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Chemistry and Pharmacology of hGH
Human Growth Hormone (hGH)
Trade Names: Genotropin ®, Humatrope ®, Norditropin ®, Nutropin ®, Saizen ®, Serostim ®
Using recombinant DNA technology, two forms of synthetic hGH were developed, somatropin and somatrem. Somatropin is identical to the endogenous pituitary-derived hGH, whereas somatrem has an extra amino acid on the N-terminus. Both synthetic forms have similar biological actions and potencies as the endogenous hGH polypeptide. Synthetic hGH also is chemically indistinguishable from the naturally occurring hormone in blood and urine tests.
hGH binds to growth hormone receptors present on cells throughout the body. hGH functions to regulate body composition, fluid homeostasis, glucose and lipid metabolism, skeletal muscle and bone growth, and possibly cardiac functioning. Sleep, exercise, and stress all increase the secretion of hGH.
The use of hGH is associated with several adverse effects including edema, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, muscle pain, and abnormal skin sensations - for example, numbness and tingling. It may also increase the growth of pre-existing malignant cells, and increase the possibility of developing diabetes.
hGH is administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. The circulating half-life of hGH is relatively short - 20 to 30 minutes - while its biological half-life is much longer _ 9 to 17 hours - due to its indirect effects.
References:
United States Department of Justice
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Office of Diversion Control
August 2007
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/hgh.htm
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