What it is
Recombinant human growth hormone (somatropin) is a 191-amino-acid protein identical to the pituitary hormone. Quantity is expressed in international units (1 mg ≈ 3 IU).
Mechanism
GH binds the GH receptor and signals through JAK2/STAT5, stimulating hepatic and local IGF-1 production. Direct effects include lipolysis and reduced glucose uptake; IGF-1-mediated effects include protein synthesis, cell proliferation, bone growth and tissue repair.
Research areas
- GH/IGF-1 axis physiology
- Body composition and lipolysis
- Bone and connective-tissue biology
- Metabolic regulation
- Ageing research
Safety and metabolism
Extensive clinical literature. Fluid retention, joint discomfort and reduced insulin sensitivity are dose-dependent. Plasma half-life ≈ 2–3 h after subcutaneous administration; the IGF-1 response persists for about a day.
Why this amount
36 IU (≈ 12 mg) suits longer protocols; 24 IU (≈ 8 mg) is the smaller research vial.
