Module 2

1. Module 2

1.17. Page 6

Lesson 2

Module 2—The Endocrine System

Thought Lab—Evaluating Potential Uses for Human Growth Hormone

You will complete this Thought Lab in the Module 2: Lesson 2 Assignment.

Recent studies have linked job success with being tall, and many jobs have specifice physical requirements, including those for height and weight. Since 1985, genetic-engineering technology has been used to produce human growth hormone, referred to as synthetic human growth hormone. Some parents have pestered doctors to prescribe it for the purpose of increasing the stature of their children and, therefore, their potential for success. To add to the appeal of synthetic HGH, it has been discovered that human growth hormone may have some anti-aging 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?

This photo shows a very small child with two adults. hGH has been approved for children who are genetically short.

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

This photograph shows two seniors, a man and a woman, who appear to be in good health. hGH has been touted for its supposed ability to keep older people fit and toned.

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?

This photograph shows well-defined and developed muscles in a male’s arm. Athletes have turned to taking hGH to make them bigger, faster, and more competitive in their sport.

Issue 3

Because one of the functions of hGH in the body is to build lean muscle mass, its use has become widespread among some athletes in various sports. In fact, many athletes at the 1996 summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, 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?

Module 2: Lesson 2 Assignment

Retrieve the copy of the Module 2: Lesson 2 Assignment that you saved to your computer earlier in this lesson. Complete all of the questions. Save your completed assignment in your course folder. You will receive instructions about when to submit your assignment to your teacher later in this lesson.