Human Growth Hormone in Biotechnology
Human growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotrophin, is a protein consisting of 191 amino acids with a molecular weight of ~22,000. Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland, which stimulates growth and cell reproduction. The structure is made up of four helices, which are necessary for functional interaction with the GH receptor. Despite remarkable structural similarities between GH from different species, only human and primate GH may be active in humans.

History of Human Growth Hormone

Growth hormone was first purified from pig and cow pancreas for treatment of type 1 diabetes since the 1920's. However, these types of GH did not function as well in humans, due to greater variation of molecular structure compared to human GH. In 1958, Maurice Raben purified enough GH from human pituitary glands to successfully treat a GH-deficient boy (Raben). In 1960, the National Pituitary Agency was formed as a…...

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Works Cited

Frasier, S.D. "The Not-So-Good Old Days: Working with Pituitary Growth Hormone in North America, 1956 to 1985." J. Pediatr 131.1 Pt 2 (1997): S1-4.

Jorgensen, J.O., et al. "Growth Hormone and Glucose Homeostasis." Horm Res 62 Suppl 3 (2004): 51-5.

Lanfranco, F., et al. "Ageing, Growth Hormone and Physical Performance." J. Endocrinol Invest 26.9 (2003): 861-72.

Orme, S.M., et al. "Mortality and Cancer Incidence in Acromegaly: A Retrospective Cohort Study. United Kingdom Acromegaly Study Group." J. Clin Endocrinol Metab 83.8 (1998): 2730-4.

On the other hand, there are also many in the medical arena who are of the opinion that this view is too radical and essentially unhelpful. Many doctors consider that a strict ethical view of growth hormone treatment would be unreasonable and unfair to the individuals who must bear the burdens of discrimination... It is not easy to dismiss the profound and understandable distress some children experience because they are short. Such children undeniably are disadvantaged by their condition" (Considerations elated to the Use of ecombinant Human Growth Hormone in Children, 1997)
This important ethical debate is also discussed in various other studies. For example, in a study entitled Moral assessment of growth hormone therapy for children with idiopathic short stature (1997) by Verweij and Kortmann, the authors state that one of the greatest ethical dilemmas facing medicine is the prescription of growth hormone treatment for those children who do…...

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References

http://www.questiaschool.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=35226805

Ashmore, R.B. & Starr, W.C. (Eds.). (1994). Teaching Ethics: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Milwaukee: Marquette University Press.

Considerations Related to the Use of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Children. PEDIATRICS Vol. 99 No. 1 January 1997, pp. 122-129. Retrieved April 7, 2008, at http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;99/1/122

Hintz, Raymond L. (2004) Growth hormone: uses and abuses.

, 1998). Cognitive functioning, particularly memory performance has been found to be impaired in patients with childhood onset of growth hormone deficiency and HGH replacement therapies have been found to offset this memory impairment (Arwert et al., 2005). Studies have identified a link between improved attention and increases in memory performance in children with growth hormone deficiency (Arwert et al., 2005; Arwert et al., 2006). This is due to the connection between memory capacity and attentional resources.
Growth hormone deficiency that begins in childhood is most often treated with growth hormone supplementation in order to increase body size during adolescence (Nieves-Martinez et al., 2009). Yet recent studies have demonstrated that this treatment directly correlates to improved memory in adulthood. In fact studies have suggested that treatment with growth hormone in child onset deficiencies can in fact prevent learning and memory deficits later in life (Nieves-Martinez, 2009). Childhood onset of growth hormone…...

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References

Arwert, L.I., Veltman, D.J., Deijen, J.B., Sytze van Dam, P., & Drent, M.L. (2006). Effects of Growth Hormone Substitution Therapy on Cognitive Functioning in Growth Hormone Deficient Patients: A Functional MRI Study. Neuroendocrinology, 83 (1), 12-19. doi: 10.1159/000093337

Arwert, L.I., Deijen, J.B., Muller, M., & Drent, M.L. (2005). Long-term growth hormone treatment preserves GH-induced memory and mood improvements: a 10-year follow-up study in GH-deficient adult men. Hormones and Behavior, 4, 343 -- 349. doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2004.11.015

