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Open Access 19-11-2024 | Diabetes

GHRH in diabetes and metabolism

Authors: Charlotte Steenblock, Stefan R. Bornstein

Published in: Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

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Abstract

Despite over a century of insulin therapy and recent advances in glucose monitoring, diabetes and its complications remain a significant burden. Current medications are not durable, with symptoms often returning after treatment ends, and responses vary between patients. Additionally, the effectiveness of many medications diminishes over time, highlighting the need for alternative approaches. Maintaining β-cell mass and promoting β-cell regeneration offer more curable treatments, while cell replacement therapies could be an option if regeneration is not feasible. For both strategies, enhancing β-cell survival is crucial. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) was originally discovered for its ability to stimulate the production and release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary. Beyond the hypothalamus, GHRH is produced in peripheral tissues, with its receptor, GHRHR, expressed in tissues such as the pituitary, pancreas, adipose tissue, intestine, and liver. Several studies have shown that GHRH and its analogs enhance the survival of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells both in vitro and in animal models. These beneficial effects strongly support the potential of GHRH agonists and antagonists for the clinical treatment of human metabolic diseases or for enhancing β-cell survival in cells used for transplantation. In the current review, we will discuss the roles of hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic GHRH in metabolism in physiological and pathological contexts, along with the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential beneficial effects of GHRH analogs for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
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Metadata
Title
GHRH in diabetes and metabolism
Authors
Charlotte Steenblock
Stefan R. Bornstein
Publication date
19-11-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Print ISSN: 1389-9155
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2606
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-024-09930-9

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