Ceresini Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Parma, Italy and Geriatric Clinic, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Chiara Cattabiani Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Parma, Italy and Geriatric Clinic, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Giorgio Valenti Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Parma, Italy and Geriatric Clinic, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy

Keywords:

GH replacement therapy, IGF-1, aging, GH-secretagogues

Abstract

During the last decade, a significant body of evidence has accumulated, indicating that the declining activity of the GH-IGF-I axis with aging might play a role in the development of frailty and in several pathological conditions commonly seen during aging, such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. GH therapy has become widely popular as antiaging therapy in order to counteract the age-related decline in muscle mass and strength and the increase in fat mass. However there are only few proven beneficial effects of GH therapy in healthy elderly subjects and its use remains highly controversial in the scientific community. In this paper we will review the current evidence related to the use of GH and/or GH-secretagogues in normal and pathological aging.

Update on new therapeutic options for the somatopause