Question
A boy, 11 years and a few months old, is in good health but has a short stature, currently standing at 1.35 meters tall and weighing around 67 pounds.
Answer
Growth hormone is a protein hormone secreted by the cells of the pituitary gland and is a peptide hormone. Recombinant DNA technology can be used to manufacture growth hormone for the treatment of dwarfism caused by growth hormone deficiency. Normally, growth hormone is secreted in a pulsatile manner, its secretion being regulated by the growth hormone-releasing hormone produced by the hypothalamus, as well as being influenced by gender, age, and the circadian rhythm; secretion increases significantly during sleep. The main physiological function of growth hormone is to promote the growth of all tissues except neural tissues. Typically, short stature may be due to a lack of growth hormone or genetic factors. It is recommended to first check the growth hormone levels and epiphyseal plates to determine whether further treatment is necessary.