Growth hormone and hepatic lipoprotein metabolism.

Growth hormone (GH) has significant effects on hepatic lipoprotein metabolism, stimulating triglyceride biosynthesis, secretion of VLDL, apolipoprotein (apo)E, and the editing of apoB while simultaneously increasing the expression of LDL receptors. Clinical observations support the concept that GH may have a protective role in the prevention of atherosclerosis, and treatment with GH could thus be beneficial in states of GH deficiency.