Background
Growth hormone (GH) is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland at 800 times the level of any other pituitary hormone, and its release is regulated primarily by hypothalamic hormones, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH; positively regulated), and growth inhibitory hormone (negatively regulated). It plays an important role in the growth and development of the human body, especially in the development of bones and muscles in children and adolescents. First of all, GH functions accordingly during development by promoting cell growth, division and regeneration. Its primary target organs include bone, muscle, and liver. In bone, GH promotes lengthening of long bones by stimulating the proliferation of chondrocytes, thus driving an increase in height. In muscle, GH promotes protein synthesis, resulting in an increase in muscle size and mass. In the liver, GH induces the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a growth factor that acts synergistically in cell growth and division, further enhancing the biological effects of GH.
GH has good clinical value, generally used to treat growth hormone deficiency, this type of treatment is usually applied to children and adolescents, exogenous GH treatment can effectively promote the growth and development of these patients, help them to achieve normal height and weight. On the other hand, GH can also treat some metabolic diseases and syndromes, such as Turner syndrome and chronic kidney failure. However, clinical application must be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor, because there is a risk of adverse reactions to GH treatment, such as muscle and joint pain, edema, glucose metabolism abnormalities, etc.
Scientists are further exploring the potential of GH in aging, regenerative medicine and cancer treatment. Some studies suggest that GH may have positive effects in slowing down aging and enhancing tissue regeneration, but more research is needed on the safety and efficacy of its long-term use.
Figure 1. Endocrine regulation of GH and therapeutic blockade
(Source: Lu M, et al. 2019)
Alternative Names
Fish GH
Fish Growth Factor
References
- 1. Lu M, et al. Targeting growth hormone function: strategies and therapeutic applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2019 Feb 8;4:3.
- 2. Boguszewski CL, et al. Growth Hormone's Links to Cancer. Endocr Rev. 2019 Apr 1;40(2):558-574.
References
Iatrogenic Alzheimer's disease in recipients of cadaveric pituitary-derived growth hormone
Nat Med
Authors: Banerjee G, Farmer SF, Hyare H, Jaunmuktane Z, Mead S, Ryan NS, Schott JM, Werring DJ, Rudge P, Collinge J.
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized pathologically by amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition in brain parenchyma and blood vessels (as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)) and by neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau. Compelling genetic and biomarker evidence supports Aβ as the root cause of AD. We previously reported human transmission of Aβ pathology and CAA in relatively young adults who had died of iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (iCJD) after childhood treatment with cadaver-derived pituitary growth hormone (c-hGH) contaminated with both CJD prions and Aβ seeds. This raised the possibility that c-hGH recipients who did not die from iCJD may eventually develop AD. Here we describe recipients who developed dementia and biomarker changes within the phenotypic spectrum of AD, suggesting that AD, like CJD, has environmentally acquired (iatrogenic) forms as well as late-onset sporadic and early-onset inherited forms. Although iatrogenic AD may be rare, and there is no suggestion that Aβ can be transmitted between individuals in activities of daily life, its recognition emphasizes the need to review measures to prevent accidental transmissions via other medical and surgical procedures. As propagating Aβ assemblies may exhibit structural diversity akin to conventional prions, it is possible that therapeutic strategies targeting disease-related assemblies may lead to selection of minor components and development of resistance.
Growth hormone replacement in adults with cured acromegaly: Efficacy and safety
Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab
Authors: Tritos NA.
Abstract
Between 2% and 60% of patients with cured acromegaly may eventually develop growth hormone deficiency. In adults, growth hormone deficiency is associated with abnormal body composition, decreased exercise capacity and quality of life, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and increased cardiovascular risk. Similar to patients with other sellar lesions, the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in adults with cured acromegaly generally requires stimulation testing, with the exception of patients with very low serum insulin-like growth factor I levels and multiple additional pituitary hormone deficiencies. In adults with cured acromegaly, growth hormone replacement may have beneficial effects on body adiposity, muscle endurance, serum lipids and quality of life. Growth hormone replacement is generally well-tolerated. Arthralgias, edema, carpal tunnel syndrome and hyperglycemia may occur in patients with cured acromegaly, as is true of patients with growth hormone deficiency of other etiologies. However, there is evidence of increased cardiovascular risk in some studies of growth hormone replacement in adults with cured acromegaly. More studies are needed to fully establish the beneficial effects and elucidate the risks of growth hormone replacement in adults with cured acromegaly. Until then, growth hormone replacement can be considered in these patients on a case-by-case basis.
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