Serum levels of leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), pro-neurotensin (PNT), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) and furin in pediatric growth hormone deficiency before and after 1-year growth hormone replacement therapy.

At baseline, PNT and furin levels were significantly higher in GHD children compared to ISS and healthy controls.

• Study included 32 idiopathic GHD, 32 ISS, and 32 healthy children in a prospective cohort design.
• PNT levels were higher in both GHD vs. ISS and GHD vs. healthy controls.
• Furin levels were similarly elevated in GHD compared to the other two groups.
• PNT levels were higher in male and GHD patients specifically.

At baseline, LRG1 levels were significantly lower in GHD children compared to ISS and healthy controls.

• LRG1 was measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of GHRT.
• The lower LRG1 level in GHD children was a distinguishing feature relative to both ISS and healthy control groups.
• Higher LRG1 levels were associated with decreased GHD risk (OR = 0.291, P = 0.034) in multivariable logistic regression.

Higher PNT levels were associated with significantly increased risk of GHD.

• Multivariable logistic regression showed OR = 15.545 for PNT and GHD risk (P < 0.001).
• Restricted cubic spline curves were used alongside multivariable logistic regressions to assess the relationships between adipokines and GHD risk.
• This association was independent of other clinical variables included in the model.

After 1-year GHRT, serum levels of LRG1, PNT, FABP4, and furin all significantly decreased in GHD patients.

• Measurements were taken at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of GHRT.
• All four biomarkers — LRG1, PNT, FABP4, and furin — showed significant declines over the treatment period.
• The decrease in these markers was interpreted as suggesting favorable metabolic effects of GHRT.
• FABP4 levels were not significantly different between GHD and controls at baseline but decreased significantly with GHRT.

FABP4 levels were positively associated with GVSDS and BMISDS, and negatively associated with fasting blood glucose (FBG).

• Correlation analyses were used to assess associations between adipokines and clinical variables.
• FABP4 showed a positive relationship with growth velocity SDS (GVSDS) and BMI SDS (BMISDS).
• FABP4 showed a negative relationship with fasting blood glucose (FBG).
• FABP4 levels at baseline were not reported as significantly different between GHD and control groups.

The study design was a prospective cohort with three matched groups measuring biomarkers at multiple time points.

• Groups consisted of 32 idiopathic GHD, 32 ISS, and 32 healthy children.
• Serum LRG1, PNT, FABP4, furin, and clinical parameters were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of GHRT.
• Statistical methods included correlation analyses, restricted cubic spline curves, and multivariable logistic regressions.
• Only GHD patients received GHRT; ISS and healthy children served as comparator groups.