The impact of growth hormone (GH) on immunosenescence: exploring the role of B and T cells

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Purpose Immunosenescence is a gradual decline in immune function, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune conditions. Growth hormone (GH) has been shown to have an effect on both immune function and aging. In fact, the absence of GH-induced intracellular signaling can slow the aging process, as demonstrated by the longest-lived laboratory mouse (GH receptor gene disrupted or GHR-/- mice). Because GH receptors (GHR) are expressed in B and T cells, and these cells undergo age-related changes that impact immune function, we hypothesized that decreased GH action protects from immunosenescence. To validate this hypothesis, this study aimed to characterize differences in B cell and T cell populations within the lymphoid organs of aged female GHR-/- mice (24 months of age) compared to wild-type controls. Methods B and T cell populations in mouse blood, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow (BM) were analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry. Results The current study showed significantly higher levels of anti-inflammatory follicular (FO) B cells in spleens and BM and lower levels of pro-inflammatory aging-associated B cells (ABC) in the spleens, BM, and blood of aged GHR-/- mice compared to WT mice. In addition, T cell populations in aged GHR-/- mice showed higher levels of naïve T cells and lower levels of memory T cells in the thymus, BM, spleen, and blood. Conclusion

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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