Module 2 The Endocrine System

Lesson 1.2.2

1.2.2 page 6

Thought Lab

Evaluating Potential Uses for Human Growth Hormone

Parents want their children to be successful. Recent studies have linked job success with being tall. In China, certain heights have been used as a prerequisite for jobs. Since 1985, genetic engineering technology has been used to produce human growth hormone, referred to as synthetic human growth hormone. Parents have pestered doctors to prescribe it for the purpose of increasing the stature of their children. In addition, it has been discovered that human growth hormone may have some antiaging properties. The internet is littered with ads for its purchase.

Since the approval of the restricted use of synthetic hGH, concerns have arisen about its use and potential abuse. Health Canada has approved extremely limited use of the hormone, which is very expensive (Injections cost in excess of $25 000 per year.) and may be associated with several negative health effects.

Problem

Should Health Canada approve the widespread use of synthetic hGH for Canadians?

Issue 1

Until recently, the use of synthetic hGH was approved only for those children who had malfunctioning pituitary glands and could not produce adequate amounts of the necessary hormone themselves. Recently, the use of synthetic hGH has been approved for children who are genetically of short stature. Should people have the option to take synthetic hGH just to increase their genetically predetermined height?

Issue 2

In adults, the production of natural hGH declines with age. This makes it increasingly difficult to reduce one’s body fat as one ages. Given that obesity has reached epidemic levels in the North American population, and one of the functions of hGH in the body is to reduce cellular fat, should synthetic hGH be approved as a diet treatment for obesity?

Issue 3

Because one of the functions of hGH in the body is to build lean muscle mass, its use has become widespread among various athletes. In fact, many athletes at the 1996 summer Olympic Games in Altlanta, Georgia, referred to the event as the “hGH Games.” Despite its expense, many athletes, from baseball players to weightlifters, are acquiring synthetic hGH because it is difficult for drug testers to detect. Should competitive athletes be allowed legal access to synthetic hGH?