Genetic differences in the IGF-I gene among inbred strains of mice with different serum IGF-I levels

There is significant heterogeneity in serum IGF-I concentrations among normal healthy individuals across all ages and among inbred strains of mice. C3H/HeJ (C3H) mice have 30% higher serum IGF-I concentrations over a lifetime than C57BL/6J (B6), even though body size and length are identical. The underlying mechanism for this disparity remains unknown although several possibilities exist including altered GH secretion, resistance to GH action, or impaired IGF-I secretion from the liver or peripheral tissues. To study this further, we evaluated mRNA levels of pituitary GH, and of IGF-I, GH receptor (GHR) and acid-labile subunit (ALS) in liver and skeletal muscle of male C3H and B6 strains. mRNA levels of hepatic IGF-I paralleled serum IGF-I levels, whereas pituitary GH mRNA expression was significantly lower in C3H than B6. In addition, reduced hepatic mRNA levels of ALS and GHR in B6 suggests hepatic GH resistance in B6. In contrast, mRNA levels of IGF-I and GHR in skeletal muscle were not different between B6 and C3H. There was a single sequence repeat polymorphism (SSR) in the promoter region of both GHR and IGF-I genes in mice; the SSR in the IGF-I gene was significantly different between the two strains. The SSR in the IGF-I gene corresponds to the E2F binding site, which is critical for regulating IGF-I gene expression. These results suggest that the SSR in the promoter region of the IGF-I gene may be partially responsible for differences in serum IGF-I levels between B6 and C3H strains.     

Tissue-specific regulation of growth hormone (GH) receptor and insulin-like growth factor-I gene expression in the pituitary and liver of GH-deficient (lit/lit) mice and transgenic mice that overexpress bovine GH (bGH) or a bGH antagonist

GH has diverse biological actions that are mediated by binding to a specific, high-affinity cell surface receptor (GHR). Expression of GHR is tissue specific and a requirement for cellular responsiveness to GH. IGF-I is produced in multiple tissues and regulated in part by GH through GHR. In this study, we evaluated GHR and IGF-I mRNA expression in pituitary gland and compared the levels with those derived from liver of bovine GH transgenic, GH antagonist transgenic, lit/lit mice, and their respective controls using real-time RT-PCR. In liver, both GHR and IGF-I mRNA expressions were regulated in parallel with GH action in all three animal models, and there was a strong correlation between GHR and IGF-I mRNA levels. In the pituitary gland, increased expression of IGF-I mRNA in the pituitary of bovine GH transgenic mice was observed, whereas IGF-I expression in GH antagonist transgenic or lit/lit mice was similar to that observed in control animals. There were no differences of GHR mRNA levels in pituitary gland of any groups we examined. There was also no correlation between GHR and IGF-I mRNA levels in any group in the pituitary gland. In conclusion, we found that hepatic GHR and IGF-I mRNA levels were strongly correlated with each other in chronic GH excess or deficient state, and that regulation and correlation between local GHR and IGF-I mRNA levels induced by GH is different between liver and pituitary gland.     

Effects of fasting on growth hormone, growth hormone receptor, and insulin-like growth factor-I axis in seawater-acclimated tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus

Effects of fasting on the growth hormone (GH)--growth hormone receptor (GHR)-insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis were characterized in seawater-acclimated tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Fasting for 4 weeks resulted in significant reductions in body weight and specific growth rate. Plasma GH and pituitary GH mRNA levels were significantly elevated in fasted fish, whereas significant reductions were observed in plasma IGF-I and hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels. There was a significant negative correlation between plasma levels of GH and IGF-I in the fasted fish. No effect of fasting was observed on hepatic GHR mRNA levels. Plasma glucose levels were reduced significantly in fasted fish. The fact that fasting elicited increases in GH and decreases in IGF-I production without affecting GHR expression indicates a possible development of GH resistance.     

Thyroid hormones are involved in insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) production by stimulating hepatic growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene expression in the chicken.

