Human growth hormone

Definition

Human growth hormone (hGH) is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a vital role in growth, metabolism, and body composition. It stimulates growth in nearly all tissues of the body, including bone and muscle, and is crucial for regulating metabolic processes. Understanding hGH's function and therapeutic applications highlights its importance in recombinant therapeutics, where it is synthesized using biotechnology methods for medical use.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. hGH is essential for normal physical growth during childhood and helps maintain tissues and organs throughout life.
2. In adults, hGH helps regulate body composition, muscle and bone mass, and fat metabolism.
3. Recombinant hGH has been approved for the treatment of various conditions, such as growth hormone deficiency in children and adults.
4. The production of hGH through recombinant DNA technology allows for a safe and effective source of this hormone compared to earlier methods that relied on extracting it from human cadavers.
5. Abuse of hGH in sports for performance enhancement can lead to significant health risks, including diabetes, joint pain, and increased risk of certain cancers.

Review Questions

• How does human growth hormone contribute to growth and development in children?
  • Human growth hormone plays a critical role in children's growth by stimulating the growth plates in bones, leading to increased height. It also promotes muscle development and helps regulate metabolism. The actions of hGH ensure that children grow at a healthy rate, which is vital for their overall physical development.
• Discuss the importance of recombinant technology in the production of human growth hormone and its implications for therapy.
  • Recombinant technology has revolutionized the production of human growth hormone by allowing for its synthesis in laboratories rather than relying on human sources. This method ensures a consistent and safe supply of hGH for medical use, particularly in treating growth hormone deficiencies. The ability to produce hGH recombinantly also reduces the risk of disease transmission associated with earlier extraction methods.
• Evaluate the ethical concerns surrounding the use of human growth hormone in sports and its potential impact on public health.
  • The use of human growth hormone in sports raises significant ethical issues related to fairness and the integrity of competition. Athletes may feel pressured to use hGH to enhance performance, leading to widespread abuse. This not only jeopardizes the health of individual athletes due to potential side effects but also poses a challenge for regulatory bodies aiming to maintain fair play in sports. The implications extend beyond athletics as it can influence societal norms regarding drug use and health practices.

Related terms

Recombinant DNA technology: A set of techniques used to manipulate DNA sequences to create new genetic combinations, often used to produce proteins like hGH.

Somatotropin: Another name for human growth hormone, which is used in medical treatments for growth disorders and other conditions.

Endocrine system: The system of glands that produce hormones, including the pituitary gland that secretes human growth hormone.