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.

Objective: To investigate serum levels of leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), pro-neurotensin (PNT), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), and furin in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) compared to idiopathic short stature (ISS) and healthy children, and to evaluate their changes and clinical relevance after 1-year growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT).

Methods: The prospective cohort study was conducted in 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. Correlation analyses were used to assess the associations between these adipokines and clinical variables. Restricted cubic spline curves and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess the relationships between adipokines and GHD risk.

Results: At baseline, PNT and furin levels were significantly higher, while LRG1 was lower in GHD children compared to ISS and healthy controls. After 1-year GHRT, LRG1, PNT, FABP4, and furin levels significantly decreased in GHD patients. PNT levels were higher in male and GHD patients, and FABP4 levels were positively related with GV, BMI and negatively with FBG. Higher PNT levels were associated with increased GHD risks (OR = 15.545, P < 0.001), while and higher LRG1 levels were associated with decreased GHD risks (OR = 0.291, P = 0.034).

Conclusion: GHD children have higher PNT and furin levels and lower LRG1 levels. During GHRT, LRG1, PNT, FABP4 and furin levels significantly decline, suggesting favorable metabolic effects and potential long-term benefits of GHRT.