What is (GH) somanotropin
The growth hormone somatotropin, also known as GH (Growth Hormone) in English, is a protein hormone that is produced and released by the anterior pituitary in the brain. The hormone has a central role in the regulation of growth, metabolism and several other biological functions.
What is the function of somanotropin in the body?
In summary, the growth hormone somatotropin has a wide range of functions that affect growth, metabolism, body composition, and several other biological processes, especially the body's anabolic and metabolic processes. Below are some specific functional areas:
- Growth Regulation: One of the best known and prominent functions of GH is to regulate growth, especially during childhood and adolescence. GH stimulates height growth by promoting cell division and production of new bone tissue in the tubular bones, resulting in increased length.
- Protein synthesis and muscle growth: GH has an anabolic effect on proteins and stimulates protein synthesis in muscle tissue and other tissues. This helps build and repair tissues, including muscle, and can thus contribute to increased muscle mass and strength.
- Fat metabolism: GH plays a role in regulating fat metabolism by increasing fat breakdown. It promotes the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue, making them available as an energy source. This can affect body composition by reducing fat storage while increasing the use of fatty acids for energy.
- Regulation of glucose levels: GH affects glucose metabolism by increasing blood glucose levels. This is achieved by stimulating gluconeogenesis in the liver, which is the process of producing new glucose from non-glucose sources. GH also reduces sensitivity to insulin, leading to less glucose being taken up by tissues such as muscle and fat.
- Cell proliferation and differentiation: GH promotes cell division and differentiation in various tissues and organs, affecting the growth and development of the body as a whole.
- Bone health: GH also affects bone health by increasing the mineralization of bone tissue and thus promoting stronger bones.
- Immune function and tissue repair: GH has been shown to affect the immune system by increasing white blood cell production and improving immune cell function. Its anabolic effects can also contribute to faster tissue repair after injury or trauma.
- Stress response and adaptation: GH levels increase in response to physical and psychological stress and play a role in the body's adaptive response to various stresses.
Why is the somanotropin analyzed
Analyses of GH levels can be used to follow hormonal changes most commonly during periods of rapid growth and puberty. In sports, somanotropin has also been used as an illegal performance-enhancing substance, because somanotropin has the ability to increase muscle mass and strength. Analyzes of GH levels are therefore used to detect illicit use of the hormone in elite sports.