Human growth hormone
[CAS# 12629-01-5]

Identification

• Classification: Analytical chemistry >> Standard >> Pharmacopoeia standards and magazine standards
• Name: Human growth hormone
• Synonyms: Somatotropin
• Molecular Formula: C₉₉₀H₁₅₂₉N₂₆₃O₂₉₉S₇
• Molecular Weight: 22124.12
• Protein Sequence: FPTIPLSRLFDNAMLRAHRLHQLAFDTYQEFEEAYIPKEQKYSFLQNPQTSLCFSESIPT$$nl$$PSNREETQQKSNLELLRISLLLIQSWLEPVQFLRSVFANSLVYGASDSNVYDLLKDLEEG$$nl$$IQTLMGRLEDGSPRTGQIFKQTYSKFDTNSHNDDALLKNYGLLYCFRKDMDKVETFLRIV$$nl$$QCRSVEGSCGF
• CAS Registry Number: 12629-01-5
• EC Number: 235-735-8
• SMILES: CCC(C)C(C(=O)N1CCCC1C(=NC(CC(C)C)C(=NC(CO)C(=NC(CCCNC(=N)N)C(=NC(CC(C)C)C(=NC(Cc2ccccc2)C(=NC(CC(=O)O)C(=NC(CC(=N)O)C(=NC(C)C(=NC(CCSC)C(=NC(CC(C)C)C(=O)O)O)O)O)O)O)O)O)O)O)O)N=C(C(C(C)O)N=C(C3CCCN3C(=O)C(Cc4ccccc4)N)O)O

Properties

• Density: 1.4±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*
• Index of Refraction: 1.642, Calc.^*
• Boiling Point: 1580.5±75.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*
• Flash Point: 909.7±37.1 °C, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Safety Statements: P264-P270-P273-P280-P301+P312+P330-P302+P352+P312-P305+P351+P338+P310-P332+P313-P391-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

Discovery and Applications

Human growth hormone (hGH), also known as somatotropin, was first isolated in the 1950s. Its discovery is attributed to the pioneering work of endocrinologists who were studying the pituitary gland and its role in growth and development. Maurice Raben, an American endocrinologist, successfully extracted hGH from human cadaver pituitary glands in 1956, marking a significant breakthrough in medical science. This discovery paved the way for the use of hGH in treating growth disorders. In 1985, recombinant DNA technology enabled the production of synthetic hGH.

Human growth hormone has a wide range of applications in medicine and other fields, primarily focusing on growth disorders, metabolic functions, and anti-aging treatments.hGH is extensively used to treat children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), which results in stunted growth and delayed development. By administering synthetic hGH, children can achieve normal growth rates and improve their overall physical development. It is also used for other conditions such as Turner syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and Prader-Willi syndrome, which are associated with growth delays.

Adults with GHD can also benefit from hGH therapy. The condition in adults can lead to decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and diminished quality of life. hGH supplementation helps improve body composition, increase bone density, enhance physical strength, and improve overall well-being. It also supports cardiovascular health by improving lipid profiles and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

hGH is used in managing muscle-wasting diseases, such as those associated with HIV/AIDS and short bowel syndrome. Its anabolic properties help maintain lean body mass, improve muscle strength, and enhance overall energy levels in patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.

While controversial and not universally approved, hGH is sometimes used off-label for its purported anti-aging benefits. Proponents claim that it can reduce body fat, increase muscle mass, improve skin elasticity, and boost overall energy levels.

Although banned by most sports organizations, hGH is sometimes used illegally by athletes to enhance performance. It is believed to increase muscle mass, reduce recovery times, and improve overall physical performance. The use of hGH for doping is controversial and poses significant health risks, leading to strict regulations and testing in competitive sports.

hGH is used in rehabilitation medicine to aid recovery from major surgeries, severe burns, and traumatic injuries. Its ability to promote tissue repair, muscle growth, and overall recovery accelerates the healing process and improves outcomes for patients undergoing intensive rehabilitation.

References

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