When there is an excess of somatotropin in adults, it is observed. HGH is growth hormone. Somatotropic hormone: norm and deviations. Elevated somatotropin levels

The name of the hormone is somatropin. Only in adolescence and childhood is it useful for growth. The hormone is very important for people. Throughout human life, it affects metabolism, blood sugar levels, muscle development and fat burning. It can also be synthesized artificially.

Where and how is it produced?

Growth hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary gland. The organ located between the cerebral hemispheres is called the Pituitary gland. The most important hormones for humans are synthesized there, affecting nerve endings and, to a lesser extent, other cells of the human body.

Genetic factors influence hormone production. Today, a complete human genetic map has been compiled. The synthesis of growth hormone is influenced by five genes on chromosome seventeen. Initially, there are two isoforms of this enzyme.

During growth and development, a person produces several additional manufactured forms of this substance. To date, more than five isoforms have been identified that have been found in human blood. Each isoform has a specific effect on the nerve endings of various tissues and organs.

The hormone is produced from time to time with a period of three to five hours during the day. Usually an hour or two after falling asleep at night, the brightest surge in its production of the entire day occurs. During night sleep, several more stages occur sequentially; in total, from two to five times, the hormone synthesized in the pituitary gland enters the blood.

It has been proven that its natural production decreases with age. It reaches a maximum in the second half of the child’s intrauterine development, and then gradually decreases. The maximum frequency of production is achieved in early childhood.

In adolescence, during puberty, the maximum intensity of its production at a time is observed, however, the frequency is significantly lower than in childhood. Its minimum amount is produced in old age. At this time, both the frequency of production periods and the maximum amount of hormone produced at one time are minimal.

Distribution of growth hormone in the human body

To move within the body, it, like other hormones, uses the circulatory system. To achieve the goal, the hormone binds to its transport protein, which is produced by the body.

Subsequently, it moves to the receptors of various organs, affecting their work depending on the isoform and the action of other hormones in parallel with somatropin. When it hits a nerve ending, somatropin causes an effect on the target protein. This protein is called Janus kinase. The target protein causes activation of glucose transport to target cells, their development and growth.

First type of impact

Growth hormone owes its name to the fact that it acts on bone tissue receptors located in unclosed bone growth zones. This causes strong growth in children and adolescents during puberty, caused by the growth hormone produced in sufficient quantities in the teenage body at this time. Most often this occurs due to an increase in the length of the tubular bones of the legs, shin bones, and arms. Other bones (such as the spine) also grow, but this is less pronounced.

In addition to the growth of open areas of bones at a young age, it causes strengthening of bones, ligaments, and teeth throughout life. A lack of synthesis of this substance in the human body may be associated with many diseases that affect older people - mainly diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Second type of impact

This is an increase in muscle growth and fat burning. This type of impact is widely used in sports and bodybuilding. Three types of techniques are used:

• increasing natural hormone synthesis in the body;
• improved absorption of somatropin associated with other hormones;
• taking synthetic substitutes.

Today, somastatin preparations are prohibited doping. The International Olympic Committee recognized this in 1989.

Third type of impact

Increasing the amount of glucose in the blood due to its effect on liver cells. This mechanism is quite complex, and it allows you to track the connection with other human hormones.

Growth hormone is involved in many other types of activity - it acts on the brain, is involved in activating appetite, affects sexual activity, and both the influence of sex hormones on the synthesis of somatotropin and its influence on the synthesis of sex hormones are observed. It even takes part in the learning process - experiments on mice have shown that those individuals who were additionally injected with it learn better and develop conditioned reflexes.

There are conflicting studies regarding the effect on the aging body. Most experiments confirm that old people who were additionally injected with growth hormone felt much better. Their metabolism and general condition improved, and mental and physical activity increased. At the same time, animal experiments indicate that those individuals who received this drug artificially showed a shorter life expectancy than those who were not administered it.

How is growth hormone related to other hormones?

The production of growth hormone is influenced by two main substances. They are called somastatin and somalibertin. The hormone somastatin inhibits the synthesis of somatotropin, and somalibertin causes increased synthesis. These two hormones are produced there, in the pituitary gland. Interaction and joint effects on the body of somatotropin are observed with the following drugs:

• IGF-1;
• Thyroid hormones;
• Estrogen;
• Adrenal hormones;

This substance is the main intermediary in the absorption of sugar by the body. When a person is exposed to growth hormone, there is an increase in blood sugar. Insulin causes it to decrease. At first glance, the two hormones are antagonists. However, this is not quite true.

Sugar in the blood under the influence of the enzyme is absorbed more efficiently during the work of tissue cells and organs awakened by it. This allows the synthesis of certain types of protein. Insulin helps this glucose be absorbed in order to work more efficiently. Therefore, these substances are allies, and the work of the growth hormone is impossible without insulin.

This is due to the fact that children who have type 1 diabetes grow much slower, and diabetic bodybuilders have difficulty building muscle mass if they lack insulin. However, if there is too much somatropin in the blood, the activity of the pancreas can be “broken” and type 1 diabetes mellitus will occur. Somatropin affects the functioning of the pancreas, which produces.

IGF-1

Factors influencing synthesis within the body

Factors that increase the synthesis of somatropin:

• influence of other hormones;
• hypoglycemia;
• good dream
• physical activity;
• exposure to the cold;
• Fresh air;
• consumption of lysine, glutamine, and some other amino acids.

Reduce synthesis:

• influence of other hormones;
• high concentration of somatropin and IFP-1;
• alcohol, drugs, tobacco, some other psychotropic substances;
• hyperglycemia;
• a large amount of fatty acids in the blood plasma.

Use of growth hormone in medicine

In medicine it is used for diseases of the nervous system, treatment of growth and development delays in childhood, treatment of diseases of the elderly.

