Insulin-like growth factor 1 – Wikipedia

Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens

1B9G, 1GZR, 1GZY, 1GZZ, 1H02, 1H59, 1IMX, 1PMX, 1TGR, 1WQJ, 2DSR, 2GF1, 3GF1, 3LRI, 1BQT, 4XSS

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), also called somatomedin C, is a hormone similar in molecular structure to insulin which plays an important role in childhood growth, and has anabolic effects in adults.

IGF-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IGF1 gene.[5][6] IGF-1 consists of 70 amino acids in a single chain with three intramolecular disulfide bridges. IGF-1 has a molecular weight of 7,649 Daltons.[7] In dogs, an ancient mutation in IGF1 is the primary cause of the toy phenotype.[8]

IGF-1 is produced primarily by the liver. Production is stimulated by growth hormone (GH). Most of IGF-1 is bound to one of 6 binding proteins (IGF-BP). IGFBP-1 is regulated by insulin. IGF-1 is produced throughout life; the highest rates of IGF-1 production occur during the pubertal growth spurt.[9] The lowest levels occur in infancy and old age.[10][11]

A synthetic analog of IGF-1, mecasermin, is used in children for the treatment of growth failure.[12]

IGF-1 is produced primarily by the liver as an endocrine hormone as well as in target tissues in a paracrine/autocrine fashion. Production is stimulated by growth hormone (GH) and can be retarded by undernutrition,[9] growth hormone insensitivity, lack of growth hormone receptors, or failures of the downstream signaling pathway post GH receptor including SHP2 and STAT5B. Approximately 98% of IGF-1 is always bound to one of 6 binding proteins (IGF-BP). IGFBP-3, the most abundant protein, accounts for 80% of all IGF binding. IGF-1 binds to IGFBP-3 in a 1:1 molar ratio. IGFBP-1 is regulated by insulin.[13]

IGF-1 is produced throughout life. The highest rates of IGF-1 production occur during the pubertal growth spurt. The lowest levels occur in infancy and old age.[medical citation needed][14]

Protein intake increases IGF-1 levels in humans, independent of total calorie consumption.[15] Factors that are known to cause variation in the levels of growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 in the circulation include: insulin levels, genetic make-up, the time of day, age, sex, exercise status, stress levels, nutrition level and body mass index (BMI), disease state, ethnicity, estrogen status and xenobiotic intake.[16]

IGF-1 is a primary mediator of the effects of growth hormone (GH). Growth hormone is made in the anterior pituitary gland, is released into the blood stream, and then stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1. IGF-1 then stimulates systemic body growth, and has growth-promoting effects on almost every cell in the body, especially skeletal muscle, cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, nerve, skin, hematopoietic, and lung cells. In addition to the insulin-like effects, IGF-1 can also regulate cellular DNA synthesis.[17]

IGF-1 binds to at least two cell surface receptor tyrosine kinases: the IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R), and the insulin receptor. Its primary action is mediated by binding to its specific receptor, IGF1R, which is present on the surface of many cell types in many tissues. Binding to the IGF1R initiates intracellular signaling. IGF-1 is one of the most potent natural activators of the AKT signaling pathway, a stimulator of cell growth and proliferation, and a potent inhibitor of programmed cell death .[18][19] The IGF-1 receptor seems to be the "physiologic" receptor because it binds IGF-1 with significantly higher affinity than insulin receptor does. IGF-1 activates the insulin receptor at approximately 0.1 times the potency of insulin. Part of this signaling may be via IGF1R/Insulin Receptor heterodimers (the reason for the confusion is that binding studies show that IGF1 binds the insulin receptor 100-fold less well than insulin, yet that does not correlate with the actual potency of IGF1 in vivo at inducing phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, and hypoglycemia).[medical citation needed]

IGF-1 binds and activates its own receptor, IGF-1R, through the cell surface expression of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase's (RTK's)[20] and further signal through multiple intracellular transduction cascades. IGF-1R is the critical role-playing inducer in modulating the metabolic effects of IGF-1 for cellular senescence and survival. At a localized target cell, IGF-1R elicits the mediation of paracrine activity. After its activation the initiation of intracellular signaling occurs inducing a magnitude of signaling pathways. An important mechanistic pathway involved in mediating a cascade affect a key pathway regulated by phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and its downstream partner, mTOR (mammalian Target of Rapamycin).[20] Rapamycin binds with the enzyme FKBPP12 to inhibit the mTORC1 complex. mTORC2 remains unaffected and responds by up-regulating AKT, driving signals through the inhibited mTORC1. Phosphorylation of Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E) by mTOR suppresses the capacity of Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (EIF4EBP1) to inhibit EIF4E and slow metabolism.[21] A mutation in the signaling pathway PI3K-AKT-mTOR is a big factor in the formation of tumors found predominantly on skin, internal organs, and secondary lymph nodes (Kaposi sarcoma).[22] IGF-1R allows the activation of these signaling pathways and subsequently regulates the cellular longevity and metabolic re-uptake of biogenic substances. A therapeutic approach targeting towards the reduction of such tumor collections could be induced by ganitumab. Ganitumab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed antagonistically against IGF-1R. Ganitumab binds to IGF-1R, preventing binding of IGF-1 and the subsequent triggering of the PI3K-mTOR signaling pathway; inhibition of this pro-survival pathway may result in the inhibition of tumor cell expansion and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis.[citation needed]

