Question
What is growth hormone? Can it make children taller?
Answer
Growth hormone (HGH) is a protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It is produced through recombinant DNA technology and is known as recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). Normally, growth hormone is secreted in pulsatile patterns, regulated by the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) secreted by the hypothalamus, and influenced by gender, age, and circadian rhythms. Its secretion increases significantly during deep sleep. The main physiological functions of growth hormone include promoting the growth of all tissues except neural tissue; promoting the catabolism of body composition and protein synthesis; and promoting fat decomposition; it also has an antagonist effect on insulin.