Diseases of the nervous system associated with are effectively treated using synthetic somatropin substitutes.

It is necessary to take into account that the use of the drug in this case will in most cases cause a return to the original state, and a long course of its use can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Diseases associated with pituitary dwarfism - some types of dementia, depressive disorders, behavioral disorders. In psychiatry, this drug is used occasionally, during psychotherapy and the recovery period.

During childhood, many children experience delays in growth and development. This is especially true for those whose mother took large doses of alcohol during pregnancy. The fetus may also be exposed to certain doses of alcohol, which cross the placental barrier and reduce the production of somatotropin. As a result, they initially have low levels of somatropin, and children need to take additional synthetic substitutes in order to catch up with their peers in their development.

With diabetes mellitus in children, there are periods when blood sugar is high and there is not enough insulin. As a result, their growth and development are delayed. They are prescribed somatropin drugs, which must work in one direction. This will avoid attacks of hyperglycemia. Provided that insulin and somatropin work together, the body tolerates the effects of the drugs more easily.

For older people, the effectiveness of somatropin has been confirmed in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It increases the hardness of bone tissue, its mineralization, strengthens ligaments and muscle tissue. For some, it helps burn fat tissue.

Unfortunately, taking drugs of this type is associated with an increase in blood sugar levels, which is unacceptable for most older people, and long-term treatment with them is excluded.

Use of growth hormone in sports

The IOC has banned this drug for use by competitive athletes since 1989. However, there is a group of “amateur” competitions in which the use and doping are not controlled - for example, some types of martial arts, some bodybuilding and powerlifting competitions.

It is quite difficult to control the intake of modern synthetic analogues of somatropin in doping tests, and most laboratories do not have suitable equipment.

In bodybuilding, when people train for their own pleasure and not for performance, these substances are used in two types of training - during the “cutting” process and when building muscle mass. During the drying process, the intake is accompanied by a large amount of T4 thyroid hormone analogues. During periods of muscle building, it is taken together with insulin. When burning fat, doctors recommend injecting drugs locally - into the stomach, since men have the most fat in this area.

Pumping up the body's relief with the help of specialized substances allows you to quickly gain large muscle mass, little subcutaneous fat, however, the stomach is large. This is due to the large amount of glucose absorbed when building muscle mass. However, this practice is much more effective than the use of drugs such as methyltestosterone. Methyltestosterone can activate the process of obesity, in which a person will have to “dry” the body.

Female bodybuilding also did not ignore somatropin. Its analogues are used in conjunction with estrogen instead of insulin. This practice does not cause a strong increase in the abdomen. Many female bodybuilders prefer this one, because other doping drugs are associated with male hormones and cause the appearance of masculine features and masculinization.

In most cases, it will be more effective for a bodybuilder under the age of 30 not to take somatropin. The fact is that while taking this drug you will have to enhance its effect with the help of other hormones, the side symptoms of which (obesity) will need to be compensated for by additional efforts. A lifeline in this situation will be the use of other synthetic drugs, which also increase the endogenous production of growth hormone.

Somatotropic hormone (GH) is directly involved in the proper development of the child’s body. extremely important for a growing organism. The correct and proportional formation of the body depends on HGH. And an excess or deficiency of such a substance leads to gigantism or, conversely, growth retardation. In the body of an adult, somatotropic hormone is contained in smaller quantities than in a child or teenager, but is still important. If the GH hormone is elevated in adults, this can lead to the development of acromegaly.

General information

Somatotropin, or growth hormone, is a growth hormone that regulates the development processes of the entire organism. This substance is produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. The synthesis of growth hormone is controlled by two main regulators: somatotropin-releasing factor (STGF) and somatostatin, which are produced by the hypothalamus. Somatostatin and STHF activate the formation of somatotropin and determine the time and amount of its elimination. HGH - the intensity of the metabolism of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and somatotropin depends on it; it activates glycogen, DNA, accelerates the mobilization of fats from the depot and the breakdown of fatty acids. STH is a hormone that has lactogenic activity. The biological effect of somatotropic hormone is impossible without the low molecular weight peptide somatomedin C. When GH is administered, “secondary” growth-stimulating factors—somatomedins—increase in the blood. The following somatomedins are distinguished: A 1, A 2, B and C. The latter has an insulin-like effect on fat, muscle and cartilage tissue.

The main functions of somatotropin in the human body

Somatotropic hormone (GH) is synthesized throughout life and has a powerful effect on all systems of our body. Let's look at the most important functions of such a substance:

• The cardiovascular system. STH is a hormone that is involved in the regulation of cholesterol levels. A deficiency of this substance can provoke vascular atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke and other diseases.
• Leather. Growth hormone is an essential component in the production of collagen, which is responsible for the condition of the skin. If the hormone (GH) is reduced, collagen is synthesized in insufficient quantities and, as a result, the aging process of the skin accelerates.
• Weight. At night (during sleep), somatotropin is directly involved in the process of lipid breakdown. Violation of this mechanism causes gradual obesity.
• Bone. Somatotropic hormone in children and adolescents ensures the elongation of bones, and in an adult - their strength. This is due to the fact that somatotropin is involved in the synthesis of vitamin D 3 in the body, which is responsible for the stability and strength of bones. This factor helps to cope with various diseases and severe bruises.
• Muscle. STH (hormone) is responsible for the strength and elasticity of muscle fibers.
• Body tone. Somatotropic hormone has a positive effect on the entire body. Helps maintain energy, good mood, and sound sleep.

Growth hormone is very important for maintaining a slim and beautiful body shape. One of the functions of somatotropic hormone is the transformation of adipose tissue into muscle tissue, this is what athletes and everyone who watches their figure achieve. STH is a hormone that improves joint mobility and flexibility, making muscles more elastic.