Insulin-like growth factor 1 has been shown to bind and interact with all seven IGF-1 binding proteins (IGFBPs): IGFBP1, IGFBP2, IGFBP3, IGFBP4, IGFBP5, IGFBP6, and IGFBP7.[medical citation needed]Some IGFBPs are inhibitory. For example, both IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5 bind IGF-1 at a higher affinity than it binds its receptor. Therefore, increases in serum levels of these two IGFBPs result in a decrease in IGF-1 activity.[medical citation needed]

As a major growth factor, IGF-1 is responsible for stimulating growth of all cell types and causing significant metabolic effects.[23] One important metabolic effect of IGF-1 is its ability to signal cells that sufficient nutrients are available for cells to undergo hypertrophy and cell division.[24] These signals also enable IGF-1 to inhibit cell apoptosis and increase the production of cellular proteins.[24] IGF-1 receptors are ubiquitous, which allows for metabolic changes caused by IGF-1 to occur in all cell types.[23] IGF-1's metabolic effects are far-reaching and can coordinate protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism in a variety of different cell types.[23] The regulation of IGF-1's metabolic effects on target tissues is also coordinated with other hormones such as growth hormone and insulin.[25]

IGF-1 is closely related to a second protein called "IGF-2". IGF-2 also binds the IGF-1 receptor. However, IGF-2 alone binds a receptor called the "IGF-2 receptor" (also called the mannose-6 phosphate receptor). The insulin-like growth factor-II receptor (IGF2R) lacks signal transduction capacity, and its main role is to act as a sink for IGF-2 and make less IGF-2 available for binding with IGF-1R.As the name "insulin-like growth factor 1" implies, IGF-1 is structurally related to insulin, and is even capable of binding the insulin receptor, albeit at lower affinity than insulin.

A splice variant of IGF-1 sharing an identical mature region, but with a different E domain is known as mechano-growth factor (MGF).[26]

Rare diseases characterized by inability to make or respond to IGF-1 produce a distinctive type of growth failure. One such disorder, termed Laron dwarfism does not respond at all to growth hormone treatment due to a lack of GH receptors. The FDA has grouped these diseases into a disorder called severe primary IGF deficiency. Patients with severe primary IGFD typically present with normal to high GH levels, height below3 standard deviations (SD), and IGF-1 levels below 3SD. Severe primary IGFD includes patients with mutations in the GH receptor, post-receptor mutations or IGF mutations, as previously described. As a result, these patients cannot be expected to respond to GH treatment.

People with Laron syndrome have very low rates of cancer and diabetes.[27] Notably people with untreated Laron syndrome also never develop acne.[28]

Acromegaly is a syndrome that results when the anterior pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (GH). A number of disorders may increase the pituitary's GH output, although most commonly it involves a tumor called pituitary adenoma, derived from a distinct type of cell (somatotrophs). It leads to anatomical changes and metabolic dysfunction caused by both an elevated GH and elevated IGF-1 levels.[29] High level of IGF-1 in acromegaly is related to an increased risk of some cancers, particularly colon cancer and thyroid cancer.[30]

A mutation in the signaling pathway PI3K-AKT-mTOR is a factor in the formation of tumors found predominantly on skin, internal organs, and secondary lymph nodes (Kaposi sarcoma).[22]

IGF-1R allows the activation of these signaling pathways and subsequently regulates the cellular longevity and metabolic re-uptake of biogenic substances. A therapeutic approach targeting towards the reduction of such tumor collections could be induced by ganitumab. Ganitumab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed antagonistically against IGF-1R. Ganitumab binds to IGF-1R, preventing binding of IGF-1 and the subsequent triggering of the PI3K-mTOR signaling pathway; inhibition of this pro-survival pathway may result in the inhibition of tumor cell expansion and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis.[citation needed]

IGF-1 levels can be measured in the blood in 10-1000ng/ml amounts.[31] As levels do not fluctuate greatly throughout the day for an individual person, IGF-1 is used by physicians as a screening test for growth hormone deficiency and excess in acromegaly and gigantism.

Interpretation of IGF-1 levels is complicated by the wide normal ranges, and marked variations by age, sex, and pubertal stage. Clinically significant conditions and changes may be masked by the wide normal ranges. Sequential measurement over time is often useful for the management of several types of pituitary disease, undernutrition, and growth problems.

Patients with severe primary insulin-like growth factor-1 deficiency (IGFD), called Laron syndrome, may be treated with either IGF-1 alone or in combination with IGFBP-3.[38] Mecasermin (brand name Increlex) is a synthetic analog of IGF-1 which is approved for the treatment of growth failure.[38] IGF-1 has been manufactured recombinantly on a large scale using both yeast and E. coli.

IGF-1 may have a beneficial effect on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.[39] IGF-1 has also been shown to have an antidepressant effect in mouse models.[40]

Several companies have evaluated administering recombinant IGF-1 in clinical trials for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,[41] severe burn injury and myotonic muscular dystrophy.

