Review of the relationship between growth hormone and SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 is associated with the endocrine system, particularly growth hormone (GH). GH modifies immune responses and its deficiency could be responsible for the uncontrolled immunity that occurs in severe cases of COVID-19. Recent research shows that patients suffering from lung complications have significantly lower levels of GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which are proportionate to the severity of the disease. This relationship supports the hypothesis that GH regulates the immunity and inflammatory processes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, variables such as age, gender, and comorbidities, such as diabetes and obesity, which are associated with lower GH levels, are strong predictors of COVID-19 outcomes. Older individuals and men, who tend to have lower GH levels, are disproportionately represented among severely ill patients. The available evidence suggests that GH supplementation therapy should be evaluated as a supportive measure to reduce the severity of the disease in high-risk individuals. The main goal of the research is to understand how COVID-19 is related to GH so that researchers can identify new mechanisms of pathology and develop better solutions for patients.