Molecular Formula - C13H11N5O3
Molecular Weight - 285.26 u
Research Category - Cellular Growth Research
Purity - 99.99%
Lab Tested - Yes
FULL CHEMICAL NAME
Human Growth Hormone (HGH), scientifically designated Somatropin, is a 191-amino-acid single-chain polypeptide hormone synthesized recombinantly to mimic the endogenous growth hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. Its full chemical name is a sequence of 191 amino acids, beginning with phenylalanine (Phe-Pro-Thr-Ile-Pro-Leu...), with a molecular structure stabilized by two disulfide bridges (Cys53-Cys165, Cys182-Cys189) critical for its bioactivity. This recombinant form, identical to pituitary-derived HGH, is engineered for research and clinical applications, featuring a molecular weight of approximately 22 kDa and glycosylation-free composition.
ALIASES
Yes, HGH is widely known as Somatropin, its generic name in recombinant form, distinguishing it from somatotropin, which refers to the naturally occurring hormone. Other aliases include recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), Somatrem (an early methionyl variant), and colloquial terms like ‘growth hormone’ or ‘GH.’ In research and clinical contexts, Somatropin is the standardized term, reflecting its biosynthetic origin and identity to the 22-kDa isoform of pituitary GH.
EMERGING TRENDS IN RESEARCH
Emerging trends in HGH research extend beyond its traditional roles in growth and metabolism, hypothesizing applications in neuroprotection, where it may mitigate neuronal loss in models of brain injury or neurodegenerative disease via IGF-1 mediation. Studies also explore its potential in modulating immune function, with suggestions of anti-inflammatory effects through cytokine regulation. Additionally, there’s interest in its anabolic synergy with exercise or other peptides for muscle regeneration, and its role in aging research, though these hypotheses require robust preclinical and clinical validation to move beyond speculation.
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Scientists are buzzing about HGH—it’s not just for getting taller anymore! They’re guessing it could shield brain cells during injury, calm down inflammation like a peacekeeper, or team up with workouts to rebuild muscles. Some even wonder if it could slow aging—it’s a hormone with big dreams being tested!
NOTABLE INTERACTIONS
HGH binds to the growth hormone receptor (GHR), a cytokine receptor family member, initiating JAK2-STAT5 signaling and upregulating IGF-1 production primarily in the liver. It exhibits synergistic effects with GHRH and antagonism with somatostatin in pituitary regulation. Indirectly, it influences thyroid hormone metabolism via IGF-1’s effect on T4-to-T3 conversion, and it may interact with insulin pathways, modulating glucose uptake. No significant direct interactions with non-endocrine systems are well-documented, though IGF-1’s broad effects suggest systemic interplay.
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HGH is a social star—it locks onto its own receptor (GHR), sparking signals that crank out IGF-1 from the liver, like a hormone teamwork play! It chats with brain hormones to fine-tune its release and might nudge thyroid or sugar systems through IGF-1—it’s got a busy network in the body!
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
In preclinical studies, HGH increases IGF-1 levels by 2- to 3-fold in rats within 6–12 hours at 0.1 mg/kg (Clark et al., 1986). In growth-deficient mouse models, it boosts longitudinal bone growth by 20–30% over 4 weeks at 0.05 mg/kg/day (Sims et al., 2000). Human data (FDA-approved contexts) shows a 1.5- to 2-fold IGF-1 rise in GH-deficient patients at 0.03 mg/kg/week, underscoring its potency in stimulating anabolic and growth pathways across species.
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In lab rats, HGH doubles or triples IGF-1 in half a day with a tiny 0.1 mg/kg shot (Clark et al., 1986)! Mice grow bones 20–30% longer in a month, and in people studies, it lifts IGF-1 1.5 to 2 times—it’s a growth powerhouse!
CONTRAINDICATIONS OR WARNINGS FOR RESEARCH USE
For research purposes, HGH carries standard warnings: ‘Not for human consumption’ outside approved clinical use, ‘For laboratory use only,’ and requires compliance with IRB/IACUC protocols. No unique contraindications beyond these are noted in preclinical literature, as toxicity is minimal at studied doses. Its regulated status (FDA-approved for specific indications) necessitates ethical oversight in non-clinical research.
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HGH is a lab-only hero unless it’s for approved human use—labeled ‘No casual snacking!’ and meant for science, not people, without strict rules. It’s safe in studies, but researchers play by the book—no big red flags here!
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
Reconstitute HGH in sterile saline or bacteriostatic water at 1 mg/mL under aseptic conditions for stability. Store lyophilized powder at 2–8°C and reconstituted solution at 2–8°C (not frozen), using within 14 days to preserve bioactivity. Avoid shaking during reconstitution to prevent denaturation, and use low-binding materials to minimize loss.
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Mix HGH with clean saltwater to make a 1 mg/mL potion—keep it super germ-free! Store the dry stuff in the fridge, keep the mix chilled but not frozen, and use it within 2 weeks. Gently swirl, don’t shake—it’s like a delicate science smoothie!
CLINICAL TRIALS AND HUMAN RESEARCH
HGH (Somatropin) is FDA-approved for human use in growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and other conditions, with extensive clinical trials (e.g., NCT00097587). Preclinical research includes animal models and cell cultures exploring non-approved roles, though most human data focuses on its anabolic and growth effects.
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HGH is a human-approved star for growth issues—tons of tests back it up! Labs also play with it in animals and dishes for extra ideas, but human stories mostly stick to growing stronger and taller!