Results of clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of IGF-1 in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes showed reduction in hemoglobin A1C levels and daily insulin consumption.[medical citation needed] However the sponsor discontinued the program due to an exacerbation of diabetic retinopathy,[42] coupled with a shift in corporate focus towards oncology.

Two clinical studies of IGF-1 for ALS were conducted and although one study demonstrated efficacy the second was equivocal,[medical citation needed] and the product was not submitted for approval to the FDA.

In the 1950s IGF-1 was called "sulfation factor" because it stimulated sulfation of cartilage in vitro,[43] and in the 1970s due to its effects it was termed "nonsuppressible insulin-like activity" (NSILA).

PDB gallery

1bqt: THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE OF HUMAN INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-I (IGF-I) DETERMINED BY 1H-NMR AND DISTANCE GEOMETRY, 6 STRUCTURES

1gzr: HUMAN INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR; ESRF DATA

1gzy: HUMAN INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR; IN-HOUSE DATA

1gzz: HUMAN INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR; HAMBURG DATA

1h02: HUMAN INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR; SRS DARESBURY DATA

1h59: COMPLEX OF IGFBP-5 WITH IGF-I

1imx: 1.8 Angstrom crystal structure of IGF-1

1pmx: INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-I BOUND TO A PHAGE-DERIVED PEPTIDE

1wqj: Structural Basis for the Regulation of Insulin-Like Growth Factors (IGFs) by IGF Binding Proteins (IGFBPs)

2dsp: Structural Basis for the Inhibition of Insulin-like Growth Factors by IGF Binding Proteins

2dsq: Structural Basis for the Inhibition of Insulin-like Growth Factors by IGF Binding Proteins

2dsr: Structural Basis for the Inhibition of Insulin-like Growth Factors by IGF Binding Proteins

2gf1: SOLUTION STRUCTURE OF HUMAN INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR 1: A NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE AND RESTRAINED MOLECULAR DYNAMICS STUDY

3gf1: SOLUTION STRUCTURE OF HUMAN INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR 1: A NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE AND RESTRAINED MOLECULAR DYNAMICS STUDY

3lri: Solution structure and backbone dynamics of long-[Arg(3)]insulin-like growth factor-I

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Insulin-like growth factor 1 - Wikipedia

How can people increase HGH? – Medical News Today

Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone that promotes growth, muscle mass, and fat metabolism. It can be especially important during weight loss, injury recovery, and athletic training. People can try to increase their HGH naturally by changing their diet and lifestyle choices.

HGH, which is also known as somatotropin or growth hormone (GH), plays a vital role in body composition. The pituitary gland produces HGH and releases it into the bloodstream. The body regulates the production of HGH in response to stress, exercise, nutrition, sleep, and the growth hormone itself.

Natural HGH is important in growing children and teenagers. A lack of HGH production can lead to a condition known as growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This can lead to a slow growth rate, and reduced facial bone development.

Similarly, excess HGH production can lead to a condition known as acromegaly. This condition can result in a number of signs and symptoms, the most well known being large hands and feet.

This article will explore the benefits of HGH, as well as the risks. It will also look at some of the ways to naturally boost HGH within the body.

HGH has been associated with potential benefits such as:

HGH stimulates lipolysis, which is the breakdown of fatty acids in fat tissue. This can lead to weight loss.

An older study suggests that GH treatment may help decrease body fat in obesity and growth hormone deficiency. A 2015 review supports this, indicating that growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) may be beneficial for people with obesity.

Research notes that GH can enhance muscle performance in sports and muscle function in older adults. GH may help to increase muscle mass and strength through anabolic effects, in a similar way to anabolic steroids.

However, it is worth noting that the World Anti-Doping Agency view HGH as a doping agent. They prohibit its use due to the positive effect it can have on athletic performance.

Evidence suggests that HGH may play a role in improving cognitive function. A 2013 review notes that GH may interact with specific receptors in the central nervous system, and may help improve memory and learning.

An older study suggests that GHRH may have a clinical use for treating skin wounds resulting from trauma, surgery, or disease. In particular, research suggests that HGH may help heal burn wounds and have a use in the rehabilitation process.

A 10-year study that involved 80 women between the ages of 5070 found that GH treatment was beneficial for bone health and fracture healing in postmenopausal women.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have only approved the use of GH treatment for specific conditions, such as GHD. It is only available on prescription.

Some athletes have used HGH on a non-prescription basis to improve performance, but this carries the danger of excessive use, or incorrect dosing.

Long-term use of HGH can result in acromegaly. This can lead to a number of complications such as:

In addition to the above, some complications of GH replacement therapy due to excessive HGH may include:

As a person must administer HGH by injection, it runs the risk of blood clots, dose error, and allergic reaction at the site of injection. People should only use HGH under the supervision of a doctor.

The pituitary gland produces HGH in the body and releases it in bursts. The levels of HGH rise and fall regularly, and people can increase them naturally by:

A 2020 article notes that excessive body fat, including visceral and central fat, is associated with reduced HGH. This is consistent with a 2015 review, which states that increased visceral fat is associated with lower levels of GH.

This suggests that by reducing body fat, a person may be able to increase the natural secretion of HGH.

Exercise is a powerful stimulator of GH release. A 2015 study found that regular resistance exercise, such as the use of free weights and bodybuilding machines, led to increased secretion of HGH and another hormone known as insulin-like growth factor-1.