Arwert, L.I., Veltman, D.J., Deijen, J.B., Lammerstsma, A.A., Jonker, C., Drent, M.L. (2005). Memory performance and the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis in elderly: A positron emission tomography study. Neuroendocrinology, 81(1), p31-40. doi: 10.1159/000084872

Arwert, L.I., Veltman, D.J., Deijen, J.B., Van Dam, P.S., Delemarre-Van de Waal, H.A., & Drent, M.L. (2005). Growth hormone deficiency and memory functioning in adults visualized by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Neuroendocrinology, 82(1), p32-40. doi: 10.1159/000090123

More objectivity is however expected from scientists, but their opinions also vary. Specifically, the opinions of those who support growth hormones and those who reject them are all derived from scientific evidence. This in turn means that the results of scientific research could be manipulated and influenced so that the findings are indicative of the desires of those who initiated the study. In this particular sense, the most pertinent situation is revealed by the beef and dairy producers, who hire their own scientists to lead the research process in the direction desired by them.

Aside from these situations however, the scientists who have conducted studies tend to link various health problems with the growth hormones. Some of the side effects to consuming products with residual matters from growth hormones include the onset of early puberty in girls, an increase in the risk of breast cancer, an increase in the risk of…...

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References:

Leonard, a., the story of stuff, the Story of Stuff Project,   / last accessed on February 21, 2012http://www.storyofstuff.org 

McLaughlin, a. 2011, the effects of growth hormones in food, Live Strong,   / last accessed on February 21, 2012http://www.livestrong.com/article/98816-effects-growth-hormones 

Artificial hormones, Sustainable Table, / last accessed on February 21, 2012http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/hormones

EU scientists confirm health risks of growth hormones in meat, Organic Consumer Association, last accessed on February 21, 2012http://www.organicconsumers.org/toxic/hormone042302.cfm

Endocrinology
AMAZING HORMONES

Counterbalance of Sugar and Fat Content between Insulin and Glucagon

Physical survival depends on the sustained availability and use of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate or ATP from sufficient levels of a substance, called glucose (owen, 2001). The use of energy depends on the varying levels of activity. Hence, the amount of glucose needed for activity likewise varies each day. Too much or too little glucose is damaging to the body, hence the need for some system to regulate the availability of glucose. It must be present at the precise time and amount that it is needed in order to maintain what is called glucose homeostasis. Homeostasis is the tendency of the body to maintain internal stability and balance through the coordinated responses of body parts to stimuli or conditions (owen).

Insulin and Glucagon

The regulation of glucose availability begins with the pancreas, primarily by its production of the two…...

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Biomed (2002). Insulin/glucagons. Brown University. Retrieved on November 25, 2013

from http://biomed.brown.edu/Courses/B1108/B1108_2002_Groups/pancstems/stemcell/insulin_glucagon.htm

Bowen, R.A. (2001). Hormones, receptors and control systems. University of Colorado.

Retrieved on November 25, 2013 from http://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/basics/index.html

The circulatory or cardiovascular system is responsible for moving nutrients, wastes and gases between body cells, transporting blood across the whole body and battling disease (Circulatory System). Its principal elements are the heart, numerous blood vessels, and blood.
The heart forms the circulatory system's core. This 2-sided, 4-chambered pump which distributes blood to various arteries comprises of the right and left ventricles, and right and left atria. The ventricles, situated within the heart's lower half, are responsible for pumping blood to the whole body (away from our heart), whilst the atria, situated within the heart's upper half are in charge of receiving blood from different parts of the human body. The right and left ventricles pump de-oxygenated and oxygenated blood, respectively; de-oxygenated blood is pumped to lungs while oxygenated blood is pumped to the remainder of the human body (smith, 2013). These 4 chambers are connected to one another by means…...

hormones in our agricultural food and the adverse effects it has on the animals and the human consumers. The writer provides an outline of the effect the hormones have both physically and politically on the consumer and the nation's that support the use of hormones. The writer also presents evidence of the health problems hormones are thought to cause as well. There were four sources used to complete this paper.
As the world becomes more crowded the demand for fast growing resources including food increase. The use of growth hormone in cattle has sparked a worldwide controversy as several nation's wrestle with trade organizations mandates against what they believe the hormone treated cows can cause by way of health problems.

