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An embryo that is neither male nor female

A study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that insulin and IGF1/IGF2 growth factors play a vital role in sexual development. In the absence of these hormones, embryos fail to differentiate into male or female, highlighting their essential role in primary sex determination.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 3, 2013

Adenotonsillectomy may help resolve obstructive sleep apnea in children with Prader-Willi syndrome

A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that adenotonsillectomy is effective in most children with Prader-Willi syndrome who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, but may not be curative for those with severe forms. The procedure helped normalize sleep patterns in 89% of patients.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 20, 2012

Infants of overweight mothers grow more slowly

A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that babies born to overweight or obese mothers gained less weight and grew less in length than those born to normal-weight mothers. This delayed growth may be attributed to inflammation and an underdeveloped pituitary gland, which plays a crucial role in fetal development.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 6, 2012

Hormone improves long-term recovery from stroke

Scientists have discovered that high levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are associated with better long-term recovery after a stroke. The study found that patients who exercised more actively, with physiotherapy and physical exercise, demonstrated better recovery after a stroke.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 16, 2011

UCSF researchers uncover hormone pathway to fatty liver disease

UCSF researchers have discovered a crucial hormone pathway that contributes to the development of fatty liver disease. By disrupting this pathway, they found that fat accumulation in the liver can occur even without alcohol consumption. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapeutic drugs targeting this pathway.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2011

Going from strength to strength: effects of growth hormone on muscle

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine used mice engineered to lack specific molecules to show that growth hormone controls skeletal muscle development via IGF-1, but not nutrient uptake. This study provides insights into the use of growth hormone or analogs for promoting muscle development and reducing muscle loss.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 1, 2010

Researchers have discovered that growth hormone controls skeletal muscle development through IGF-1, whereas its effect on nutrient uptake is independent of IGF-1. In contrast, aldosterone promotes vascular injury by inducing expression of the protein PGF in mouse and human blood vessel walls.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2010

Hormone clue to root growth

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have identified gibberellin as a hormone controlling plant root growth by regulating cell proliferation and expansion rates. The study highlights the importance of understanding hormone regulation in plant biology for improving crop yields.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 7, 2009

Growth hormone treatment after weight loss surgery prevents loss of muscle mass

A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that growth hormone treatment after weight loss surgery reduces lean body mass and skeletal muscle mass losses. Researchers discovered that short-term growth hormone treatment during a standardized diet and exercise program increased l...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 3, 2009

Growth hormone not beneficial for ALS

A new study published in Neurology found that growth hormone insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) does not slow the progression of weakness in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The two-year study involved 330 people with ALS and found no difference in muscle strength between those taking IGF-1 and placebo, as well as no differences ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 24, 2008

Hormone therapy helps short children grow up

A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that dose-dependent growth hormone treatment increased final height in children with short stature who are not GH deficient. Children from parents of normal height responded better to treatment than those from short parents.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 6, 2008

News from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study found that stimulating growth hormone release in healthy older adults increased lean muscle mass, but not thigh muscle area. Another study revealed a decrease in cardiogenic shock rates among patients with acute coronary syndromes, possibly linked to improved angioplasty treatments

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 3, 2008

Women recover muscle strength more slowly than men

A recent study by Ohio University researchers found that women's muscles require longer and more intensive rehabilitation after bed rest and cast immobilization. Women lose around 30% less muscle strength within one week of cast removal compared to men, suggesting different rates of muscular strength-building may be the cause.

Growth hormone is used to treat twice as many short boys than girls in the US and Asia

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that in the US and Asia, boys are twice as likely to receive growth hormone treatment for short stature compared to girls. The gender disparity is smaller in Europe and Australia, suggesting cultural biases towards male height in some countries.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 17, 2008

JCI table of contents: Feb. 21, 2008

A study found that genetic variations in the MBL2 protein are associated with more severe clinical symptoms of cystic fibrosis. In contrast, daily administration of growth hormone increased CD4+ T cell numbers in HIV-1 infected individuals, potentially treating conditions where CD4+ T cell function is impaired.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 21, 2008

Predicting growth hormone treatment success

Researchers developed a mathematical model predicting optimal growth hormone dose for children with abnormal growth, showing improved predictive accuracy. The model uses data on birth weight, height before and during treatment, and blood hormone levels to determine individual response.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making·DateDec 12, 2007