THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF HGH AND ITS USE AS A PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING SUPPLEMENT IN ATHLETES

Abstract

Human growth hormone (hGH, referred to as GH in succeeding text) is a powerful anabolic peptide hormone that is released from the anterior pituitary gland. GH acts on almost every tissue and cell type in the body, with its main targets being bone and skeletal muscle. Its general function is to promote cell division, growth, and regeneration. With aging, GH secretion undergoes a natural decline which is accompanied by a loss of muscle mass, aerobic capacity, strength, bone density, and an increase in abdominal fat. Consequently, GH has dramatic effects on body composition and strength in normal aging. The nature of endogenous GH in normal aging has implications for its use as a potential performance- or physique-enhancing supplement in athletes. It also has implications for its use as a recovery aid for injured athletes. In this paper, GH will be analyzed for its effectiveness as an ergogenic supplement. Ergogenic is an adjective that describes something intended to enhance physical performance, stamina, or recovery. Physical performance, in this regard, entails endurance and strength. It is worth mentioning that while administration of exogenous GH has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and prohibits its use by professional athletes, there are current approved clinical treatments with this hormone that do not focus on athletic performance.