Athletes may try to abuse both of these hormones due to their anabolic properties that may help enhance physical ability.

A 2013 systematic review notes that intermittent fasting can substantially increase the levels of HGH. This may be due to the role HGH plays in breaking down fat, which the body may use for energy while fasting.

A reduction in a persons sugar intake may also lead to an increase in HGH levels.

The pancreas releases insulin in response to consuming sugar or other carbohydrates. Research suggests that insulin may dictate the secretion of GH. A consistent increase in insulin may inhibit the release of HGH, reducing the level of HGH in the body.

A 2020 study also notes that insulin and GH are counter-regulatory in terms of glucose and fat metabolism. In cases of obesity, when insulin is high and GH is low, the hormonal imbalance promotes further fat buildup, further reducing HGH.

This suggests that a reduction in sugar intake, which will lower the need for insulin, may help to increase levels of HGH.

People can also use supplements to increase the level of HGH in the body.

The amino acids arginine and glutamine have been associated with the release of HGH. A 2020 study suggests that oral supplementation with amino acids significantly increased HGH levels in healthy adults. Therefore, arginine and glutamine supplements may help to boost HGH.

Older research indicates that melatonin may stimulate the release of GH. Melatonin is a hormone that the pineal gland releases in the body. It releases higher quantities of melatonin during the night and signals the need for sleep.

However, it is advisable for a person to speak with their doctor before taking supplements or significantly changing their diet.

Research notes that HGH levels increase during sleep due to the influence of melatonin. A regular sleep cycle is vital to naturally increase the level of HGH in the body.

Evidence also indicates that sleep disturbances, particularly deprivation, are associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and insulin insensitivity, which may lower levels of HGH.

Among other tips, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend exercising during the day to facilitate sleep at night. As both may help to naturally increase HGH, people can try to include regular exercise and adequate sleep in their routines to increase HGH levels.

HGH is a naturally occurring hormone released in the body by the pituitary gland. It has important functions in growth, metabolism, and muscle mass. Additional benefits may include improved learning, memory, bone health, and wound healing.

People may be able to naturally increase HGH levels through adequate sleep, exercise, and diet. However, a person should consult their doctor before making significant changes to their physical or dietary habits.

Additionally, illicit use of HGH is associated with risks. It is advisable that people only use prescription HGH to treat certain conditions, and not for other means.

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How can people increase HGH? - Medical News Today

Growth Hormones Fed to Beef Cattle Damage Human Health

Almost all beef cattle entering feedlots in the United States are given hormone implants to promote faster growth. The first product used for this purpose DES (diethylstilbestrol) was approved for use in beef cattle in 1954. An estimated two-thirds of the nation's beef cattle were treated with DES in 1956 (Marcus, 1994, cited in Swan et al., 2007).

Today, there are six anabolic steroids given, in various combinations, to nearly all animals entering conventional beef feedlots in the U.S. and Canada:

* Three natural steroids (estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone), and * Three synthetic hormones (the estrogen compound zeranol, the androgen trenbolone acetate, and progestin melengestrol acetate).

Anabolic steroids are typically used in combinations. Measurable levels of all the above growth-promoting hormones are found at slaughter in the muscle, fat, liver, kidneys and other organ meats. The Food and Drug Administration has set "acceptable daily intakes" (ADIs) for these animal drugs.

Questions and controversy over the impacts of these added hormones on human development and health have lingered for four decades. In 1988 the European Union banned the use of all hormone growth promoters. The ADIs on the books for years are based on traditional toxicity testing methods and do not reflect the capacity of these drugs, which are potent endocrine disruptors, to alter fetal and childhood development. According to Swan et al. (2007)

".the possible effects on human populations exposed to residues of anabolic sex hormones through meat consumption have never, to our knowledge, been studied. Theoretically, the fetus and the prepubertal child are particularly sensitive to exposure to sex steroids."

This gap in research is remarkable, given that every beef-eating American for over 50 years has been exposed to these hormones on a regular basis. To begin to explore possible impacts, Swan et al. (2007) carried out a study assessing the consequences of beef consumption by pregnant women on their adult male offspring. The families included in the study were recruited from the multicenter "Study for Future Families" (SFF).

The study team assessed sperm quantity and quality among 773 men. Data on beef consumption during pregnancy was available from the mothers of 387 men. These mothers consumed, on average, 4.3 beef meals per week, and were divided into a high beef consumption group (more than seven meals per week) and a low-consumption group (less than 7 per week).

The scientists compared sperm concentrations and quality among the men born to women in the high and low beef consumption groups. They found that:

* Sperm concentration (volume) was 24.3 percent higher in the sons of mothers in the "low" beef consumption group. * Almost 18 percent of the sons born to women in the high beef consumption group had sperm concentrations below the World Health Organization threshold for subfertility about three-times more than in the sons of women in the low consumption group.

The authors concluded that

"These findings suggest that maternal beef consumption is associated with lower sperm concentration and possible subfertility, associations that may be related to the presence of anabolic steroids and other xenobiotics in beef."