Effect of thyroid status on IGF-I production in growing chickens was studied. Serum concentrations of GH were not affected by propylthiouracil (PTU) or thyroxine (T4) treatments, whereas serum IGF-I levels were significantly decreased in PTU-treated chickens. The lowered serum IGF-I levels in the PTU-treated group were completely restored to the control levels by T4 injections. In the liver, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions both for GH receptor (GHR) and IGF-I were significantly repressed by PTU treatment, and were restored again by T4 replacement. In addition, the results of analysis on radiolabelled GH binding to the liver membrane were consistent with the levels of hepatic GHR mRNA expression. Serum concentrations of IGF-I were positively correlated with hepatic IGF-I mRNA and GHR mRNA expressions. The correlation coefficient between serum T3 levels and hepatic IGF-I mRNA expressions was also significant. These results indicate that thyroid hormones regulate IGF-I production in the chicken by affecting hepatic GHR expression.     

Endocrine effects of growth hormone overexpression in transgenic coho salmon

Non-transgenic (wild-type) coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), growth hormone (GH) transgenic salmon (with highly elevated growth rates), and GH transgenic salmon pair fed a non-transgenic ration level (and thus growing at the non-transgenic rate) were examined for plasma hormone concentrations, and liver, muscle, hypothalamus, telencephalon, and pituitary mRNA levels. GH transgenic salmon exhibited increased plasma GH levels, and enhanced liver, muscle and hypothalamic GH mRNA levels. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in plasma, and growth hormone receptor (GHR) and IGF-I mRNA levels in liver and muscle, were higher in fully fed transgenic than non-transgenic fish. GHR mRNA levels in transgenic fish were unaffected by ration-restriction, whereas plasma GH was increased and plasma IGF-I and liver IGF-I mRNA were decreased to wild-type levels. These data reveal that strong nutritional modulation of IGF-I production remains even in the presence of constitutive ectopic GH expression in these transgenic fish. Liver GHR membrane protein levels were not different from controls, whereas, in muscle, GHR levels were elevated approximately 5-fold in transgenic fish. Paracrine stimulation of IGF-I by ectopic GH production in non-pituitary tissues is suggested by increased basal cartilage sulphation observed in the transgenic salmon. Levels of mRNA for growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and cholecystokinin (CCK) did not differ between groups. Despite its role in appetite stimulation, neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA was not found to be elevated in transgenic groups.     

Developmental expression of hepatic growth hormone receptor and insulin-like growth factor-I mRNA in the chicken.

We have examined the ontogeny of expression of growth hormone (GH) receptor (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA in chicken liver from day 13 of incubation until 31 weeks of age. The profiles of GHR and IGF-I mRNA levels were compared to developmental changes in body weight and plasma levels of GH and IGF-I. In the embryo, hepatic GHR mRNA was not detectable until day 15, highest on days 17 and 19, and then declined at hatching (day 21). Following an initial 2-week delay after hatching, there was a progressive increase in hepatic GHR mRNA which continued after the birds reached mature body weight. Plasma GH reached peak levels at 3-4 weeks of age and then fell sharply until maintenance of a low basal level after 10 weeks of age. Thus, there appears to be a strong inverse relationship between expression of the GHR and basal plasma GH levels in the prepubertal chicken. Although IGF-I mRNA was undetectable in embryonic liver by Northern blot analysis, there is a good correlation between expression of hepatic IGF-I mRNA and the plasma IGF-I profile during post-hatching development in the chicken. The highest levels of IGF-I mRNA were reached at 4 weeks of age which was followed by a slow decline to the basal levels maintained after 10 weeks of age. It appears that the decline in plasma IGF-I lags considerably behind the sharp fall in plasma GH levels and expression of hepatic IGF-I mRNA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Differential effects on kidney and liver growth of a non-viral hGH-expression vector in hypophysectomized mice

