What is indicative of growth hormone effects on the liver?

Growth hormone (GH) notably influences several metabolic processes in the liver, and one of its key effects is the stimulation of gluconeogenesis. This process refers to the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, which is particularly important during fasting states when blood glucose levels need to be maintained.

In the liver, growth hormone acts primarily by promoting the expression and activity of key enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis, such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase. This increases the liver's ability to produce glucose from substrates like lactate, glycerol, and amino acids, thus raising blood glucose levels.

In addition to promoting gluconeogenesis, growth hormone also has various effects on protein metabolism, stimulating protein synthesis in tissues, but when focusing specifically on liver effects, the increase in gluconeogenesis is a hallmark of GH action. Understanding these metabolic pathways is essential when considering the physiological responses to growth hormone, especially in states of energy demand or metabolic stress.