In older age, normal levels of somatotropin in the blood prolong longevity. Initially, somatotropic hormone was used to treat various senile ailments. In the world of sports, this substance was used for some time by athletes to build muscle mass, but growth hormone was soon banned for official use, although today it is actively used by bodybuilders.

STH (hormone): norm and deviations

What are the normal values ​​of growth hormone for humans? At different ages, the indicators of such a substance as growth hormone (hormone) are different. The norm for women also differs significantly from the normal values ​​for men:

• Newborns up to one day - 5-53 mcg/l.
• Newborns up to one week - 5-27 mcg/l.
• Children aged from one month to one year - 2-10 mcg/l.
• Middle-aged men - 0-4 mcg/l.
• Middle-aged women - 0-18 mcg/l.
• Men over 60 years of age - 1-9 mcg/l.
• Women over 60 years of age - 1-16 mcg/l.

Somatotropic hormone deficiency in the body

Particular attention is paid to somatotropin in childhood. GH deficiency in children is a serious disorder that can cause not only stunting, but also delayed puberty and general physical development, and in certain cases, dwarfism. Various factors can cause such a disorder: pathological pregnancy, heredity, hormonal disorders.

An insufficient level of somatotropin in the body of an adult affects the general state of metabolism. A low level of growth hormone accompanies various endocrine diseases, and a deficiency of somatotropic hormone can provoke treatment with certain medications, including the use of chemotherapy.

And now a few words about what happens if there is an excess of somatotropic hormone in the body.

STH is increased

Excess growth hormone in the body can cause more serious consequences. Height increases significantly not only in adolescents, but also in adults. The height of an adult can exceed two meters.

At the same time, there is a significant increase in the limbs - hands, feet, the shape of the face also undergoes serious changes - the nose becomes larger, the features become coarser. Such changes can be corrected, but in this case, long-term treatment under the supervision of a specialist will be required.

How to determine the level of growth hormone in the body?

Scientists have found that the synthesis of somatotropin in the body occurs in waves, or in cycles. Therefore, it is very important to know when to take STH (hormone), i.e. at what time to do an analysis for its content. This kind of research is not carried out in regular clinics. The content of somatotropin in the blood can be determined in a specialized laboratory.

What rules should be followed before conducting an analysis?

A week before the analysis for growth hormone (growth hormone), it is necessary to refuse an X-ray examination, as this may affect the reliability of the data. During the day before blood sampling, you should adhere to a strict diet, excluding any fatty foods. Twelve hours before the test, avoid eating any foods. It is also recommended to stop smoking, and within three hours it should be completely eliminated. A day before the test, any physical or emotional stress is unacceptable. Blood sampling is carried out in the morning, at this time the concentration of somatotropic hormone in the blood is maximum.

How to stimulate the synthesis of somatotropin in the body?

Today, the pharmaceutical market offers a large number of different drugs containing growth hormone. The course of treatment with such drugs can last several years. But such medications should be prescribed exclusively by a specialist after a thorough medical examination and in the presence of objective reasons. Self-medication may not only not improve the situation, but can also cause many health problems. In addition, you can activate the production of growth hormone in the body naturally.

1. The most intense production of growth hormone occurs during deep sleep, which is why you need to sleep at least seven to eight hours.
2. Rational diet. The last meal should be at least three hours before bedtime. If the stomach is full, the pituitary gland will not be able to actively synthesize growth hormone. It is recommended to have dinner with easily digestible foods. For example, you can choose low-fat cottage cheese, lean meat, egg whites, and so on.
3. Healthy menu. The basis of nutrition should be fruits, vegetables, dairy and protein products.
4. Blood. It is very important to monitor the level of glucose in the blood; its increase can cause a decrease in the production of somatotropic hormone.
5. Physical activity. For children, volleyball, football, tennis, and sprinting sections would be an excellent option. However, you should know: the duration of any strength training should not exceed 45-50 minutes.
6. Fasting, emotional stress, stress, smoking. Such factors also reduce the production of growth hormone in the body.

In addition, conditions such as diabetes mellitus, pituitary gland injuries, and increased blood cholesterol levels significantly reduce the synthesis of growth hormone in the body.

Conclusion

In this article, we examined in detail such an important element as growth hormone. The functioning of all systems and organs and the general well-being of a person depend on how its production occurs in the body.

We hope you find the information useful. Be healthy!

Somatotropic hormone produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Somatotropic hormone is responsible for the growth of the body as a whole. Good day, dear reader of the blog “Hormones are normal!” My name is Dilyara Lebedeva, I am an endocrinologist and the author of this blog. You can read about me on the “About the Author” page.

After reading this article, you will learn:

• What is growth hormone and why does the body need it?
• What happens when growth hormone levels are elevated?
• What are the causes of increased growth hormone?
• How do diseases manifest themselves when growth hormone is elevated?

Somatotropic hormone(GH, growth hormone) is synthesized by the cells of the anterior pituitary gland (somatotrophs), which occupy 35-45% of all pituitary cells. Somatotropic hormone is unstable. Its half-life is 20-25 minutes.

There are 2 forms of somatotropic hormone in the blood: “big”-GH and “little”-GH. "Little"-STG has increased biological activity. It is due to this form that all the effects of growth hormone are manifested.

The synthesis of growth hormone is controlled by the hypothalamus. It produces so-called releasing factors. Somatoliberin stimulates the synthesis of growth hormone, and somatostatin blocks it.

It itself exerts its effect on the body not directly, but through intermediary hormones. They are called insulin-like growth factors (IGFs, somatomedins). It is IGF-1, which is produced in the liver, that is one of the markers for diseases associated with somatotropic hormone.

The secretion of somatotropic hormone occurs mainly during sleep (about 70%). Remember the expression “when you sleep, you grow.” It's about growth hormone.

