Human Growth Hormone (HGH), also known as Somatotropin, is a polypeptide hormone synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary physiological role involves stimulating somatic growth, cellular reproduction, and regeneration throughout the body, maintaining lean body mass and influencing bone mineral density. It is a key anabolic regulator.
Origin
The name reflects its primary function: facilitating the ‘growth’ of the ‘human’ body, secreted by a ‘hormone’ producing gland. Secretion follows a pulsatile pattern, often synchronized with deep sleep stages and exercise.
Mechanism
HGH acts both directly and indirectly, primarily by stimulating the liver to produce Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), which mediates most of its anabolic effects on skeletal muscle and cartilage. Furthermore, HGH influences lipid metabolism by promoting lipolysis and modulates glucose homeostasis by reducing peripheral insulin sensitivity.
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