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Traumatic brain injury impairs hormone production, disrupting sleep, cognition, memory

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered that traumatic brain injuries can lead to a cascade of health issues, including fatigue, depression, and memory problems. Growth hormone replacement therapy has been shown to improve symptoms, but the mechanisms behind its effectiveness are still not fully understood.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJan 21, 2020

Brain-derived compounds show surprising -- and beneficial -- results for cancer in lab studies

A synthetic compound based on a brain hormone has shown surprising benefits in treating lung and other cancers in mice, but its effect on human cells was the opposite. The compound, MR409, is one of several GHRH analogs that spur healthy tissue growth and may alleviate concerns about stimulating cancer cell growth.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2018

What roundworms can teach us about human growth

Researchers found that activating or deactivating a hormone in roundworms stimulates or stunts growth, mirroring human TRH regulation. This discovery offers new possibilities for research into human growth mechanisms.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2017

U of I study ranks which production attributes are most important to consumers when buying beef, chicken

A University of Illinois study reveals which production attributes matter most to consumers when buying beef and chicken, with 'no growth hormones' topping the list. The study found that organic was ranked lowest in importance, sparking surprise among researchers who attribute this to a lack of understanding about the term's meaning.

When should doctors treat short children and teens with growth hormone?

A group of medical experts has issued new clinical guidelines for managing children and adolescents with growth failure, recommending hormonal treatments for certain conditions but cautioning against routine use in cases of unknown cause. The guidelines aim to balance medical needs with potential risks and long-term consequences.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalHormone Research in Paediatrics·DateJan 25, 2017

Ants communicate by mouth-to-mouth fluid exchange

Researchers discovered that ants share proteins and hormones through trophallaxis, allowing them to collectively influence colony growth and development. This process enables ants to cast 'quantitative ballots' for their colony's future by administering different amounts of growth-promoting components to their larvae.

SourceeLife·DateNov 29, 2016

Single enzyme controls 2 plant hormones

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis isolated an enzyme GH3.5 that regulates the levels of two plant hormones, auxin and salicylic acid, simultaneously. The study reveals how this single enzyme controls distinct classes of hormones, providing new insights into the molecular pathways for growth and defense.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2016

To prescribe or not to prescribe?

Research suggests doctors are more likely to prescribe growth hormones for slow-growing children if the child's family requests it or if they believe in its intangible benefits. This raises concerns about access, overuse, and cost of life-enhancing products, which can be expensive and create financial burdens.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 20, 2016

Hormone identified that limits liver fibrosis

A Japanese research team has identified a hormone that limits liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Administering growth hormone alleviated NASH conditions caused by adult growth hormone deficiency, and treatments were effective on model animals.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 13, 2016

Still no strong evidence that adjunctive treatment with human growth hormone in IVF improves results

A recent ESHRE study found that human growth hormone did not improve live birth rates in women having difficulty conceiving, with a clinical pregnancy rate of 14% in the treatment group and 11% in the placebo group. Poor responders are a challenging group to treat, accounting for up to 30% of patients who respond poorly to treatment.

In short children, a study highlights parents' concerns, reframes a long-running debate

A new study led by Adda Grimberg proposes to reframe the debate on treating short stature in children. The research team found that psychosocial issues such as self-esteem and future adult success dominate parent discussions, with treatment characteristics and health concerns playing a significant role in decision-making.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalHormone Research in Paediatrics·DateDec 9, 2015

Marketing, prescribing testosterone and growth hormone for aging is disease mongering

The marketing, prescribing, and selling of testosterone and growth hormone as solutions for aging-associated problems is considered disease mongering. The FDA has recently acknowledged that these treatments are not indicated for age-related decline in serum testosterone, with potential risks outweighing benefits.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 24, 2015

Unexpected turn in diabetes research

Researchers at KU Leuven discovered genetically modified mice producing human growth hormone, altering insulin production and previous research findings. This unexpected turn reveals the need for reinterpretation of 250+ published diabetes studies.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 20, 2015

Experts recommend tumor removal as first-line treatment for acromegaly

Acromegaly is usually caused by a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary gland, leading to excessive growth hormone production and various health complications. The Endocrine Society recommends surgery as the primary therapy for most patients, offering an opportunity to examine the tumor sample and immediately lower growth hormone levels.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 30, 2014