The synthesis and secretion of growth hormone increases in the following cases:

• Physical exercise
• Stress
• Eating protein foods
• Introduction of amino acids (arginine and leucine)
• Prolonged fasting
• Malabsorption of food

Reduce the secretion of somatotropic hormone:

• Elevated blood sugar
• Increased blood cholesterol levels

When somatotropic hormone is increased, then...

There are diseases that are characterized by an increase in the level of somatotropic hormone in the blood. Such diseases are acromegaly and gigantism.

Gigantism develops in children and adolescents until puberty, until the epiphyses of the bones (bone growth zones) close. Their bones grow in length. Pathologically tall people are considered to be men taller than 200 cm and women taller than 190 cm. The tallest man, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is Sultan Kosen from Turkey, his height is more than 2.5 meters.

When bone growth zones close in such patients, the bones subsequently grow in width. In this case, the disease is called acromegaly. This happens because the cause that caused gigantism has not been eliminated.

Acromegaly develops in adults whose growth plates are already closed. And the bones have no choice but to grow in width. Moreover, not only bones grow, but also soft tissues and organs, and metabolism is disrupted. Such growth in width is characterized by disproportion, that is, the size of the enlarged limbs, that is, for example, is disproportionate relative to the rest of the human body.

Acromegaly affects approximately 50-70 people per 1 million population. Every year, 3-4 new cases are registered per 1 million inhabitants of the country. Men and women get sick with the same frequency.

At the very beginning, the disease is usually not diagnosed. This occurs on average 8-10 years after the onset of the disease, when external manifestations of the disease appear. Therefore, the average age of patients with acromegaly is 40-50 years.

With elevated levels of somatotropic hormone, high mortality is observed (2-4 times more than in the general population). If treatment is not started on time, in 50% of cases patients do not live to see 50 years of age.

Reasons for increasing growth hormone

The main cause of increased levels of growth hormone is pituitary adenoma (somatotropinoma), which occurs in 98% of all cases of acromegaly. Moreover, ¾ of all tumors are macroadenomas that spread beyond the sella turcica, and ¼ of all tumors are microadenomas that do not exceed 10 mm in diameter.

These are mainly monoclonal tumors, i.e. they produce only growth hormone. But there are also mixed adenomas, which, along with GH, can also synthesize prolactin, TSH, ACTH, LH, FSH. The most common mixed tumor is an adenoma that synthesizes growth hormone and prolactin. You can learn about hyperprolactinemia from the article in which I talk about the main manifestations and causes of this disease.

Approximately 2% of all cases An increase in somatotropic hormone is occupied by an ectopic tumor, i.e., not associated with the pituitary gland. Tumors that synthesize excess GH can be located both inside the skull (endocranial) and outside the skull in other organs (exocranial).

The first include tumors of the pharyngeal and sphenoidal sinuses. The latter include tumors of the lungs, mediastinum, pancreas, intestines, ovaries and testicles. Moreover, these tumors can synthesize both somatoliberin itself and somatoliberin (a hypothalamic hormone that stimulates the synthesis of growth hormone).

Approximately about 1% of all cases acromegaly occurs in familial forms and hereditary diseases, in which one of the symptoms is acromegaly.

Such diseases include:

• McCune-Albright syndrome
• Wermer syndrome (man-1)
• Isolated familial acromegaly
• Carney complex

In addition, they highlight partial acromegaly, in which individual parts of the skeleton or organs enlarge. This acromegaly is not caused by an excess of growth hormone, but by the increased sensitivity of the tissues of these organs to GH.

Symptoms of elevated growth hormone

Symptoms of acromegaly caused by pituitary adenoma can be divided into 3 groups:

1. Symptoms caused by excess growth hormone.
2. Symptoms caused by the growth of adenoma in the brain.
3. Symptoms caused by decreased secretion of other hormones.

Symptoms caused by excess growth hormone

Appearance

The first thing that attracts attention is the patient’s appearance. When the disease has developed to the stage of changes in appearance, the diagnosis of acromegaly can be made right away. Patients with increased secretion have this characteristic appearance. growth hormone.

There is an enlargement of facial features, which is manifested by an increase in the superciliary arches, cheekbones, nose, lips, ears, and lower jaw (it moves forward - prognathism). Patients are forced to constantly change hats, gloves and shoes to a larger size, because these parts of the body also increase in size.

As an example, a patient with acromegaly can be compared to Shrek from the cartoon of the same name, who, by the way, had a real prototype suffering from acromegaly. This is boxer Maurice Tillet. He is the one shown in the photo above.

Skin change

The skin becomes dense, thickened, with many folds and wrinkles, especially on the scalp. Hyperpigmentation (darkening) is observed in areas of friction with clothing and in folds. Increased hair growth, acne, increased greasiness and sweating of the skin due to an increase in the number of sweat and sebaceous glands are often observed.

Increased organ size

A change in the size of organs is manifested by an increase in the tongue, salivary glands, lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and intestines. At first, there is an increase in muscle strength and endurance, but over time, sclerotic processes begin to occur in the muscles, which lead to muscle atrophy and weakness.

Such sclerotic changes occur in all organs, causing their damage. The effect on the lungs (pneumosclerosis, emphysema) and heart (myocardiopathy) is especially significant.

The growth of cartilage tissue leads to joint deformation. They experience pain and impaired mobility. Patients with elevated levels of growth hormone very often have persistent arterial hypertension (4-5 times more often than in the general population).

Change in metabolism

Changes in metabolism include the development of insulin resistance (in 100% of patients), diabetes mellitus (in 25-30% of patients). There is also a violation of lipid metabolism (in 100% of cases). These patients have elevated cholesterol levels.

When increasing STG There is an increased loss of calcium in the urine, but at the same time it is well absorbed in the stomach, so the calcium level remains normal. But in response to the loss of calcium in the blood, excess phosphorus accumulates. All these changes lead to the formation of kidney stones (in 45% of cases).

