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Study of Growth Hormone and Bone in Obesity

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Osteopenia
Obesity
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT01724489
Lead Sponsor
Massachusetts General Hospital
Brief Summary

Obesity is an important risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures. With the growing prevalence of obesity in the U.S., understanding the pathophysiology of bone loss in this population is of importance to public health. Growth hormone (GH) is a critical mediator of bone homeostasis and is markedly reduced in obesity. Our preliminary data suggest an important role for the GH/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) system in the pathogenesis of bone loss in obesity. The development of novel imaging techniques provides an opportunity to investigate the effects of GH on skeletal structure and strength, which will provide insights into the pathogenesis of obesity related bone loss. Understanding the pathophysiology of bone loss in obesity may help identify new treatment targets for this important complication. The investigator hypothesizes that low-dose GH administration for 18 months will improve skeletal health.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
77
Inclusion Criteria
  • Ages 18-65 and generally healthy
  • BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2
  • Bone mineral density (BMD) T score ≤ -1.0 and > -2.5 (as measured by DXA)
Exclusion Criteria
  • For women: amenorrhea for 3 months, pregnancy or breastfeeding, polycystic ovary syndrome
  • History of diabetes mellitus, cancer or other serious chronic disease
  • Use of osteoporosis medications
  • Anemia

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
PlaceboPlaceboPlacebo will be provided by Pfizer Inc. It will appear identical to active growth hormone and will be administered in the same manner.
Growth HormoneGrowth hormoneGrowth Hormone is Genotropin, provided by Pfizer Inc. It is self administered daily for 18 months using a 5 mg injection pen device. Dose will be titrated based on IGF-1 levels.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Bone Mineral Densitybaseline and 18 months

Change in BMD over 18 months in the GH vs placebo group

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Massachusetts General Hospital

🇺🇸

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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