The molecular era ushered in the cloning of the growth hormone (GH) gene and the production of unlimited amounts of GH through recombinant technology. The continuing momentum of research from basic science to clinical evaluation has brought unprecedented advances to the understanding of GH biology for the clinical endocrinologist. Growth Hormone Related Diseases and Therapy: A Molecular and Physiological Perspective for the Clinician distills all the new information of relevance to the endocrinologist over the last 20 years by offering five sections: physiology, molecular genetics, GH deficiency, acromegaly and pharmacotherapy. The first section on physiology focuses on GH action. A review on the structure and function of the GH receptor is followed by a perspective on the regulatory role of ghrelin on GH secretion. The second section on genetics covers pituitary function and adenomas, including new and fascinating information on familial pituitary adenomas, their genotype and phenotype. The adult GH deficiency section spans the epidemiology and diagnosis of GH deficiency with a strong reminder for the clinician that the transition period represents a critical time of somatic maturation, which continues for years after cessation of liner growth. The section on acromegaly focuses on management, giving practical guides to the value of GH and IGF-1 measurements, the place of somatostatin analogues and of radiotherapy while reminding the reader as to why evaluating quality of life is an important part of management. Finally, the section on GH pharmacology takes the reader through innovative developments of long-acting GH formulations with some products on the threshold of clinical use. This section provides a balanced evidence based review of the effects of GH supplementation in aging and in sports where recent data indicates an enhancing effect on a selective aspect of performance. Growth Hormone Related Diseases and Therapy: A Molecular and
Jakowlew, of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, is the editor of this two-volume collection of articles (the volumes are sold individually), with basic and clinical biology in Vol.1 and articles on cancer treatment and therapy in Vol.2. In the first part of this volume the basic concepts of transforming growth factor [Beta], or TGF[Beta], signaling in normal physiology and cancer pathobiology are described in 32 chapters, with topics that include TGF[Beta] availability, regulators of Smad activity by phosphorylation, activins and inhibins in cancer progression, and uterine sensitization associated Gene-1. The next thirteen chapters describe TGF[Beta] in inflammation and fibrosis in various studies carried out by the authors. The volume`s contributors are with medical research institutions worldwide. Both volumes constitute a significant addition to the field. Annotation )2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Chris's Story - One Patient's Experience with Growth Hormone Therapy
Question about Growth Hormones?
A young boy is not growing at a normal rate, and testing reveals he is lacking receptors for growth hormone. Would growth hormone therapy help, or can you think of another hormone therapy to help him grow? Explain your answer.
No growth hormone therapy would not help, because the therapy involves periodic injection of growth hormone in to the patient, but if the patient doesnt have enough receptors for the growth hormone, there is no point, so little binding of GH will occur that there will be no physiologic response.
The only way to help this boy and make him better for life is to use gene therapy. Implanting the proper gene for growth hormone receptor levels will give him a normal complement of GH receptors, after which his natural levels of GH will start to yield an effect.
I mean there are always other hormone paths that you could try abusing, to get the kid to grow, but I dont know if these are as good and/or reliable as GH. Somatostatin, Insulin-like growth factor, etc... mostly cytokines.
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