ABSTRACT
Objectives:The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of recombinant growth hormone(rhGH) on protein metabolism during intraabdominal infection. Methods : The study was made up of two parts: animal experiments and clinical studies. All animals were divided into three groups: normal control, sepsis control and rhGH therapy groups. All patients were divided into two groups: infection control and rhGH therapy groups. Expressions of hepatic albumin mRNA and muscle myosin heavy chain mRNA were detected. Results: In septic animals, rhGH accelerated nitrogen retention and recovery of body weight, improved concentrations of plasma albumin and muscle protein. Expressions of hepatic albumin mRNA and myosin heavy chain mRNA decreased significantly after infection. By using rhGH, expression of albumin mRNA and myosin heavy chain mRNA increased obviously. In clinical study, plasma concentrations of albumin, prealbumin and transferrin were higher than infectious controls after rhGH administration. Conclusions: rhGH improved nitrogen balance and protein synthesis of liver and muscle during sepsis .More studies were needed to determine weather rhGH was an effective metabolic intervention method during sepsis.