HGH & DHEA

How did we used to obtain HGH?

From pituitary of cadavers before 1985

What are the first effects (two stages of the action of HGH) of HGH?

1) Increased amino acid uptake for incorporation into skeletal muscle

• HGH raises IGF-1.

• IGF-1 activates PI3K → AKT.

• AKT signals amino acid transporters (LAT1, SNAT2) to move to the cell membrane.

• More transporters on the membrane means more amino acids get pulled into muscle cells.

• Those amino acids are then used for protein synthesis via mTOR activation.

2) Stimulation of Glucose uptake in muscle blocks lipid breakdown at adipose tissue

What is the effect you get from hGH after taking it chronically? (Weeks to months)

Increased mobilization of FFA from adipose inhibition of Glucose uptake at muscle

Why is hGH not ideal for sports performance?

It increases LBM but not muscle mass

• The size of internal organs increases and so does water retention

What condition can someone develop from using hGH?

Acromegaly

What is acromegaly?

Hormone disorder caused by too much growth hormone (due to pituitary adenoma - benign pituitary tumor) in adult hood

• Causes enlarged hands and feet

• thickened facial features

• deepened voice

• teeth gaps

• skin thickening

• enlarged organs

Results in giantism for children (Andre the giant)

What is DHEA?

Dehydroepiandrosterone 

• produced by adrenal glands

• Peaks by age 30 then decreases thereafter

What has DHEA been found to be associated with?

Found to be associated with:

• Slight changes in lipoprotein levels

• Precursors for development of breast cancer

• formation of acne

What has DHEA NOT been found to be associated with?

• memory loss

• immune fxn

• improvements in body comp. (Worked well in dogs though)

• Improvements w/ CV disease

How is dehydroepiandrosterone taken?

orally

What were the 4 week long effects of taking dehydroepiandrosterone

Been found to increase estrogen levels after 4 weeks of use

Flowchart of the Synthesis of Androgens/Estrogens

Progesterone → Hydroxyprogesterone → Androstenedione → Esterone, Testosterone → Estradiol

Overall what is DHEA?

Do the Benefits outweigh the risks?

A precurose hormone

NO