LHRH, GRH, GNRH, LNRH.
LHRH, GRH, GNRH, LNRH.
Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH), also known as Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), is a pivotal hormone in the regulation of the reproductive system. It is a decapeptide produced in the hypothalamus and plays a crucial role in the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary gland .
LHRH is a small peptide hormone consisting of ten amino acids. Its primary function is to stimulate the synthesis and release of LH and FSH, which are essential for reproductive function in both males and females. In males, LH stimulates the production of testosterone from the Leydig cells in the testes, while in females, it triggers ovulation and the production of estrogen and progesterone from the ovaries .
Recombinant LHRH (Human Recombinant) is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring hormone. It is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the gene encoding LHRH into bacterial or mammalian cells, allowing these cells to produce the hormone. This method ensures a consistent and pure product, which is crucial for therapeutic applications .
Recombinant LHRH is used in various clinical settings, particularly in the treatment of hormone-responsive cancers such as prostate and breast cancer. It is also used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) to regulate ovulation and improve the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures .
Cancer Treatment: In hormone-responsive cancers, recombinant LHRH is used to suppress the production of sex hormones that can fuel the growth of cancer cells. By continuously stimulating the pituitary gland, recombinant LHRH eventually leads to a decrease in LH and FSH levels, resulting in reduced production of testosterone and estrogen .
Assisted Reproductive Technology: In ART, recombinant LHRH is used to control the timing of ovulation and improve the chances of successful fertilization. It is often used in combination with other hormones such as recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) to enhance ovarian stimulation and increase the number of oocytes retrieved .
The use of recombinant LHRH offers several advantages over naturally derived hormones: