HGH is responsible for performing several functions inside the human body. But do you know there can be different types of HGH? So the question is, what are the different types of HGH? Keep reading if you’d like to know the answer to the question.
Human growth hormone (HGH) is classified into two types according to the genes: pituitary GH (also known as GH-N, GH1, or simply GH) and placental GH (also called GH-V or GH2).
All of the types are already developed when a person is still in the fetal stage. All of the human growth hormones are already produced by both the mother and the growing fetus as they continue to grow together.
Each type of human growth hormone works a bit differently as they serve specific purposes.
Aside from these two, there are also two other types of human growth hormones that are often talked about when discussing HGH in adults. In the human body, we also notice ghrerin or growth hormone releasing peptide.
After that, we also often hear about IGF-I or often called insulin-like growth factor.
The two latter types of human growth hormones can heavily affect an adult person’s overall state of health.
This is especially the case with the insulin-like growth factor because it can literally affect the weight gain of many adults. However, in children, the effects are seen mildly.
According to a study featured on Web MD, heightened IGF-1 levels can impact an individual’s insulin sensitivity, which determines the body’s responsiveness to insulin. This sensitivity to insulin is a vital factor in the regulation of blood sugar levels and the control of fat storage. Diminished insulin sensitivity can result in the accumulation of fat and subsequent weight gain.
Still, if we are to understand human growth hormones through a fetus’ early development, we will see more of the first two types of human growth hormones.
These two types are going to play a major role in the lives of adults until they reach the age of about 30.
The anterior pituitary GH, also known as somatotropin, is a single isoform that regulates the growth and metabolism of tissues throughout the body.
As per information from Physio-Pedia, human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a crucial hormone manufactured by the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary functions include overseeing growth during childhood and adolescence, actively participating in metabolic processes, facilitating tissue maintenance and repair, and influencing a range of other essential physiological effects.
It is responsible for promoting bone and muscle growth, increasing protein synthesis, and enhancing fat utilization. It also plays a critical role in regulating energy metabolism by stimulating the breakdown of fats and increasing glucose production.
In contrast, placental GH, also known as human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS), is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is a unique form of GH that can be further divided into two subtypes: hCS-C and hCS-L.
The hCS-C variant is secreted in higher concentrations during the first trimester of pregnancy and is primarily involved in stimulating maternal metabolism, enhancing glucose transport across the placenta, and promoting fetal growth.
It also plays a role in preparing the maternal body for lactation.
The hCS-L variant, on the other hand, is secreted in higher concentrations during the later stages of pregnancy and is primarily involved in mammary gland development and lactation.
It stimulates the growth of mammary tissue and promotes the production of milk during lactation.
Aside from its role in promoting fetal growth and development, placental GH has been shown to have other beneficial effects during pregnancy. It improves maternal insulin sensitivity, reduces maternal fat mass, and enhances fetal brain development.
According to the findings presented in the Frontiers report, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has the potential to amplify maternal insulin sensitivity. This means that a mother’s body can become more receptive to insulin, the hormone responsible for managing blood sugar levels. This heightened insulin sensitivity holds particular significance during pregnancy as it contributes to the effective regulation of glucose levels in the bloodstream.
It also plays a role in regulating maternal blood glucose levels and in the development of fetal organs and tissues.
GH1 and GH2 have a few similarities in that:
The amino acid numbers of GH-N nd GH-V are almost identical, only differing by 13.
- Their major protein isoforms are 22, 20 kDa.
- They share a high affinity for the growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene.
- They belong to 47-kb chromosome 17 cluster, the genes of which also include chorionic somatomammotropin or placental lactogen 1 (CSH1 or CS-A), CHS2 or CS-B, and CSHL1 or CS-L (lactogen).
