Somatotropic hormone, somatropin, growth hormoneSTH or GH
Definition
Somatotropin is a hormone produced in the human body that influences and promotes growth and metabolism. It is water-soluble and consists of 191 amino acids. Somatotropin is produced in the pituitary gland of the human brain, more precisely in the so-called “anterior pituitary gland“.
As an important hormone of the metabolism, it is part of a complex regulatory circuit. Its production is influenced by a number of different other hormones and receptors, its secretion is regulated and its effect on many different organs is translated into further biochemical processes. Its primary functions are the growth of cells and thus the stimulation of body growth, especially of newborns and adolescents.
The hormone achieves this by releasing insulin, increasing the concentration of sugar in the blood, building up amino acids and breaking down fats. The release of the hormone from the pituitary gland is in turn controlled by hormones, firstly by its antagonist somatostatin, which inhibits its release, and secondly by somatoliberin (SRF, GRH, GHRH), which promotes its release. As a growth hormone it is mainly released shortly after birth and during puberty.
Signals that lead to the release of the hormone are sports, fasting, psychological stress and hypoglycemia. During fasting and hypoglycaemia, the stomach releases the hormone ghrelin, which can also immediately release somatotropin. Its effect on muscle, liver, bone and cartilage is particularly important for the human body.
Here it acts by binding to the somatotropin receptor on the surface of the cells. By increasing the uptake of amino acids and the formation of proteins at the target cells, it has important functions for proper growth, which enables a normal life. Persistent somatotropin deficiency results in reduced growth, increased body fat, reduced muscle mass and unstable bones, but also in increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a generally reduced quality of life.
Somatotropin for the treatment of various diseases
Somatotropin has been used in medicine as a drug since 1963. Various diseases and syndromes are associated with a reduced production or effect of somatotropin. Today, artificially produced somatotropin is used to treat hormone deficiency.
It can be used both in children suffering from dwarfism and in adults suffering from a severe hormone deficiency. Examples of childhood hormone deficiency are Prader-Willi syndrome and Turner syndrome. Side effects of the intake are edema, headaches, joint pain and muscle aches.
Somatotropin is misused outside of medicine as a doping agent among strength athletes. It is popular among bodybuilders due to its muscle building effects. In professional sports it is nevertheless prohibited and can only be purchased with a prescription. It is also often advertised as a weight loss cure. A further, but controversial side effect of somatotropin is its alleged anti-aging effect.
