ObjectiveGender influence on GH secretion in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is poorly known.Design and methodsTo determine the effect of gender, we compared GH response to GH-releasing hormone plus arginine (GHRH+Arg), and body composition in 103 men and 97 women with HIV and lipodystrophy. The main outcomes were IGF1, basal GH, GH peak and area under the curve (AUC) after GHRH+Arg, body composition, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT).ResultsMen had lower GH peak and AUC than women (PPPConclusionsThese data demonstrate that GH response to GHRH+Arg is significantly lower in HIV-infected males than females, resulting in a higher percentage of GHD in men. Adipose tissue distribution more than fat massper seseems to account for GH gender differences and for the alteration of GH–IGF1 status in these patients.