This study lends urgency to the long-recognized need for the FDA to reconsider the acceptable daily intakes of hormones used to promote growth in beef feedlots. This reassessment will, in all likelihood, be resisted by the animal drug and beef industries, and once begun, will take many years to be carried out. In the interim, families wanting to avoid the risk of developmental problems in their male children can do so by choosing organic beef.

Source: "Semen quality of fertile US males in relation to their mothers' beef consumption during pregnancy"

Authors: S.H. Swan, F. Liu, J.W. Overstreet, C. Brazil, and N.E. Skakkebaek

Journal: Human Reproduction, Advance Access published online March 28, 2007. Access the Full Text here.

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Growth Hormones Fed to Beef Cattle Damage Human Health

"I’ve been accused of something I’m not guilty of…. I’ve never taken steroids or HGH – When MLB legend Roger Clemens vehemently refuted claims…

"I've been accused of something I'm not guilty of.... I've never taken steroids or HGH - When MLB legend Roger Clemens vehemently refuted claims of taking steroids before a 2008 congressional committee  Sportskeeda

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"I've been accused of something I'm not guilty of.... I've never taken steroids or HGH - When MLB legend Roger Clemens vehemently refuted claims...

Growth hormone – Better Health Channel

The pituitary gland is a structure in our brain that produces different types of specialised hormones, including growth hormone (also referred to as human growth hormone or HGH). The roles of growth hormone include influencing our height, and helping build our bones and muscles. Natural levels of growth hormone fluctuate during the day, seemingly influenced by physical activity. For example, levels rise when we exercise.

Growth hormone levels increase during childhood and peak during puberty. In this phase of development, growth hormone promotes the growth of bone and cartilage. Throughout life, growth hormone regulates the fat, muscle, tissue and bone in our bodies, and other aspects of our metabolism such as insulin action and blood sugar levels. Growth hormone levels naturally reduce from middle age onwards.

Most commonly, doctors prescribe synthetic growth hormone to help children who have impaired hormone levels to reach their full height.

However, there is a black-market trade in synthetic growth hormone, particularly among athletes, bodybuilders and those whose positive body image depends on looking muscular. These people may take growth hormone (in combination with other muscle-building substances) in the mistaken belief that it will boost their muscle strength. However, any improvement in muscle strength is actually due to other muscle-building substances, such as steroids.

Our bones need enough growth hormone during our childhood and adolescence in order to lengthen to adult proportions. Growth hormone prompts our liver to make a substance called insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). This and other similar compounds are involved in bone growth.

Some children lack sufficient natural growth hormone to grow to their full height. Taking synthesised growth hormone can help them reach their full height. For example, children may be prescribed human growth hormone in cases of poor growth due to growth hormone deficiency, Turners syndrome, and kidney failure.However, research suggests that a child with normal levels of growth hormone, who takes the synthesised version, will not grow any taller than they would have naturally, unless they take very large amounts.Children who are experiencing stunted or slowed growth should have their natural growth hormone levels checked by medical professionals before they are prescribed any medication for their condition.

Adults with growth hormone deficiency (which may result from problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus) may have symptoms including:

They can benefit from treatment with growth hormone injections, which can help:

Approximately one third of people who use synthetic growth hormone will experience side effects. These may include:

Acromegaly is a disorder caused by excess levels of growth hormone, most commonly as a result of a tumour in that person's pituitary gland. It causes an irreversible overgrowth of bones, particularly those of the face, hands and feet. The person's skin is also affected and becomes thick, coarse and hairy. Other side effects include high blood pressure and heart disease. If the tumour occurs in childhood, then increased height may occur leading to gigantism.

Long-term use of synthetic growth hormone can also cause acromegaly, but not gigantism. This is because it is impossible for an adult to grow taller using synthetic growth hormone. The ends of the long bones (epiphyses) in the mature skeleton are fused in adults. High doses of growth hormone can only thicken the person's bones rather than lengthen them.

Any increase in muscle size due to use of synthetic growth hormone is actually the result of an increase in connective tissue, which does not contribute to muscle strength. For this reason, use of synthetic growth hormone does not lead to increase muscle strength. In fact, in the long term, muscle weakness (including weakness of the heart) can be a result.

In the past, growth hormone used to treat people was extracted, at autopsy, from the pituitary glands of people who had died. In some countries (not including Australia), it was discovered that a progressive and incurable disease of the brain called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), which results in dementia and death, was in rare cases transmitted by this method.

Nowadays synthetic growth hormone is used, and there is no risk of CJD.

Some athletes or bodybuilders who abuse growth hormone in an attempt to gain muscle size and strength also use other medications or illicit drugs to speed up their physical transformation. The dangers of mixing these different chemicals are not fully known.

Some of the substances people may use include:

Giving up synthetic growth hormone can be extremely difficult for adults whose positive body image depends on looking large and muscular. Some users continue to take the hormone, even though it is affecting their health and wellbeing.

Counselling may help you to stop using synthetic growth hormone. See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and other drug service in your area.

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Growth hormone - Better Health Channel

Growth Hormone Tests: Protocol, Costs, Results, and More – Healthline

Growth hormone (GH) is one of several hormones produced by the pituitary gland in your brain. Its also known as human growth hormone (HGH) or somatotropin.

