A therapy for improving cellular function in a heart challenged by insulin resistance, thereby protecting the heart from complications arising from this condition

摘要

A therapy involving administration of human growth hormone for improving cellular function in the heart challenged by insulin resistance and thereby treating or protecting the heart from complications derivable from this condition is described. Typically, the insulin resistance is induced by chronic stress or traumatic events including surgery, but it may also derive from conditions related to diabetes. The therapy is based on the finding that human growth hormone can exert insulin-like effects in cardiac cells and thereby is capable of replacing this hormone during insulin resistance. In general, the therapy relates to the retention of an adequate glucose metabolism and resistance to stress in a heart challenged by insulin resistance, and the prevention of complications derived from the insulin resistance.