Non-viral gene transfer was investigated as a potential modality for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) using hypophysectomized (Hx) mice as a model. Hx mice were injected with a control plasmid or a plasmid containing the human (h) GH gene driven by a ubiquitin promoter, or left untreated. Treatment with the hGH gene has previously been shown to normalize longitudinal growth and serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). The present study was conducted to examine the renal/hepatic changes and gene/peptide expression of the GH/IGF-I axis in animals chronically expressing hGH. Following a single hydrodynamic administration of a plasmid DNA containing the hGH gene, a sustained elevation of the circulating hGH level was observed throughout the entire observation period, with a concomitant normalization of circulating IGF-I and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). In addition, longitudinal growth was corrected by normalizing tibia length, tail length, and body weight gain. Interestingly, kidney weights were only partly normalized, whereas kidney glomerular volume and liver weights were fully normalized. Kidney and liver IGF-I protein content was reduced in the Hx mice, but was normalized by hGH treatment. Kidney and liver GH receptor (GHR) mRNA levels were unchanged in the Hx mice, whereas the liver IGF-I mRNA level was reduced in the Hx mice, but was normalized by hGH treatment.We conclude that non-viral hGH gene transfer in Hx mice, which normalizes longitudinal growth and serum IGF-I levels, has differential effects on renal growth and glomerular volume. The potential effects of such excess glomerular growth induced by this intervention require further investigation.     

Effect of IL-6 on IGF binding protein-3: a study in IL-6 transgenic mice and in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Stunted growth is a common complication of childhood diseases characterized by chronic inflammation or infections. We previously demonstrated that NSE/hIL-6 transgenic mice, overexpressing the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 since early phase of life, showed a marked growth defect associated with decreased IGF-I levels, suggesting that IL-6 is one of the factors involved in stunted growth complicating chronic inflammation in childhood. Here we show that NSE/hIL-6 mice have normal liver IGF-I production, decreased levels of IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and increased serum IGFBP-3 proteolysis. Reduced IGFBP-3 levels results in a marked decrease in the circulating 150-kDa ternary complex, even in the presence of normally functional acid labile subunit. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that NSE/hIL-6 mice have accelerated IGF-I clearance. Patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (s-JIA), a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by prominent IL-6 production and complicated by stunted growth associated with low IGF-I levels, have markedly decreased IGFBP-3 levels, increased serum IGFBP-3 proteolysis and normal acid labile subunit levels. Our data show that chronic overproduction of IL-6 causes decreased IGFBP-3 levels, resulting in a decreased association of IGF-I in the 150-kDa complex. Decreased levels of IGF-I appear to be secondary to increased clearance.     

Diurnal variation in growth hormone receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in liver and skeletal muscle of lit/+ and lit/lit mice

The present study investigated the diurnal variation in GH receptor (GHR) mRNA in liver and skeletal muscle of 3-month-old GH-deficient and -sufficient mice using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. lit/lit (GH deficient) or lit/+ (GH sufficient) mice were fed ad libitum and lights were on between 0600 and 2000. Tissues were collected at 0800-1000, 1200-1400 and 2000-2200. Hepatic GHR mRNA levels of lit/+ mice at 0800-1000 were significantly lower than those at 1200-1400 and 2000-2200. There was no significant variation in hepatic GHR mRNA of lit/lit mice. In skeletal muscle, GHR mRNA levels of both lit/+ and lit/lit mice at 1200-1400 were significantly higher than those at 0800-1000 and 2000-2200. There was also a diurnal change in hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels of lit/+ but not of lit/lit mice; the levels were lowest at 0800-1000 in lit/+ mice. On the other hand, there was no variation in IGF-I mRNA levels in skeletal muscle. These results suggest that 1) there is a diurnal variation in GHR expression in liver and skeletal muscle and the pattern of the variation is tissue specific; 2) GH deficiency blunted the diurnal variation in GHR mRNA in liver but not that in skeletal muscle; 3) IGF-I mRNA expression in liver is more closely related to GHR mRNA expression than that in skeletal muscle.     

