Is Growth Hormone a Radioprotective Agent?

The study investigated the potential of growth hormone (GH) as a radioprotective agent using a radiation-induced skin injury model in rats. Rats were divided into four groups: a control group, a radiation group receiving 30 Gy of gamma irradiation, and two groups receiving the same irradiation plus either 0.01 U/kg/day or 0.02 U/kg/day GH. Results showed that GH significantly reduced the severity of radiodermatitis compared to the radiation-only group, delaying its onset and preventing epidermal atrophy, dermal degeneration, and hair follicle atrophy. These findings suggested that GH could mitigate radiation-induced skin damage, warranting further studies with higher GH doses in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.