GH plays a crucial role in human growth and development, especially in children and adolescents. GH levels that are higher or lower than they should be can lead to health problems in both children and adults.

If your doctor suspects that your body may be producing too much or too little GH, theyll typically start by ordering tests to measure the levels of GH in your blood. Identifying any issues related to GH will help your doctor make a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment for you.

There are several different types of GH tests, and the specific testing protocol varies depending on which test your doctor orders.

As with all medical tests, its important to follow all of the preparation instructions from your healthcare team. In general, for GH tests, your doctor will ask you to:

For some tests, your doctor may provide additional preparation instructions.

Its uncommon for people to have GH levels outside the typical range, so GH tests arent performed routinely. If your doctor thinks the levels of GH in your body may be abnormal, theyll likely order one or more of the following tests.

A GH serum test can measure the amount of GH in your blood. For this test, a healthcare professional will use a needle to collect a sample of your blood in short, its much the same as any other blood test.

The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. The results of a GH serum test let your care team know the level of GH in your blood at the time when your blood sample was taken.

But this may not offer enough information to help your doctor make a diagnosis since levels of GH in your body naturally rise and fall throughout the day.

Your doctor may order an insulin-like growth factor-1 test (IGF-1 test) at the same time as a GH serum test. If you have an excess or a deficiency of GH, youll also have higher- or lower-than-normal levels of IGF-1.

The key advantage of examining IGF is that, unlike GH, its levels remain stable. Youll only need to give one blood sample for both tests.

The GH serum and IGF-1 tests dont usually provide your doctor with enough information to make a diagnosis. These tests generally serve more of a screening purpose. In other words, they help your care team determine whether you need further tests.

If your doctor suspects that your body is producing too much or too little GH, theyll most likely order either a GH suppression test or a GH stimulation test.

A GH suppression test helps your doctor confirm if your body produces too much GH.

For this test, a healthcare professional will use a needle or IV to take a blood sample. Next, theyll ask you to drink a sweet solution containing glucose, a type of sugar.

Youll then give a few more samples of blood at timed intervals during the 2 hours after you drink the solution. These samples will be sent to a lab for analysis.

In most people, glucose lowers GH production. The lab will check your hormone levels against expected levels at each testing interval.

A GH stimulation test helps your doctor diagnose an excess or deficiency in GH production.

For this test, a healthcare professional will generally use an IV to take an initial blood sample. Theyll then give you a medication that triggers your body to release GH. The healthcare professional will monitor you and take several more blood samples at timed intervals over 2 hours.

The samples will be sent to a lab and compared with the expected GH levels at each interval after taking the medication.

The cost of GH tests varies based on your insurance coverage, the facility where you have the tests done, and the lab used to perform the analysis.

The simplest tests are the GH serum and IGF-1 tests, which only require a blood draw. The typical cost for each of these tests is about $70 if ordered directly from a lab. Your actual costs may vary depending on how much your healthcare team charges for services, like drawing your blood and sending it to the lab.

Your doctor will receive your lab results and interpret them. In general, the results of a GH serum test and an IGF-1 test dont provide enough information to diagnose a disorder related to GH. If your test results indicate that you may have a GH-related condition or need further testing, your doctors office will usually:

If your suppression test reveals a high GH level, this could mean:

If your GH stimulation test results indicate low hormone levels, this could mean:

The range for normal results may vary depending on the lab or your healthcare professional. Generally, normal GH test results are:

Results above this range could suggest your body produces too much growth hormone. That said, some guidelines favor a peak concentration above 10 ng/mL in children to completely rule out GH deficiency using stimulation tests.

Jennifer Osipoff, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist with Stony Brook Childrens Hospital, says that growth hormone is secreted from the pituitary gland mainly during sleep. Still, this secretion also occurs in small spurts throughout the day.

As such, a random GH level is not a clinically relevant value if assessing for growth hormone deficiency or excess, Osipoff said. Instead, endocrinologists will measure insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a protein that is made in response to GH secretion.

Providers break passing levels down into two groups: pediatric patients under 18 and adult patients 18 and over.

Both adults and children can undergo growth hormone testing. Yet healthcare professionals may recommend this testing for different reasons, depending on age.

GHD is rare, and it doesnt usually explain a childs short stature or slow growth. A child may have below-average height for many reasons, including simple genetics.

Slow growth is also common for children, especially right before puberty. Children with a GH deficiency often grow under 2 inches per year.

A healthcare professional may also recommend GH testing if they notice signs a childs body is producing too much GH. For example, this can happen with a rare condition known as gigantism, which causes the long bones, muscles, and organs to grow excessively in childhood.

Adult bodies rely on GH to maintain muscle mass and bone density and regulate metabolism.

If you make too little GH, you may have reduced bone density and muscle mass. A routine blood test called a lipid profile may show changes in the levels of fat in your blood. But GH deficiency is rare.

Extra GH in adults can cause a rare condition called acromegaly, which makes the bones thicken. If left untreated, acromegaly can cause a number of complications, including a higher risk of arthritis and heart problems.

GH levels that are too high or too low can indicate serious health concerns, including delayed growth and reduced bone density. Keep in mind, though, that GH-related conditions are rare.

A healthcare professional may order testing to check your GH levels using a GH suppression or stimulation test. If your test results show unusual GH levels, your care team will most likely order further testing.