The role of endotoxin,TNF—α,and IL—6 in inducing the state of growth hormone insensitivity

AIM：Critical illnesses such as sepsis,trauma,and burns cause a growth hormone insensitivity,wehich leads to an increased negative nitrogen balance.Endotoxin is generously released into blood under these conditions and stimulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1 which may play a very important role in inducing the growth hormone insensitivity,The objective of this current study was to investigate the role of endotoxin,TNFα and IL-6 in inducing the growth hormone insensityvity at the receptor and post-receptor levels.METHODS:Spageu-Dawley rats were injected with endotoxin,TNF-α,and IL-6,respectively and part of rats injected with endotoxin was treated with exogenous somatotropin simultaneously,All rats were killed at different time points,The expression of IGF-I,GHR,SOCS-3 and β-actin mRNA in the liver was detected by RT-PCR and the GH levels were measured by radioimmunoassay,the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by ELISA.RESULTS:There was no significant difference in serous GH levels between experimental group and control rats after endotoxin injection,However,liver IGF-1 mRNA expression had been obviously down-regulated in endotoxeminc rats.Liver GHR mRNA expression also had a predominant downregulation after endotoxin injection,The lowest regulation of liver IGF-I mRNA expression occurred at 12h after LPS injection,being decreased by 53% compared with control rats.For GHR mRNA expression,the lowest expression occurred at 8h and had a 81% decrease.Although SOCS-3 mRNA was weakly expressed in control rats,it was strongly up-regulated after LPS injection and had a 7.84 times increase compared with control rats.Exogenous GH could enhance IGF-1 mRNA expression in control rats,but if did fail to prevent the decline in IGF-1 mRNA expression in endotoxemic rats,Endotoxin stimulated the production of TNF-α and IL-6,and the elevated IL-6 levels was shown a positive correlation with increased SOCS-3 mRNA expression.The liver GHR mRNA expression was obviously down-regulated after TNF-α iv injection and had a 40 decresase at 8 h,but the liver socs-3 mRNA expression was the 4.94 times up-regulation occurred at 40 min after IL-6 injection.CONCLUSION:The growth homone insenstivity could be induced by LPS injection,which was associated with down regulated GHR mRNA expression at receptor level and with up-regulated SOCS-3 mRNA expression at post-receptor level The in vivo biological activities of LPS were mediated by TNF-α and IL-6 indirectly,and TNF-αand IL-6 may exert their effects on.the receptor and post-receptor levels respectively.     

Growth and endocrine effects of recombinant bovine growth hormone treatment in non-transgenic and growth hormone transgenic coho salmon

To examine the relative growth, endocrine, and gene expression effects of growth hormone (GH) transgenesis vs. GH protein treatment, wild-type non-transgenic and GH transgenic coho salmon were treated with a sustained-release formulation of recombinant bovine GH (bGH; Posilac). Fish size, specific growth rate (SGR), and condition factor (CF) were monitored for 14 weeks, after which endocrine parameters were measured. Transgenic fish had much higher growth, SGR and CF than non-transgenic fish, and bGH injection significantly increased weight and SGR in non-transgenic but not transgenic fish. Plasma salmon GH concentrations decreased with bGH treatment in non-transgenic but not in transgenic fish where levels were similar to controls. Higher GH mRNA levels were detected in transgenic muscle and liver but no differences were observed in GH receptor (GHR) mRNA levels. In non-transgenic pituitary, GH and GHR mRNA levels per mg pituitary decreased with bGH dose to levels seen in transgenic salmon. Plasma IGF-I was elevated with bGH dose only in non-transgenic fish, while transgenic fish maintained an elevated level of IGF-I with or without bGH treatment. A similar trend was seen for liver IGF-I mRNA levels. Thus, bGH treatment increased fish growth and influenced feedback on endocrine parameters in non-transgenic but not in transgenic fish. A lack of further growth stimulation of GH transgenic fish suggests that these fish are experiencing maximal growth stimulation via GH pathways.     

