PMID-9141536 – Sermorelin Long-Term GHRH in Age-Advanced Adults
Khorram O, Laughlin GA, Yen SS. Endocrine and metabolic effects of long-term administration of [Nle27]growth hormone-releasing hormone-(1-29)-NH2 in age-advanced men and women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997;82(5):1472-1479.
Quick Reference
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| PMID | 9141536 |
| DOI | 10.1210/jcem.82.5.3949 |
| Year | 1997 |
| Journal | Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism |
| Study Type | RCT |
| Evidence Level | II |
| Sample | 10 women and 9 men, ages 55-71 |
| Peptide(s) Studied | Sermorelin |
Key Findings
- 5-month single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of GHRH(1-29) analog (sermorelin) at 10 mcg/kg SubQ nightly
- Significant increase in 24-hour GH secretion and IGF-1 levels in both genders
- Lean body mass increased significantly in men but not women
- Skin thickness increased significantly in both genders
- No significant changes in bone mineral density over the 5-month period
- Sleep quality was not significantly affected
- Insulin sensitivity was not adversely affected
- GH response was sustained over the 5-month treatment period without tachyphylaxis
Study Design
Single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. 19 age-advanced adults (55-71 years) self-injected placebo for 1 month followed by GHRH analog at 10 mcg/kg SubQ nightly for 5 months. 24-hour GH profiles, IGF-1, body composition by DEXA, and metabolic parameters assessed.
Limitations
- Small sample size (n=19)
- Single-blind design (not double-blind)
- 5-month duration; longer-term effects unknown
- High dose (10 mcg/kg) compared to typical clinical dosing (0.2-0.3 mg fixed)
- Sequential design (placebo then active) rather than parallel groups
Clinical Relevance
One of the earliest controlled studies demonstrating that GHRH(1-29) / sermorelin can restore GH-IGF-1 axis function in aging adults. The gender-differential response (lean mass increase in men only) is clinically relevant for patient counseling. The sustained GH response without tachyphylaxis over 5 months supports long-term use, unlike exogenous GH which can cause feedback suppression.
Related
#research #RCT #sermorelin #evidence-level-II