If youre diagnosed with a GH-related condition, a doctor or other healthcare professional can offer more guidance on the best course of treatment. They may, for example, prescribe synthetic GH to treat GH deficiencies. Early detection can increase your chances of a good outcome for both adults and children.

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Growth Hormone Tests: Protocol, Costs, Results, and More - Healthline

The role of pituitary gland in human body – Telangana Today

Published: Published Date - 11:12 PM, Sat - 15 October 22

Hyderabad: The article is in continuation to the last article about chemical coordination and integration in the human body. Today, lets continue discussion on the functions of the pituitary gland. The information can be handy for the upcoming exams.

Pituitary gland

The pars distalis region of pituitary, commonly called anterior pituitary, produces growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Pars intermedia secretes only one hormone called melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH). However, in humans, the pars intermedia is almost merged with pars distalis. Neurohypophysis (pars nervosa) also known as posterior pituitary, stores and releases two hormones called oxytocin and vasopressin, which are actually synthesised by the hypothalamus and are transported axonally to neurohypophysis. Over-secretion of GH stimulates abnormal growth of the body leading to gigantism and low secretion of GH results in stunted growth resulting in pituitary dwarfism. Excess secretion of growth hormone in adults, especially in middle age, can result in severe disfigurement (especially of the face) called Acromegaly, which may lead to serious complications, and premature death if unchecked. The disease is hard to diagnose in the early stages and often goes undetected for many years, until changes in external features become noticeable.

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The role of pituitary gland in human body - Telangana Today

Megan Thee Stallion Puts Health Admin Degree To The Test In Hot Girl Hospital On SNL – HollywoodLife

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Megan Thee Stallion put her nursing degree to the test onSaturday Night Live! The Houston native, 27, has an actual undergraduate in Health Administration from Texas Southern University technically meaning she can work in a hospital which she earned in Oct. 2021. During her hosting gig onSNL, however, the Hot Girl Summer rapper spoofed her education in a different kind of hospital dubbed Hot Girl Hospital.

The faux drama allegedly produced by Shonda Rhimes and a hit onThe Shade Room starred Megan and her fellow nurses as they assisted patients with health emergenciesthe beauty kind. At HGH, the scrubs arent blue or green but rather the on-trend shade of hot pink dominating the current fashion scene. The first patient making the to the clinic? None other than Heidi Gardner, who was in need of some beauty amplification.

46, female neat as hell, Megan declared, rocking blue hair. Meanwhile, Heidi appeared in distress as a second nurse quipped about her fit, which included a pair of beige chinos. Trash, garbage, Megan replied, as her co-worker announced the woman needed a BBL and whatever Fashion Nova we got.

A BBL is an acronym for a Brazilian Butt Lift, and a surgery well known in popular culture per celebrities who have allegedly had their derrieres enhanced via the procedure. Fashion Nova is also known in popular culture as the go-to fast fashion brand in the hip-hop community, worn by Megan and also her WAP collaborator Cardi B (on She Bad, Cardi even raps: I could buy designer but this Fashion Nova fit).

Calm down, you gonna be a bad b- real soon! Megan assured Heidi as she was wheeled away for her makeover. While she underwent her supposed surgeries, a confused doctor wandered into the space with a pointed question: So, what kind of hospital is this then? he inquired. We do weaves, butts and clothes, he was informed.

Heidi then emerged with her new look, showing off her larger behind while wearing a hot pink mini dress. Its giving, thank you, she said to Megan and her two colleagues, as the rapper declared, Yeah!

Related:Megan Thee Stallion Set To Pull Double Duty As Host & Musical Guest On SNL This Week

Megan has been open about her decision to pursue school while also gaining success as a musician. The Texas-born star was already studying towards her Health Administration Degree when her rapping career blew up, but has said it was important for her to see through the commitment for her late mom Holly Thomas, who died in 2019.

After revealing that she was pursuing her degree part-time and online in June 2020, Stallion has steadily been working towards her goal of graduating with a Bachelors in Health Administration. Despite her prowess already as a three-time Grammy winner, the singer told People that she was furthering her education as a tribute to her late mother, Holly Thomas, who passed away in March 2019 from brain cancer.

I want to get my degree because I really want my mom to be proud, she said to PEOPLE magazine after graduating from Texas Southern University in 2021. She saw me going to school before she passed, the beauty added.

I want my big mama to be proud, she also said. She saw me going to school before she passed. My grandmother thats still alive used to be a teacher, so shes on my butt about finishing school. Im doing it for me, but Im also doing it for the women in my family who made me who I am today.

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Megan Thee Stallion Puts Health Admin Degree To The Test In Hot Girl Hospital On SNL - HollywoodLife

Growth Hormone -Types, Regulation & Growth Hormone Function – BYJUS

Growth Hormone Definition

Growth hormone is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland, that stimulates development, growth, and regeneration.

The growth hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary. It is made up of 191 amino acids that make a long single-chain polypeptide. It is synthesized in somatotropic cells found in the anterior pituitary gland. These cells also store and release the hormone.

The growth hormone is responsible for the regulation of several physiological processes such as growth and metabolism. It is also used as a drug in animals and plants.