The most common hormone used today in the cow industry is Bovine Growth Hormone, which is also referred to as BGH. This hormone is a genetically engineered hormone. It is administered…...

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References

Hormones spark meaty debate Jul. 23, 2001

 http://chealth.canoe.ca/columns.asp?columnistid=7&articleid=1664 

Provided by: Sun Media Written by: Marilyn Linton (accessed 5-4-2003)

Beef Hormones Linked to Premature Onset of Puberty & Breast Cancer

The implant is inserted into the ear and is discarded at slaughter, thus, it does not enter the human food chain (Primer pp). The hormone in the implant is released into the bloodstream very slowly ensuring the concentration of the hormone remains relatively constant and very low (Primer pp). Moreover, the prescribed dosage is the level "which produces the maximum economic response in the animal -- the law of diminishing returns -- so that there is no economic incentive for a farmer to use additional implants," and ensures that the animals taken to slaughter have normal hormone levels (Primer pp). According to the Primer, beef from a bull contains testosterone levels over ten times higher than the amount in beef from a steer that has received hormones for growth promotion (Primer pp). Therefore, since the European beef market is predominately bull-sourced, while the American meat is steer-sourced, American hormone…...

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Work Cited

"Battle Over Beef Hormones." BBC News Online. 13 May 1999; pp.

 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/the_economy/342310.stm 

"EU asks for end to beef sanctions.(European Policy News)"

Agra Europe; 17 October 2003; pp.

http://www.maverickranch.com/beef-hormones-mdirf5.htm,2006 para 1)
There is no credible evidence about this statement. It must be noted that it is extremely illegal, not only in the U.S. But also to other or even milk-producing countries, for penicillin to be used specifically in low-level doses in the feed. In fact, penicillin is only use via injection, in concentrated doses, and only if the animals to be injected are sick or with high fever. Penicillin doses are usually once or twice only and the particular animal which has been injected with such medication is separated from other animals and would not be harvested within a certain period. This is to ensure that there is no penicillin residues left in any system or body parts of the animal http://www.maverickranch.com/beef-hormones-mdirf5.htm,2006 para 1).

Moreover, as of latest survey, only 1% (or even less) of the cattle have recorded to ever had any doses of penicillin. Cattleman's Beef Association…...

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WTO Dispute Panel Report 1997. European Communities -- Measures Concerning Meat and Meat Products (Hormones): Complaint by the United States, Wr/DS26/R, August 18, 1997.

WTO Appellate Body Report 1998. European Communities Measures Concerning Meat and Meat Products (Hormones), Wr/DS26/AB/R, January 16, 1998.

Zekos, Georgios I. An Examination of GATT/WTO Arbitration Procedures. Dispute Resolution Journal, 54(November): 72-74. 1999.

" This drug has already won approval for use in Europe and the United tates. tudies conducted show that the drug "targets the tumor to control in four areas: in the site where hypersecretion starts, in GH secretion, IGF-1 and in the symptoms associated with the disease (Unknown, 2004)." While the drug has been approved, there are still contraindications to taking it such as a patient who has an irregular or slow heart rate, or blood sugar levels which are either too high or too low.
Occurrence

Although gigantism begins prior to puberty, the "majority of giants eventually demonstrate features of acromegaly, of which the mean age for the onset is within the 3rd decade of life. Even a congenital onset of GH excess has been suggested by linear growth acceleration occurring within the first few months of life in young children with documented gigantism (http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/84/12/4379)." Although there is no accurate number…...

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Simmons, Kirt E. (01 October, 1999). "Growth Hormone and Craniofacial Changes: Preliminary Data From Studies in Turner's Syndrome." Pediatrics.

Skatssoon, Judy. (21 May, 2002). "NSW: New discovery could lead to cure for dwaftism, gigantism." AAP General News (Australia).

Unknown. (01 June, 2004). "Novartis Sandostatin LAR approved in Japan for Acromegaly. Worldwide Biotech.

