HGH Somatropin

What Is HGH Somatropin?

Human Growth Hormone (HGH / somatropin) is a 191-amino-acid single-chain polypeptide secreted by somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary. Recombinant HGH (rHGH) has been FDA-approved since 1985 for GHD, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, CKD, and AIDS-related wasting.

Key Mechanisms

• JAK2 / STAT5b — primary signalling cascade driving hepatic IGF-1 production
• MAPK / ERK — cell proliferation, differentiation, anti-apoptotic effects
• PI3K / Akt / mTOR — protein synthesis, glucose uptake, cell survival
• Direct lipolysis — HSL activation in adipocytes shifts substrate use toward FFA

Research Applications

• GH/IGF-1 axis biology and body composition
• Bone density and osteoblast biology
• Wound healing and burn injury recovery
• Aging and anti-aging marker research
• Metabolic syndrome models

Key References

1. Rudman D et al. “Effects of HGH in men over 60 years old.” N Engl J Med, 1990;323:1–6.
2. Jorgensen JO et al. “Beneficial effects of GH treatment in GH-deficient adults.” Lancet, 1989;1:1221–1225.