Abstract
Adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency is associated with a lipid profile known to be related to atherosclerosis. GH replacement therapy improves the lipid profile with the exception of lipoprotein (a) concentrations, which tend to increase after GH therapy. Plasma lipid concentrations depend on its plasma carriers, the lipoproteins. Possible mechanisms involved in the dyslipidaemia of GH-deficient patients and the effects of GH replacement therapy are discussed with a special focus on hepatic lipoprotein metabolism.