The growth hormone (GH)-axis of GH receptor/binding protein gene-disrupted and metallothionein-human GH-releasing hormone transgenic mice: hypothalamic neuropeptide and pituitary receptor expression in the absence and presence of GH feedback

Elevation of circulating GH acts to feed back at the level of the hypothalamus to decrease GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and increase somatostatin (SRIF) production. In the rat, GH-induced changes in GHRH and SRIF expression are associated with changes in pituitary GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), and SRIF receptor subtype messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. These observations suggest that GH regulates its own synthesis and release not only by altering expression of key hypothalamic neuropeptides but also by modulating the sensitivity of the pituitary to hypothalamic input, by regulating pituitary receptor synthesis. To further explore this possibility, we examined the relationship between the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides [GHRH, SRIF, and neuropeptide Y (NPY)] and pituitary receptors [GHRH-R, GHS-R, and SRIF receptor subtypes (sst2 and sst5)] in two mouse strains with alterations in the GH-axis; the GH receptor/binding protein gene-disrupted mouse (GHR/BP-/-) and the metallothionein promoter driven human GHRH (MT-hGHRH) transgenic mouse. In GHR/BP-/- mice, serum insulin-like growth factor I levels are low, and circulating GH is elevated because of the lack of GH negative feedback. Hypothalamic GHRH mRNA levels in GHR/BP-/- mice were 232 +/- 20% of GHR/BP+/+ littermates (P < 0.01), whereas SRIF and NPY mRNA levels were reduced to 86 +/- 2% and 52 +/- 3% of controls, respectively (P < 0.05; ribonuclease protection assay). Pituitary GHRH-R and GHS-R mRNA levels of GHR/BP-/- mice were elevated to 275 +/- 55% and 319 +/- 68% of GHR/BP+/+ values (P < 0.05, respectively), whereas the sst2 and sst5 mRNA levels did not differ from GHR/BP intact controls as determined by multiplex RT-PCR. Therefore, in the absence of GH negative feedback, both hypothalamic and pituitary expression is altered to favor stimulation of GH synthesis and release. In MT-hGHRH mice, ectopic hGHRH transgene expression elevates circulating GH and insulin-like growth factor I. In this model of GH excess, endogenous (mouse) hypothalamic GHRH mRNA levels were reduced to 69 +/- 6% of nontransgenic controls, whereas SRIF mRNA levels were increased to 128 +/- 6% (P < 0.01). NPY mRNA levels were not significantly affected by hGHRH transgene expression. Also, MT-hGHRH pituitary GHRH-R and GHS-R mRNA levels did not differ from controls. However, sst2 and sst5 mRNA levels in MT-hGHRH mice were increased to 147 +/- 18% and 143 +/- 16% of normal values, respectively (P < 0.05). Therefore, in the presence of GH negative feedback, both hypothalamic and pituitary expression is altered to favor suppression of GH synthesis and release.     

Pancreatic islet-specific expression of an insulin-like growth factor-I transgene compensates islet cell growth in growth hormone receptor gene-deficient mice

Both GH and IGF-I stimulate islet cell growth, inhibit cell apoptosis, and regulate insulin biosynthesis and secretion. GH receptor gene deficiency (GHR(-/-)) caused diminished pancreatic islet cell mass and serum insulin level and elevated insulin sensitivity. Because IGF-I gene expression was nearly abolished in these mice, we sought to determine whether that had caused the islet defects. To restore IGF-I level, we have generated transgenic mice that express rat IGF-I cDNA under the direction of rat insulin promoter 1 (RIP-IGF). Using RNase protection assay and immunohistochemistry, the IGF-I transgene expression was revealed specifically in pancreatic islets of the RIP-IGF mice, which exhibited normal growth and development and possess no abnormalities in glucose homeostasis, insulin production, and islet cell mass. GHR(-/-) mice exhibited 50% reduction in the ratio of islet cell mass to body weight and increased insulin sensitivity but impaired glucose tolerance. Compared with GHR(-/-) alone, IGF-I overexpression on a GHR(-/-) background caused no change in the diminished blood glucose and serum insulin levels, pancreatic insulin contents, and insulin tolerance but improved glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. Remarkably, islet-specific overexpression of IGF-I gene in GHR(-/-) mice restored islet cell mass, at least partially through cell hypertrophy. Interestingly, double-transgenic male mice demonstrated a transient rescue in growth rates vs. GHR(-/-) alone, at 2-3 months of age. Our results suggest that IGF-I deficiency is part of the underlying mechanism of diminished islet growth in GHR(-/-) mice and are consistent with the notion that IGF-I mediates GH-induced islet cell growth.     

