Growth Hormones

Studies on mouse models aberrant in GH signaling indicate that dwarf mice live longer than normal or oversized ones. It appears that the impairment of GH signaling reduces IGF-1 levels dramatically, and implicates IGF-1 as regulator of aging. However, in presence of some other hormonal abnormalities in some of the mouse models it is impossible to dissect out the effects of GH and IGF-1 alone.

Independent of the animal studies, the use of GH for fighting off obesity, increasing energy, and as an anti-aging hormone increases. As people age, levels of GH decrease and the market for drugs to prolonging youth increases. Some people have a medical condition known as growth hormone deficiency. Defining it is problematic as there is not one universal definition. Growth hormone deficiency occurring in adults is associated with increased abdominal fatness, reduced muscle mass and strength, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, memory difficulties, and psychological problems. Treatment of adults with GH deficiency by hormone replacement is not universally accepted and is still being tested for efficacy and long-term side effects. The trials up to date indicate that patients treated with GH had reduced fat-mass and some improvements in quality of life.