Neurological disorders

Neurological disorders are associated not only with intensive tumor growth and pressure on nearby brain tissue. There are changes on the periphery as well. Peripheral nerves are compressed by enlarged and swollen tissues.

This is manifested by tunnel syndromes, for example, carpal syndrome, which develops when the median nerve of the upper limb is compressed. In this case, tactile and pain sensitivity is lost, and paresthesia occurs (the feeling of goosebumps crawling on the skin).

Sleep apnea syndrome

Sleep apnea syndrome (stopping breathing) is associated with the growth of soft tissues of the upper respiratory tract and damage to the respiratory centers.

Symptoms caused by the growth of pituitary adenoma

Mostly large pituitary adenoma (macroadenoma). The skull is a rather small closed space and therefore any formation leads to displacement and compression of brain tissue. And such an impact does not pass without a trace. All symptoms depend on which direction the tumor grows and which area of ​​the brain it compresses.

The symptoms are as follows:

1. Headache. They are stubborn.
2. Visual impairment. Loss of visual fields, decreased visual acuity.
3. Loss of sense of smell.
4. The appearance of epilepsy.
5. Unreasonable fevers.
6. Sleep disturbance, appetite disturbance.
7. Double vision as a result of damage to the cranial nerves, as well as drooping of the upper eyelid, decreased hearing, immobility of the eye, loss of sensitivity of the facial skin.

Symptoms due to decreased secretion of other hormones

When a tumor grows, the first thing that occurs is compression of the healthy tissue of the pituitary gland, where other hormones are also produced.

Very often patients develop:

• Secondary hypothyroidism (15-25%)
• (60% of women have menstrual irregularities, galactorrhea, infertility, 40% of men develop gynecomastia, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction)

Somatotropic hormone is produced by cells of the anterior pituitary gland (somatotrophs) under the control of hypothalamic factors - somatostatin and somatoliberin. It promotes the growth of bones, soft tissues, internal organs and muscle tissue, affects carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Acting through somatomedins (insulin-like growth factors synthesized in the liver and other tissues in response to the action of somatotropic hormone), somatotropic hormone accelerates the synthesis of amino acids and their incorporation into the protein molecule, and reduces the level of urea.

Synonyms: somatropin, somatotropin, growth hormone, growth hormone.

The main functions of somatotropic hormone:

• stimulation of bone and soft tissue growth;
• increased glycogenesis in the liver;
• activation of protein synthesis in the liver and muscles;
• utilization of glucose in tissues;
• anti-insulin effect (decreased cell sensitivity to insulin);
• stimulation of fat breakdown;
• anti-catabolic effect (inhibition of protein breakdown);
• participation in collagen synthesis;
• regeneration of damaged tissues, wound healing;
• retention of potassium and sodium in the body;
• increased calcium absorption in the intestine and its absorption into bone tissue;
• immunostimulating effect (increased number of T-lymphocytes);
• stimulation of fluid excretion through sweat glands;
• control cholesterol levels.

The secretion of somatotropin is pulsating in nature, its level in the blood changes throughout the day. Peak production occurs at night, at the beginning of the deep sleep phase.

Temperature fluctuations have a positive effect on the regulation of somatotropin production processes, therefore, a contrast shower is recommended for patients with GH deficiency.

Growth hormone is synthesized throughout life. Its secretion is maximum in early childhood; during puberty, the highest levels of somatotropin in the blood are observed; with age, production gradually decreases.

The level of somatotropic hormone depends on the age and gender of the person:

• newborns: 5–53 µg/l;
• children under 1 year: 2–10 µg/l;
• older children and teenagers: 1–20 µg/l;
• women under 60 years of age: 0–18 µg/l, over 60 years: 1–16 µg/l µg/l;
• men under 60 years old: 0–4 µg/l, over 60 years: 1–9 µg/l.

An excess or deficiency of somatotropin causes disruption of metabolic processes and leads to the development of serious pathologies. Both with a decrease and with an increase in the level of growth hormone, changes occur in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Hormonal imbalance negatively affects the entire body.

Elevated somatotropin levels

Increased production of growth hormone from the pituitary gland leads to continued growth of bones and soft tissues after puberty. If the disease begins at an early age, then gigantism occurs; if in adulthood, acromegaly occurs. With acromegaly, thickening of the hands and feet, enlargement of facial features, and an increase in the size of internal organs are observed. The disease is accompanied by neurological disorders and disorders of the cardiovascular system.

Increased production of somatotropic hormone of the pituitary gland also occurs in the following diseases and conditions:

• chronic renal failure;
• Laron's syndrome;
• anorexia nervosa;
• post-traumatic and postoperative conditions.

Somatotropin prevents the aging process, improves the contractile function of the heart, normalizes liver and kidney function, increases bone mineral density and muscle tone.

An increase in the level of somatotropin in the blood can be caused by taking medications (insulin, glucagon, estrogens, dopamine, corticotropin, norepinephrine, serotonin, alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulants, beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, bromocriptine, arginine, vitamin PP).

Reduced somatotropin levels

A decrease in the synthesis of somatotropic hormone occurs due to a genetic predisposition (chromosomal diseases, hereditary dwarfism, congenital metabolic defects, pathologies or injuries, Down syndrome, Noonan syndrome).

Growth hormone deficiency causes delayed growth or puberty in children. Somatotropic insufficiency is the main cause of the development of pituitary dwarfism, characterized by a sharp lag in the growth and physical development of the child.

The causes of somatotropic insufficiency can be:

• intracranial tumors, including pituitary tumors;
• pituitary cysts of the brain;
• underdevelopment of the pituitary gland;
• hypopituitarism syndrome;
• infectious and toxic damage to the central nervous system;
• hyperfunctionality of the adrenal cortex (Itsenko-Cushing syndrome);
• radio and chemotherapy;
• side effects of certain drugs [progesterone, glucocorticoids, alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists, beta-adrenergic receptor stimulants (Isoproterenol), serotonin receptor antagonists (Metisegride), dopamine receptor antagonists (Phenothiazide), somatostatin, Probucol, glucose, Bromocriptine].