Changes in the growth hormone-IGF-I axis in non-obese diabetic mice

We investigated the changes in GH-IGF-I axis in non-obese diabetic (NOD)-mice, a model of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Diabetic female NOD mice and their age- and sex-matched controls were sacrificed at 4, 14, 21 and 30 days (30d DM) after the onset of glycosuria. Serum GH levels increased and serum IGF-I levels decreased in the 30d DM group (182 +/- 32% and 45 +/- 24% of age-matched controls respectively, p < 0.05). Another group (30d DM + I) was given SC insulin, and its serum IGF-I levels remained decreased. Liver GH receptor (GHR) and GH binding protein (GHBP) mRNA levels, as well as liver membrane GH binding assays were deeply decreased in the 30d DM group in comparison to controls. GHR message and binding capacity remained decreased in the 30d DM + I group. Renal GHR mRNA was decreased at 21d DM but not at 14d DM, whereas GHBP mRNA remained unchanged throughout the experiment. In conclusion, increased serum GH levels are documented in NOD diabetic mice, similarly to the changes described in humans. The decrease in GHR levels and decreased serum IGF-I in spite of increased circulating GH suggest a state of GH resistance.     

Dexamethasone inhibits both growth hormone (GH)-induction of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA and GH receptor (GHR) mRNA levels in rat primary cultured hepatocytes.

Glucocorticoids are potent inhibitors of growth. In this work, we investigated whether glucocorticoids inhibit the stimulatory action of GH on IGF-I gene expression in rat hepatocytes. GH increased IGF-I mRNA levels 11-fold after 24 h, whereas high doses of DXM (10(-6)M) caused a slight (2.6-fold) increase of IGF-I mRNA levels. However, high doses of DXM (10(-6)M) inhibited the induction of IGF-I mRNA by GH. To assess the role of GHR in this inhibition, we investigated the regulation of GHR expression. High doses of DXM decreased GHR mRNA levels. This effect was already detectable 6 h after addition of 10(-6)M DXM and was dose-dependent, with a maximal inhibition observed at a concentration of 10(-6)M. In conclusion, our results show that high doses of DXM inhibits the GH-induced IGF-I gene expression and the GHR gene expression. The parallel decrease of GHR and GH-induced IGF-I mRNA suggests that the GH resistance caused by DXM is mediated by diminished GH receptor synthesis.     

Renal growth hormone receptor gene expression: relationship to renal insulin-like growth factor system.

In order to elucidate potential sites of direct GH action on the kidney, we used in situ hybridization to localize GH receptor (GHR) gene expression during the course of development and in the adult rat. In order to illuminate potential interactions between GH and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in regulating renal function, we compared the anatomical localization of GHR messenger RNA (mRNA) with that for the IGF-I receptor and for IGF-I in the rat kidney. Low levels of GHR mRNA were present in the kidney from before birth and increased in abundance until postnatal day 40. Hypophysectomy resulted in a decrease and GH treatment resulted in an increase in renal GHR mRNA levels. Renal GHR mRNA was most abundant in the proximal straight tubule, with lesser levels present in the medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL), and it was not detected in the glomerulus or inner medulla. In contrast, IGF-I receptor mRNA was concentrated in the glomerulus, distal nephron and collecting system. The only point of convergence for GHR and IGF-I receptor mRNAs was in the MTAL, where IGF-I mRNA was localized. This segregation of GHR and IGF-I receptor gene expression in the kidney suggests that each hormone has distinct spheres of action along the nephron, with GH acting directly on the proximal straight tubule, whereas IGF-I may act on the glomerulus, distal nephron, and collecting duct. GHR expression in the MTAL, which is the site of renal IGF-I synthesis, supports the view that GH has a direct effect on renal IGF-I synthesis. Finally, it appears that in the kidney, as in other GH-sensitive tissues, GH may regulate its receptor levels.