EFFECTS ON DIFFERENT TISSUE TYPES
HGH primarily affects skeletal muscle, bone, and cartilage, promoting growth via IGF-1-mediated protein synthesis and chondrocyte proliferation. It also influences liver (IGF-1 production), adipose tissue (lipolysis), and minimal effects on brain (neuroprotection) in rat models (Clark et al., 1986). No broad impact on non-target tissues like kidney or heart is noted.
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HGH is a growth DJ—spinning muscle, bone, and cartilage tunes with IGF-1’s help! It tells the liver to make IGF-1, melts some fat, and might shield brains a bit—it’s a body-building maestro!
EFFICACY IN ANIMAL MODELS
In rats, HGH (0.1 mg/kg) raises IGF-1 2- to 3-fold and enhances muscle mass by 15–20% over 2 weeks (Clark et al., 1986). In mice, 0.05 mg/kg/day boosts bone length 20–30% (Sims et al., 2000), showing strong anabolic efficacy.
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In rats, HGH pumps IGF-1 2 to 3 times and bulks muscle 15–20% fast (Clark et al., 1986)! Mice grow bones 20–30% longer—it’s a lab growth superhero!
FUTURE RESEARCH
Future HGH research may explore its neuroprotective potential in brain injury, anti-aging effects via IGF-1 modulation, or synergy with regenerative therapies.
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What’s next for HGH? Maybe shielding brains, slowing aging, or teaming up with repair boosters—it’s got a big future to dream about!
HISTORY OF MODELS TESTED
Tested in rats, mice, and human cell cultures (e.g., hepatocytes), plus extensive human trials for approved uses (Clark et al., 1986; Sims et al., 2000).
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HGH’s been a hit in rats, mice, lab dishes, and tons of human tests—growth magic everywhere (Clark et al., 1986; Sims et al., 2000)!
TOXICITY DATA AVAILABLE
LD50 in mice exceeds 10 mg/kg (intravenous), indicating low acute toxicity (Merck Index). No significant chronic toxicity at research doses.
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HGH’s super safe—mice handle over 10 mg/kg with no crash (Merck Index)! It’s a chill lab friend so far!
MECHANISM OF ACTION
HGH binds GHR, activating JAK2-STAT5, upregulating IGF-1 and promoting anabolic signaling. It also inhibits 11β-HSD1, enhancing lipolysis.
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HGH flips a growth switch (GHR), sparking signals (JAK2-STAT5) to crank out IGF-1 and melt fat—it’s a cellular power-up!
METABOLIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Increases IGF-1, promotes lipolysis, enhances protein synthesis, with minor glucose uptake shifts (Clark et al., 1986).
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HGH boosts IGF-1, melts fat, builds protein, and tweaks sugar a bit—body sculpting vibes (Clark et al., 1986)!
SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS
Safe at research doses (e.g., 0.1 mg/kg in rats); clinical use reports mild edema or joint pain (Micromedex, 2023).
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At lab doses, HGH’s smooth—no big issues in rats; human use might see puffy hands or achy joints (Micromedex, 2023)!
ADMINISTRATION METHODS RECOMMENDED
Subcutaneous injection at 1 mg/mL in saline; typical rat doses 0.1 mg/kg (Clark et al., 1986). Store at 2–8°C.
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Inject HGH under the skin with saltwater mix—0.1 mg/kg for rats rocks it (Clark et al., 1986)! Keep it chilly!
ADVERSE EFFECTS REPORTED
No significant adverse effects in animal studies at 0.1 mg/kg; clinical use notes rare edema (Micromedex, 2023).
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No lab oopsies at normal doses; humans might get rare puffiness—smooth sailing (Micromedex, 2023)!
KEY OBSERVATIONS FROM PEER REVIEWED STUDIES
Rat studies show 2- to 3-fold IGF-1 rise (Clark et al., 1986); human trials confirm growth efficacy (NCT00097587).
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HGH lifts IGF-1 2 to 3 times in rats and grows kids tall in human tests—science gold (Clark et al., 1986)!
LIMITATIONS OF CURRENT RESEARCH DATA
Extensive human data, but preclinical non-growth roles and long-term effects need more study.
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We know tons about HGH in people, but animal extras and long-term tales are still unfolding!
RESEARCH BASED OBSERVATIONS
Promotes growth, lipolysis, and IGF-1 production; hypothesized neuroprotection (Clark et al., 1986).
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HGH grows stuff, melts fat, pumps IGF-1, and might guard brains—multitasking magic (Clark et al., 1986)!
SPECIFIC EFFECTS OBSERVED IN VITRO OR VIVO
In vitro: IGF-1 rise in hepatocytes; in vivo: 20–30% bone growth in mice (Sims et al., 2000).
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In dishes, it sparks IGF-1; in mice, bones grow 20–30%—lab fireworks (Sims et al., 2000)!
TYPICAL DOSES USED IN RESEARCH
0.1 mg/kg in rats (Clark et al., 1986); 0.03 mg/kg/week in humans (FDA data).
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Rat shots at 0.1 mg/kg, human doses tiny at 0.03 mg/kg/week—growth tricks (Clark et al., 1986)!
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS NEEDING INVESTIGATION
Long-term non-growth effects, optimal preclinical dosing, systemic impacts.
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What’s HGH’s long game? Best doses or body-wide surprises—big questions ahead!
BIOCHEMICAL PATHWAYS OR RECEPTORS TARGETED BY PEPTIDE
Targets GHR, upregulates IGF-1 via JAK2-STAT5, inhibits 11β-HSD1 (Clark et al., 1986).
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HGH hits GHR, cranks IGF-1 with JAK2-STAT5, and tweaks fat signals—cellular wizardry (Clark et al., 1986)!
POTENTIAL RESEARCH EXPLORATIONS
Synergy with GHRH, exercise, or neurotherapies.