GH Human
Greater than 98.0% as determined by SDS-PAGE.
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Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The discovery of growth hormone dates back to the 1920s. However, it wasn’t until 1963 that GH began to be used therapeutically to treat children with growth disorders due to pituitary deficiencies . Initially, the hormone was extracted from the pituitary glands of cadavers, which was a limited and risky source. This method continued until the mid-1980s when it was discovered that some batches were contaminated with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a fatal brain disorder .
The contamination crisis led to the suspension of cadaver-derived GH. Fortunately, around the same time, advancements in biotechnology provided a new solution. In 1985, the first recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) was produced using recombinant DNA technology. This method involves inserting the human GH gene into bacteria, which then produce the hormone. This breakthrough not only ensured a safer supply but also made the hormone more widely available .
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) mimics the natural hormone’s effects. It binds to GH receptors on the surface of target cells, triggering a cascade of intracellular events that promote growth and metabolism. The hormone stimulates the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which plays a key role in bone growth and muscle development .
rhGH is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Growth hormone deficiency in children and adults
- Turner syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting females
- Chronic kidney disease leading to growth failure
- Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder causing poor muscle tone and growth failure
- Short stature due to other causes
In adults, rhGH is used to treat GH deficiency that can result from pituitary tumors or their treatment .
While rhGH has significant therapeutic benefits, its use is not without controversy. The hormone has been misused for performance enhancement in sports and for anti-aging purposes, leading to ethical concerns and potential health risks. The long-term safety of rhGH therapy is still under study, and it is essential to use the hormone under medical supervision to avoid adverse effects .
