Question

The anterior pituitary gland facilitates the growth of an individual by the release of the human growth hormone (HGH) which in turn is regulated by two hormones namely growth hormone-releasing hormone(GHRH) and growth hormone inhibiting hormone(GHIH). Imbalance of these hormones could result in gigantism, dwarfism, or acromegaly. Interpret the data given and select the appropriate statement.

Individual	Age Group	Hormones released
1	2-5 years	Excessive GHRH
2	2-5 years	Normal GHRH
3	30-35 years	Excessive GHRH
4	30-35 years	Excessive GHIH
5	2-5 years	Excessive GHIH

Individual Age group Hormones released
(a) 1 and 3 will lead to gigantism while 4 and 5 will show dwarfism
(b) 3 will show gigantism, 1 will show acromegaly, and 4 and 5 will show dwarfism
(c) 2,3 and 4 will show normal growth
(d) 1 will show gigantism, 3 will show acromegaly and 5 will show dwarfism

Answer 1

Growth hormone is essential for the growth of human beings. Lack of growth hormone secretion in children leads to impaired growth and they will be very short. Excessive production of growth hormone causes the child to grow abnormally and will be extremely tall.

Complete answer:
-The growth hormone is synthesized and secreted by pituitary gland somatotropic cells in the anterior lobe. Their activities involve numerous organs and processes, influencing both postnatal (after birth) longitudinal growth and the metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. GH hypersecretion leads to gigantism or acromegaly, a disorder associated with severe morbidity and mortality, while GH deficiency results in children's growth retardation and adult GH deficiency syndrome.
-Growth hormone (GH) promotes body development by promoting tissue synthesis and protein deposition, and bone and muscle formation. Its deficient secretion causes dwarfism in the early-stage while its excessive childhood secretion causes gigantism. It’s over-secretion causes acromegaly in adulthood.
-Gigantism is a rare disorder in childhood or adolescence due to irregular, rapid development caused by excessive levels of growth hormone secretions. It is almost often the product of a pituitary tumor that secretes growth hormones.
-Acromegaly is a condition characterized by hands and a swollen face. The jaw may protrude, the nose may widen and the lips may thicken as the face changes shape. Acromegaly is a hormonal condition that occurs during adulthood when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. Too much of this hormone in adults induces changes in the size of bones, cartilage, body organs, and other tissues. Popular appearance changes include broadened or enlarged nose, ears, hands, and feet.
-Deficiency in Growth Hormone is a relatively common cause of dwarfism. It occurs when a sufficient supply of growth hormones is not produced by the pituitary gland, which is necessary for normal childhood development. Dwarfism is short stature resulting from a genetic or medical disorder. Dwarfism is commonly characterized as an adult height of or less than 4 feet 10 inches (147 centimeters). The average height of adults for those with Dwarfism is 4 feet (122 cm).

So, the correct answer is ‘1 will show gigantism, 3 will show acromegaly, and 5 will show dwarfism’.

Note:
In the United States, human growth hormone (HGH) therapy is approved for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency. HGH is successful only when administered as an injection. There is no human growth hormone pill form available. Novo Nordisk's most common HGH brand marketed in the U.S., Mexico, and Central America is Norditropin HGH.