A decrease in the level of somatotropic hormone in adults is accompanied by metabolic disorders, hypoinsulinemia, and disorders of the thyroid gland.

Night sleep plays a very important role in normalizing hormonal levels. For normal synthesis of growth hormone, it is necessary that continuous sleep lasts at least 8 hours.

Symptoms of somatotropin deficiency:

• decrease in the mass and strength of skeletal muscles, muscle atrophy;
• decrease in bone mass, fragility of bones, joints, ligaments;
• increased deposition of fat on the body;
• hair loss;
• dry, thin skin;
• increased sweating, especially during night sleep;
• chronic fatigue, low motivation;
• memory impairment, problems with concentration and attention;
• depression, anxiety;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system, depletion of the heart muscle;
• erectile dysfunction in men, decreased libido in women.

How to determine the level of somatotropic hormone

The concentration of somatotropin levels under normal conditions varies widely, the secretion of the hormone is influenced by periods of sleep and wakefulness, physical activity, stress, hypoglycemia, as well as the production or administration of corticosteroids and estrogens. After eating, the level of somatotropic hormone decreases sharply, and on the second day of fasting it increases approximately 15 times.

A single determination of the level of somatotropic hormone has no diagnostic value; the average value of three determinations over 2–3 days is used to make a diagnosis.

To determine the level of growth hormone, tests with insulin, clonidine, STH-RF (somatoliberin, growth hormone releasing factor), arginine, glucagon, levodopa, pyridostigmine are used. To clarify the diagnosis, tests are repeated at intervals of several months.

An X-ray examination of the skull is carried out to visualize the shape and size of the sella turcica and the condition of the skull bones, which makes it possible to identify pathologies of the pituitary gland. Computer and/or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain can be used for the same purpose.

Increased production of growth hormone from the pituitary gland leads to continued growth of bones and soft tissues after puberty.

How to increase growth hormone naturally

Somatotropin prevents the aging process, improves the contractile function of the heart, normalizes liver and kidney function, increases bone mineral density and muscle tone.

By influencing the physiological mechanisms regulating the production of growth hormone by certain natural factors, it is possible to maintain optimal levels of somatropin. The best way to activate its production is to correct your lifestyle and diet.

Ways to increase the concentration of somatotropin in the body:

To stimulate the synthesis of somatotropin, a combination of strength and aerobic exercise is considered optimal. It is recommended to train at least three times a week. An increase in the level of somatotropic hormone begins after 15 minutes of exercise, and its maximum concentration is observed towards the end of the workout. If it is not possible to regularly exercise in the gym, you can jog or walk at an active pace every day.

A properly formulated diet plays an important role in maintaining the health of the body as a whole, and the endocrine system in particular. To activate the production of growth hormone, a low-carbohydrate diet is prescribed - foods with a high glycemic index are excluded from the diet, while simultaneously enriching it with proteins (they contain amino acids that stimulate the production of somatotropin). It is recommended to consume meat and dairy (fermented milk) products, fish, eggs, nuts, and legumes.

Night sleep plays a very important role in normalizing hormonal levels. For normal synthesis of growth hormone, it is necessary that continuous sleep lasts at least 8 hours.

Growth hormone deficiency causes delayed growth or puberty in children.

Temperature fluctuations have a positive effect on the regulation of somatotropin production processes, therefore, a contrast shower is recommended for patients with GH deficiency.

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Somatotropin, or growth hormone, from the group of peptides is produced by the body in the anterior pituitary gland, but the secretion of the substance can be increased naturally. The presence of this component in the body enhances lipolysis, which burns subcutaneous fat and builds muscle mass. For this reason, it is of particular interest to athletes who seek to improve their athletic performance. To achieve this, it is worth studying in more detail the synthesis process and other features of this substance.

What is somatotropin

This is the name of the peptide hormone synthesized by the anterior pituitary gland. The main property is the stimulation of cell growth and restoration, which helps build muscle tissue and compact bones. From the Latin "soma" means body. The recombinant hormone received this name due to its ability to accelerate growth in length. Somatotropin belongs to the family of polypeptide hormones along with prolactin and placental lactogen.

Where is it formed

This substance is produced in the pituitary gland, a small endocrine gland, about 1 cm. It is located in a special recess at the base of the brain, which is also called the “sella turcica”. A cellular receptor is a protein with a single intramembrane domain. The pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus. It stimulates or inhibits the process of hormonal synthesis. The production of somatotropin has a wave-like character - several bursts of secretion are observed during the day. The largest amount is observed 60 minutes after falling asleep at night.

What is it needed for

Just by the name you can understand that somatropin is necessary for the growth of bones and the body as a whole. For this reason, it is more actively produced in children and adolescents. At the age of 15-20 years, the synthesis of somatotropin gradually declines. Then a period of stabilization begins, and after 30 years - a stage of decline, which lasts until death. The age of 60 years is characterized by the production of only 40% of the normal growth hormone. Adults need this substance to restore torn ligaments, strengthen joints, and heal broken bones.

