Combined evaluation of resting IGF-I, N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) levels might be useful for detecting inappropriate GH administration in athletes: a preliminary report
- 1 October 2004
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in Clinical Endocrinology
- Vol. 61 (4) , 487-493
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2265.2004.02129.x
Abstract
To verify whether combined measurements of GH-dependent parameters might be useful in detecting exogenous recombinant GH (rGH) administration in male athletes from different disciplines. Sixty-six athletes (control group) were sampled for the evaluation of resting IGF-I, N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and telopeptide type I collagen (ICTP). Cut-off values (mean + 2 SD) for IGF-I, PIIINP and ICTP were calculated and arbitrary scores (1.5, 2.0) were assigned to abnormal parameters. By using the sum of individual parameter scores, positive (> or = 3) or negative (< 3) scores were obtained. In addition, a subgroup of six athletes was treated for 3 weeks with rGH (0.09 IU/kg body weight, 6 days/week) and was similarly evaluated at the end of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week (i.e. 18 samples). Abnormal IGF-I, or PIIINP or ICTP levels were found, respectively, in one, two and four subjects (1.5-6.1%) of the control group (in the younger athletes); only one 19-year-old subject of this group obtained a positive score. Abnormal IGF-I, PIIINP and ICTP levels were found in 61.1-66.7% samples of the treated group. Positive cases were 3/6 at the 1st and 2nd week and 6/6 at the 3rd week. The sensitivity of the screening approach was 50-100% (at the 1st-2nd and 3rd week, respectively) and specificity was 98.5%. This 'first level' screening test is safe, acceptable and relatively inexpensive. Further additional investigations of 'second level' (i.e. GH secretory profile, GH response to a GH-releasing peptide) can be retained to validate or exclude rGH administration or for the early diagnosis of infrequent endogenous GH hypersecretion.Keywords
This publication has 22 references indexed in Scilit:
- Gender-, age-, body composition- and training workloaddependent differences of GH response to a disciplinespecific training session in elite athletes: A study on the fieldJournal of Endocrinological Investigation, 2004
- Potential parameters for the detection of hGH dopingAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2003
- The Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Axis Hormones and Bone Markers in Elite Athletes in Response to a Maximum Exercise TestJournal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2003
- The Effect of Four Weeks of Supraphysiological Growth Hormone Administration on the Insulin-Like Growth Factor Axis in Women and MenJournal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2000
- Growth Hormone (GH) Effects on Bone and Collagen Turnover in Healthy Adults and Its Potential as a Marker of GH Abuse in Sports: A Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled StudyJournal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2000
- Test method: GHBest Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2000
- Responses of Markers of Bone and Collagen Turnover to Exercise, Growth Hormone (GH) Administration, and GH Withdrawal in Trained Adult MalesJournal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2000
- Responses of the Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Axis to Exercise, GH Administration, and GH Withdrawal in Trained Adult Males: A Potential Test for GH Abuse in SportJournal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1999
- Growth hormone and exerciseClinical Endocrinology, 1999
- Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF binding protein 3 reflect spontaneous growth hormone secretionJournal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1993