Let us have a detailed look at the growth hormone function and its types.

Also Read:Hormones

Growth hormones are of two types:

Somatotropin growth hormones are otherwise referred by this name and is formed in animals

Somatropin these are growth hormones that are in the synthetic form produced utilizing recombinant DNA technologies.

The growth hormone has the following effects:

There are two different types of physiological effects of growth hormones:

These are observed when the growth hormone binds with the receptor on the target cells. For eg., fat cells have growth hormone receptors which are stimulated by these hormones to break the triglycerides and suppress their ability to accumulate circulating fats.

These are mediated by the insulin-like growth factor. Several growth-promoting effects of the hormone are due to the insulin-like growth factoracting on its target cells.

The growth hormone has essential effects on proteins, carbohydrates and lipid metabolism.

The metabolic effect reflects increased protein synthesis and decreased protein oxidation.

Growth hormone stimulates triglyceride breakdown and adipocytes oxidation.

Growth hormone maintains blood glucose levels and it is believed to have anti-insulin activity, which suppresses the ability of insulin to take up glucose.

Also read:Metabolism

Following are the important growth hormone function:

The formation of growth hormone is regulated by the releasing hormone called somatocrinin along with inhibiting hormone called somatostatin, which is released by the neurosecretory nuclei of the hypothalamus.

These regulating hormones are liberated in the hypophysial portal blood that surmounts the pituitary gland. The release of a hormone in the pituitary is monitored by these two hormones that are affected by many external inhibitory factors.

Various factors stimulate the release of growth hormone, which includes:

Also Read:Mechanism of Hormone Action

To know more about growth hormone, types of growth hormone, growth hormone function, or any other related topics, explore @ BYJUS Biology.

Growth hormone is a protein of about 190 amino acids that are synthesised and secreted by cells called somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland. It regulates several physiological processes such as metabolism and growth.

The growth hormone is released by the pituitary gland and affects the growth, bone density, muscles and lipid metabolism in children.

Somatropin and somatotropin are two different types of growth hormone. Somatotropin is formed naturally in animals whereas, somatropin is synthesized by recombinant DNA technology.

What are the effects of hypersecretion of growth hormone?

Hypersecretion of growth hormone causes gigantism in children and acromegaly in adults. Pituitary tumours are also caused due to hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults.

What is the effect of hyposecretion of growth hormone?

Hyposecretion of growth hormone causes dwarfism in children and changes the cholesterol levels, muscle mass and bone strength in adults.

How is the secretion of the growth hormone-regulated?

The secretion of the growth hormone is regulated by the hypothalamus and mediators of growth hormone actions. Other factors include- growth hormone-releasing hormone, somatostatin (SRIF), growth hormone-releasing peptide (ghrerin), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I).

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Growth Hormone -Types, Regulation & Growth Hormone Function - BYJUS

7 amazing things that happen to your body while you sleep

Sleeping is important for our physical and mental health.

Theres a lot we dont know about sleep. Questions like why we have sleep cycles, why we dream and why humans even need sleep in the first place are ones scientists are still finding exact answers to.

But one things for certain: when we sleep, and sleep well, we feel better physically and mentally, and perform better during the day. Read on to find out some of the things we do know about sleep and why its so important for our bodies and minds.

Dont be fooled into thinking that when youre asleep your brain has shut off too. Your brain is actually quite busy while you sleep, sorting and storing information from the day. This process is particularly important for creating long term memories, as your brain consolidates all the information its picked up during the day and files it away for later use.

There are a number of different hormones released during sleep, all with different purposes. Melatonin, released by the pineal gland, controls your sleep patterns. Levels increase at night time, making you feel sleepy. While youre sleeping, your pituitary gland releases growth hormone, which helps your body to grow and repair itself.

During sleep, your sympathetic nervous system which controls your fight or flight response gets a chance to relax. Studies have shown that when were deprived of sleep, sympathetic nervous system activity increases, which is also mirrored by an increase in blood pressure. Scientists studying coronary disease are investigating whether theres a relationship between decreased sleep duration and increased risk of heart disease.

Levels of cortisol, often called the stress hormone, decreases during the first few hours of sleep before rising to peak soon after you wake up. This helps makes you feel perky when you wake up and switches on your appetite.

While asleep, you cycle through periods of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) and rapid eye movement sleep (REM). Its during REM sleep that we have the most vivid dreams.

During this stage, your muscles are temporarily paralysed, meaning you cant move. Some scientists think this might be so that you dont physically act out your dreams.

Ever wondered why you have to go to the toilet to pee every couple of hours during the day, but can sleep a whole eight without heading to the loo? Thank ADH, an anti-diuretic hormone released by the brain under a circadian rhythm which switches off the need to urinate so often overnight.

While youre sleeping, your immune system releases a type of small proteins called cytokines. If youre sick or injured, these cytokines help your body fight inflammation, infection and trauma. Without enough sleep, your immune system might not be able to function at its best.

Your body does a lot of important work while youre asleep. Good sleep is vital for your physical and mental health, so if youre having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, not feeling rested when you wake up or feeling tired during the day, talk to your doctor about what you can do to improve your sleep or whether theres an underlying health issue or sleep disorder causing your lack of Zs.

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7 amazing things that happen to your body while you sleep