RHGH

RHGH
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Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) is a form of human growth hormone (HGH) that is produced using recombinant DNA technology. It is used in the treatment of growth disorders in children and growth hormone deficiency in adults.

Medical Uses

Recombinant human growth hormone is primarily used to treat growth hormone deficiency in both children and adults. In children, it is used to treat conditions such as Turner syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency, and Prader-Willi syndrome. In adults, it is used to treat adult growth hormone deficiency, which can result from pituitary disease, hypothalamic disease, surgery, radiation therapy, or trauma.

Mechanism of Action

Recombinant human growth hormone works by stimulating growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans. It acts on many parts of the body, including the liver, where it stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is a key mediator of growth hormone's effects.

Side Effects

Common side effects of rhGH include joint and muscle pain, edema, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Long-term use can lead to increased risk of diabetes mellitus and other metabolic disorders.

Contraindications

Recombinant human growth hormone is contraindicated in patients with active cancer, acute critical illness, and in those with hypersensitivity to any of its components.

History

The development of recombinant human growth hormone began in the 1980s, following the advent of recombinant DNA technology. Prior to this, growth hormone was extracted from human pituitary glands, which posed a risk of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

See Also

• Growth hormone therapy
• Somatropin
• Endocrinology

External Links

• [FDA information on rhGH]
• [Endocrine Society guidelines on growth hormone therapy]