However, GH1 and GH2 also sport differences in some aspects as explained below:
- GH1 is produced, secreted, and regulated by the somatotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland. GH1 continues to contribute in height gain until an individual reaches adulthood, in which it helps regulate cell activities and secrete other hormones instead. On the other hand, GH2 is produced by the syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast cells of the placenta during pregnancy in order to promote the growth of the fetus and provide nutrients for the fetus. GH2 also helps process glycogen into glucose (gluconeogenesis), store fats and energy (lipolysis), and break down complex molecules into simpler ones (anabolism), and regulate the blood vessels which flow to the placenta.
- GH1’s other isoform numbers are 9, 12, 16, 23, and 24 kDa, while GH2’s number is only 25 kDa.
- GH1’s protein sequences are categorized as O-linked glycosylation, while GH2’s protein sequence category is N-linked glycosylation.
- GH1 is released quickly and randomly (referred to as “pulsatile secretion”), whereas GH2 is released slowly and gradually (“tonic secretion”).
- Compared to GH2, GH1 is better at activating prolactin, which is also secreted by the pituitary gland and useful for producing milk for human females, mammals, and birds, and managing their metabolism and immune system.
- GH1 has a much lower isoelectric point (pH with zero net electrical charges of a molecule) than GH2 has (5.5 and 9.9, respectively).
- GH1 and GH2 have different molecular structures, although they share some similarities. GH1 is a single-chain polypeptide consisting of 191 amino acids, while GH2 is also a 191-amino-acid protein but with a slightly different molecular structure due to differences in the amino acid sequence. GH2 shares approximately 94% sequence identity with GH1.
- GH1 is primarily regulated by the hypothalamus, which secretes growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (GHIH) to stimulate or inhibit GH1 secretion, respectively. Other factors that regulate GH1 secretion include exercise, stress, and sleep. GH2 is regulated by a different set of hormones that are specific to pregnancy, such as placental growth hormone-releasing hormone (PGHRH) and human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS). The secretion of GH2 increases as pregnancy progresses, reaching its highest levels during the third trimester.
- Both GH1 and GH2 play important roles in growth and development, although their specific physiological functions differ. GH1 promotes longitudinal bone growth, muscle growth, and protein synthesis. It also has metabolic effects such as increasing insulin resistance and promoting lipolysis. GH2, on the other hand, regulates maternal metabolism during pregnancy and supports fetal growth and development. It stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the fetus, which is necessary for fetal growth and development.
- GH1 is widely used as a therapeutic agent to treat growth hormone deficiency in children and adults. It is also used to treat conditions such as Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and chronic renal insufficiency. GH2 is used to diagnose placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction during pregnancy. Low levels of GH2 may indicate placental insufficiency or fetal growth restriction, which can lead to serious complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and fetal distress.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Is The Best Form Of Hgh?
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone naturally produced by the pituitary gland in the human body. It is responsible for regulating growth, metabolism, tissue repair, and other important functions. Over the years, HGH has been used medically to treat a variety of conditions, such as growth hormone deficiency, short stature, and muscle wasting. With advances in medical technology, the synthetic form of HGH has become available and is now used to treat a variety of conditions.
When considering the best form of HGH, there are a few factors to consider. The first is the cost of the product. Synthetic HGH is much more expensive than naturally produced HGH, and the cost of the product should be taken into account when deciding which form to use. The second factor to consider is the side effects associated with the product. Synthetic HGH has more potential side effects than naturally produced HGH, and the side effects should be carefully weighed against the potential benefits of the product.
The best form of HGH will depend on the individual’s needs and health condition. For those with a growth hormone deficiency, synthetic HGH may be the best option due to its effectiveness in treating the condition. For those looking to improve their athletic performance or muscle mass, naturally produced HGH may be a better option due to its lower cost and potential for fewer side effects.
Overall, the best form of HGH will depend on the individual’s needs and health condition. It is important to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of each form of HGH before deciding which is best for you. It is also important to consult with a doctor before starting treatment with HGH, as the product can have serious side effects if used incorrectly.