Action

Among all pituitary hormones, somatotropin has the highest concentration. It is characterized by a large list of actions that the substance produces on the body. The main properties of somatotropin are:

1. Acceleration of linear growth in adolescents. The action is to lengthen the tubular bones of the limbs. This is only possible during the pre-pubertal period. Further growth is not due to endogenous hypersecretion or exogenous influx of GH.
2. Increase in pure muscle mass. It consists of inhibiting protein breakdown and activating its synthesis. Somatropin inhibits the activity of enzymes that destroy amino acids. It mobilizes them for the processes of gluconeogenesis. This is how the muscle growth hormone works. It participates in protein synthesis, enhancing this process regardless of amino acid transport. Works together with insulin and epidermal growth factor.
3. Formation of somatomedin in the liver. This is called insulin-like growth factor, or IGF-1. It is produced in the liver only under the influence of somatotropin. These substances act in tandem. The growth-promoting effects of GH are mediated by insulin-like factors.
4. Reducing the amount of subcutaneous fat. The substance promotes the mobilization of fat from its own reserves, which causes an increase in the concentration of free fatty acids in the plasma, which are oxidized in the liver. As a result of increased breakdown of fats, energy is generated that goes towards enhancing protein metabolism.
5. Anti-catabolic, anabolic effect. The first effect is inhibition of muscle tissue breakdown. The second effect is to stimulate the activity of osteoblasts and activate the formation of the protein matrix of bone. This leads to muscle growth.
6. Regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. Here the hormone is an insulin antagonist, i.e. acts opposite to it, inhibiting the use of glucose in tissues.
7. Immunostimulating effect. It consists in activating the work of cells of the immune system.
8. Modulating effect on the functions of the central nervous system and brain. According to some studies, this hormone can cross the blood-brain barrier. Its receptors are found in some parts of the brain and spinal cord.

Secretion of somatotropin

A larger amount of somatotropin is produced by the pituitary gland. Fully 50% of the cells are called somatotropes. They produce the hormone. It got its name because the peak of secretion occurs during the phase of rapid development in adolescence. The saying that children grow up in their sleep is quite justified. The reason is that the maximum secretion of the hormone is observed in the first hours of deep sleep.

Basic norm in blood and peak fluctuations during the day

The normal level of somatropin in the blood is about 1-5 ng/ml. During concentration peaks, the amount increases to 10-20 ng/ml, and sometimes even to 45 ng/ml. There may be several such surges throughout the day. The intervals between them are about 3-5 hours. The most predictable highest peak is characteristic of the period 1-2 hours after falling asleep.

Age-related changes

The highest concentration of somatropin is observed at the stage of 4-6 months of intrauterine development. This is approximately 100 times more compared to an adult. Further, the concentration of the substance begins to decrease with age. This occurs between the ages of 15 and 20. Then comes the stage when the amount of somatropin remains stable - up to 30 years. Subsequently, the concentration decreases again until old age. At this stage, the frequency and amplitude of secretion peaks decreases. They are maximum in adolescents during intensive development during puberty.

What time is it produced?

About 85% of somatropin produced occurs between 12 and 4 am. The remaining 15% is synthesized during daytime sleep. For this reason, for normal development, children and adolescents are recommended to go to bed no later than 21-22 hours. In addition, you should not overeat before going to bed. Food stimulates the release of insulin, which blocks the production of somatropin.

In order for the hormone to benefit the body in the form of weight loss, you need to sleep at least 8 hours a day. It is better to go to bed before 11 pm, because the largest amount of somatropin is produced from 11 pm to 2 am. Immediately after waking up, you should not have breakfast, because the body still continues to burn fat due to the synthesized polypeptide. It is better to postpone the morning meal for 30-60 minutes.

Regulation of secretion

The main regulators of somatotropin production are the peptide hormones of the hypothalamus - somatoliberin and somatostatin. Neurosecretory cells synthesize them into the portal veins of the pituitary gland, which directly affects somatotropes. The hormone is produced thanks to somatoliberin. Somatostatin, on the contrary, suppresses the secretion process. The synthesis of somatropin is influenced by several different factors. Some of them increase concentration, while others, on the contrary, decrease it.

What factors contribute to synthesis

It is possible to increase the production of somatropin without the use of medications. There are a number of factors that contribute to the natural synthesis of this substance. These include the following:

Factors causing deficiency

Secretion is also affected by some xenobiotics - chemicals not included in the biotic cycle. Other factors that lead to hormone deficiency are:

• hyperglycemia;
• somatostatin;
• high levels of free fatty acids in the blood;
• increased concentration of insulin-like growth factor and somatotropin (most of it is associated with transport protein);
• glucocorticoids (hormones of the adrenal cortex).

What does excess growth hormone lead to?

If in adults the level of somatropin is equal to the concentration that is characteristic of a growing organism, then this is considered an excess of this hormone. This condition can lead to serious health problems. These include:

1. Acromegaly and gigantism. The first concept is an increase in the size of the tongue, severe thickening of the bones and coarsening of facial features. Gigantism is typical for children and adolescents. The disease is manifested by very large growth, a proportional increase in bones, organs, and soft tissues. In women, this figure can reach 190 cm, and in men – 200 cm. Against this background, small head sizes, an increase in the size of internal organs and lengthening of the limbs are noted.
2. Tunnel syndrome. The pathology is numbness of the fingers and hands, accompanied by tingling pain in the joints. Symptoms appear due to compression of the nerve trunk.
3. Insulin resistance of tissues. This is the name for a violation of the biological response of body tissues to the action of insulin. As a result, sugar cannot penetrate from the blood into the cells. Because of this, insulin concentration is constantly at a high level, which leads to obesity. The result is that you can’t lose weight even on a strict diet. All this is accompanied by hypertension and edema. Insulin resistance increases the risk of cancer, type I diabetes, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and even sudden death due to blood clots.

