Protein drugs human growth hormone

Recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) is a 22-kDa protein drug having 191 amino acids. It has been used to treat a number of conditions, including short stature in children, Turner syndrome, and chronic renal failure. It is said to play an important role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats as well as electrolytes and hence influences weight and height. It has been reported that hGH secretion in humans is pulsatile, showing low basal serum levels in between peaks. It has been... 

As has been the case with conventional drugs, therapeutic proteins produced by biotechnology are also open to misuse as in the cases of the use of human growth hormone and erythropoietin by athletes to enhance their athletic performance. Their being identical to their counterparts produced in the body makes their detection in routine tests nearly impossible (Spalding, 1991). These concerns are also being addressed by the manufacturers of such drugs. 

Wielburski, A. (1991). Genotropin-recombinant human growth hormone. In Polypeptide and Protein Drugs Production, Characterization and Formulation. R.C.Hider and D.Barlow, eds. (Chichester EUis Horwood), pp. 197 210. 

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