What is the most likely diagnosis? John is believed to be suffering from gigantism or acromegaly.
Symptoms of acromegaly
The term 'acromegaly' has its roots in the Greek terms for "enlargement" and "extremities"; these terms reflect one among the ailment's most commonly occurring signs of abnormally expanding feet and hands (Marieb & Hoehn, 2018a; 2018b). Swollen feet and hands typically manifest as an initial sign. Those suffering from the acromegaly notice changes in their shoe or ring sizes, especially shoe width. Slowly, changes in the bone begin to transform their facial features, with their lower jaw and brow protruding, spacing out of the teeth, and enlargement of their nasal bone (Colao et al., 2019).
Abnormal cartilage and bone growth frequently results in arthritis. Tissue thickening can trap nerves and result in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) that in turn produces weakening and numbness of hands. Enlargement may also occur in the heart…...

Current Health Debate: Cow’s Milk and Human Consumption So many people grew up hearing repeated slogans and promotions from the dairy industry that were so consistent and repetitive, they seemed almost like a part of life. “Milk does a body good.” “Milk builds strong bones.” “Got Milk?” For decades, no one questioned the power of milk and the necessity of giving children milk. However, in the last ten or so years, the mentality has shifted and a product that was once unquestioned as a staple of human consumption, has now become controversial. This paper examines some of the pros and cons of the dairy industry and milk consumption from a strictly health perspective. The benefits of cow’s milk are examined lucidly, as are the criticisms that the dairy industry and milk consumption receive. Finally, each side’s argument is concluded succinctly, and recommendations for future protocol are presented for consideration.

Pros
One of the…...

Ergogenic Aid
When discussing and pondering the broader subject of steroids and other substances that aid the body in getting stronger and healthier, one word or term that is likely to come to mind is “anabolic”. However, the use and employment of steroids and supplements has multiple layers and types that must be considered. One of the other terms to consider is ergogenic. Regardless of the type of steroid or body aid, there is an intended and desired effect on performance. There is also the related, yet different, use of what is known as human growth hormone, or HGH. As with all medicines and treatments, there are medical risks when it comes to the use or abuse of steroids of any type, which would include ergogenic. While some people are prone to disavow and condemn the use of steroids and/or supplements across the board, here are a number of findings and…...

High and Inside
In the Newsweek Magazine article "High and Inside" by Mark Starr, the issue of illegal drug use among professional sports players is given focus. Citing particularly the case of American baseball stars, Starr puts forth the argument that the issue illegal drug use such as subsistence to steroid injections goes beyond the fact that it is illegal -- the bigger issue at hand is that such a system prevails in sports organizations because it is supported and encouraged by everyone in it.

In arguing this primary thesis of the article, Starr exemplifies the case of baseball star Jason Giambi as one of the models of how the proliferation of illegal drug use has made it so common and an imperative requirement for a professional athlete. Chronicling Giambi's career as a professional baseball player, the article details how, just before the peak of his career, he had already subsisted to…...

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Work cited

Starr, M. (2004). "High and Inside." Newsweek Magazine. Available at:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6652658/site/newsweek .

e., their use of anabolic steroids (and whether they had ever been offered steroids), their involvement in power sports, appearance and eating problems, and problem behavior. Background information about the participants included their degree of urbanization, parental socioeconomic status and the region to which they belonged.
Analyses of the study's results show that the prevalence of steroid use among Norwegian youth was lower (lifetime use was 0.8% and 12 months prevalence was 0.3%) than in several other Western societies such as the U.S. (2.5% to 7%) and in Australia, Canada, Sweden and South Africa (2% to 3.5%). It also showed that AAS use was first and foremost associated with problem behavior (i.e., drug [marijuana] involvement and aggressive-type conduct problems). Its relation with power sports and appearance came in at second and third place respectively.

The study is, therefore, significant in highlighting the hitherto largely ignored area of problem behavior in steroid use.…...

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References

Admissions before BALCO grand jury detailed." (2004, December). ESPN.com. Retrieved on November 1, 2005 at  http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=1936592 

Anabolic Steroid Abuse." (2000, April). National Institute on Drug Abuse: Research Report Series. Retrieved on November 1, 2005 at  http://www.drugabuse.gov/PDF/RRSteroi.pdf 

Langone, J. (1995). Tough Choices A Book about Substance Abuse. Boston: Little, Brown and Company.

Miller, R.W. (1987, November). Athletes and Steroids: Playing a Deadly Game. FDA Consumer, 21, 16+.