Consequences of growth hormone deficiency

For the human body, not only an excess of somatropin is catastrophic, but also a deficiency. A deficiency of this substance leads to weakened emotional reactions, decreased vitality, increased irritability and even depression. Other consequences of somatropin deficiency are:

1. Pituitary dwarfism. This is an endocrine disease that is a violation of the synthesis of somatropin. This condition causes a delay in the development of internal organs and skeleton. Mutations in the GH receptor gene result in abnormally short stature: in men it is about 130 cm, and in women it is less than 120 cm.
2. Delayed physical and mental development. This pathology is observed in children and adolescents. 8.5% of them have short stature due to lack of somatropin.
3. Delayed puberty. With this pathology, there is underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics in comparison with most other adolescents. Delayed puberty is caused by a slowdown in overall physical development.
4. Obesity and atherosclerosis. When the synthesis of somatropin is disrupted, all types of metabolism are disrupted. This is the cause of obesity. Against this background, a large amount of free fatty acids is observed in the vessels, which can cause blockage, which will lead to atherosclerosis.

How is somatotropin used?

This substance can also be synthesized artificially. In the very first production experiment, human pituitary gland extract was used. Somatropin was extracted from human corpses until 1985, which is why it was called cadaveric. Today, scientists have learned to synthesize it artificially. In this case, the possibility of infection with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which was possible when using a cadaveric GH preparation, is excluded. This disease is a fatal pathology of the brain.

The FDA-approved somatropin-based drug is called Somatrem (Protropin). Therapeutic use of this drug:

• treatment of nervous disorders;
• acceleration of children's growth;
• reducing fat mass and building muscle;

Another area of ​​use of Somatrem is the prevention of senile diseases. In older people, GH leads to increased bone density, increased mineralization, decreased adipose tissue, and increased muscle mass. In addition, they have a rejuvenation effect: the skin becomes more elastic, wrinkles are smoothed out. The downside is the occurrence of several adverse reactions, such as arterial hypertension and hyperglycemia.

In the treatment of nervous disorders

Somatropin helps improve memory and cognitive functions. This is especially necessary for patients with pituitary dwarfism. As a result, a patient with a low content of somatotropin in the blood improves his health and mood. Elevated levels of this substance are also not recommended, because it can have the opposite effect and cause depression.

For pituitary dwarfism

Treatment of developmental disorders in children is possible through stimulation through daily administration of pituitary gland extract. It affects not only one gland, but also the body as a whole. Such injections should be used as early as possible and until the end of puberty. Today, a course of growth hormone is the only effective way to treat pituitary dwarfism.

Peptides in bodybuilding

The effect of burning fat and increasing muscle mass is especially often used by professional bodybuilders during active training. Athletes take peptides for muscle growth in combination with testosterone and other drugs with similar effects. The use of Somatrem was banned in 1989 by the International Olympic Committee, but this did not exclude the illegal use of this drug. In combination with GH, bodybuilders use the following drugs:

1. Steroids. Their powerful anabolic effect enhances the hypertrophy of muscle cells, which accelerates their development.
2. Insulin. It is necessary to ease the load on the pancreas, which, due to increased levels of GH, begins to work too actively and depletes its reserves.
3. Thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland. In small doses they exhibit an anabolic effect. Taking thyroid hormones speeds up metabolism and accelerates tissue growth.

How to increase growth hormone production

There are different growth hormone stimulants. One of them is taking certain medications. Although natural methods also help to increase the production of somatropin. For example, in people who regularly exercise, the effects of IGF-1 and GH are enhanced. This was not observed in untrained subjects. The synthesis of somatropin occurs throughout sleep, so it is very important that a person sleeps normally. Taking multivitamin complexes, including:

• minerals;
• vitamins;
• amino acids;
• natural adaptogens;
• substances of plant origin - chrysin, forskolin, griffonia.

Taking somatotropin tablets

Even though the substance is officially banned in sports, the temptation to use it is very high. For this reason, many athletes still resort to this method to remove excess fat tissue, tighten their figure and gain more sculpted shapes. The advantage of its use is the strengthening of bones. If an athlete is injured, which happens very rarely, then taking somatropin speeds up healing. The drug has a number of side effects, such as:

• increased fatigue and loss of strength;
• development of scoliosis;
• pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas;
• loss of clarity of vision;
• accelerated muscle development and compression of peripheral nerves;
• attacks of nausea and vomiting;
• joint pain.

Even if the drug has positive effects, some people should not use it. Contraindications include the following pathologies:

• allergy to the components of the drug;
• malignant tumors;
• threat to life in the form of the postoperative period and acute respiratory failure;
• pregnancy and lactation.

Caution must be observed in case of hypothyroidism, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. It is important to give up alcohol when taking somatotropin. There are still debates about the dangers of using this substance. According to some experts, the risk from use is limited to an increase in the amount of glucose in the blood and the appearance of swelling. Although there have been cases of enlargement of the liver and even legs, this only applies to cases of exceeding the dosage.

What products contain

Equally important for increasing the production of somatotropin is proper nutrition. It must be balanced. It is recommended to give preference to lean foods, because fatty foods cause a decrease in GH. The list of foods that include protein and other substances necessary to restore strength and raise somatotropin levels includes:

• cottage cheese;
• chicken eggs;
• buckwheat and oatmeal;
• veal;
• legumes;
• milk;
• poultry meat;
• nuts;
• fish;
• lean beef;

Physical activity

Almost any physical activity has a positive effect on the secretion of somatropin. This could be regular walking or weightlifting. Although some types of loads are more effective. Sports divide them into two groups – strength (anaerobic) and aerobic (cardio). The first group includes lifting weights for a short time. Aerobic exercise includes walking, running, skiing, cycling, etc. To increase the production of GH, it is necessary to intelligently combine these two types of exercise. The most useful are:

• training with weights with the number of repetitions from 10 to 15;
• walking at an approximate speed of 4-6 km/h.

A good night's sleep

For the synthesis of somatropin, full sleep for 8 hours is necessary. Natural production begins 1.5-2 hours after falling asleep. This is the deep sleep phase. When a person does not have the opportunity to spend the allotted time sleeping at night, then it is imperative to rest at least 1-2 hours during the day. Even regular workouts and a healthy diet with lack of sleep will not give the desired result.

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