Growth Hormone Treatment Improves Social Impairments in Patients with Genetic Disorder Known to Cause Autism

Mount Sinai. US: A growth hormone can significantly improve the social impairment associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in patients with a related genetic syndrome.

Growth Hormone

Growth Hormone (GH) or somatotropin or somatropin is the principal hormone that, among many other functions, regulates body and brain development, bone maturation, metabolism, and is essential for healthy muscles. 
Diseases:
-acromegaly: excess of growth hormone
-growth failure and short stature: deficiency of growth hormone
More about acromegaly

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a disease caused by a pituitary tumor (adenoma) that secretes too much growth hormone (GH). This overproduction of GH results in overgrowth of various tissues and many other metabolic problems. The high GH levels in turn stimulate the liver to make excessive amounts of another protein called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). High levels of GH and IGF-1 can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and sleep apnea, heart failure, among other things. Because of the serious changes resulting from GH excess, treatment is essential. Untreated acromegaly is a serious condition that can cause dramatic bone and soft tissue changes and serious cardiovascular problems.  If the GH producing tumor develops before bone growth is completed in adolescence, gigantism is the result.

More about acromegaly

Acromegaly

Authors:  Philippe Chanson MD, Sylvie Salenave MD. Orphanet Journal of rare Diseases.

Definition

Acromegaly is characterized by an acquired progressive somatic disfigurement, mainly involving the face and extremities, but also many other organs, that is associated with systemic manifestations. The disease is related to the excessive production of growth hormone (GH). This GH hypersecretion originates from a monoclonal benign pituitary tumor (adenoma) in more than 90% of cases.