Client SurveyCape Town
   
      
  Growth  
   
   
     
  hGH  
     
  Human Growth Hormone (hGH or somatotropin) is the hormone most abundantly secreted by the pituitary. During childhood and adolescence it causes body statural growth, and throughout life it affects major metabolic processes, in such a way that growth is encouraged. hGH secretion is controlled by the hypothalamic Growth Hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) and somatostatin, which stimulate and inhibit release, respectively. hGH is secreted episodically (pulsatile secretion) and, in normal subjects, it is modulated by many factors including stress, physical exercise, and sleep. Because of marked fluctuations in daily secretion, a single random specimen has limited clinical interest. Challenge tests (with arginin, insulin, glucagon, L-dopa, GH-RH) or inhibition tests (glucose tolerance test) give more detailed information. hGH does not have a specific target organ, but receptors have been demonstrated on human liver cells and circulating lymphocytes. The metabolic effects of hGH can be generally divided into two main categories: (a) anti-insulin direct action (lipolytic and causing hyperglycaemia); (b) insulin-like indirect action (anti-lipolytic and mitogenic). The latter action causes body statural growth which is the classic action of hGH. This is exerted through somatomedins, relatively low-molecular weight hormones (M.W. 7 kDa) of chemical structure very similar to that of proinsulin. At least two somatomedins have been identified, one with insulin-like properties, the other one more directly involved in body statural growth. Unlike all other polypeptide hormones, somatomedins mostly circulate bound to carrier proteins which prolong their half-lives, therefore making their concentrations relatively stable. The test is of help in correct diagnosis of growth disorders, namely: Hormone deficiency, including delayed puberty and small stature in adolescents. Hormone excess, associated with gigantism in young children or adolescents or acromegaly in adults. In addition, the test may be of use to evaluate Growth Hormone replacement therapy.  
     
  DiaSorin Liaison hGH  
 
  • Direct, two site, sandwich type immunoluminometric assay using directly coated magnetic particles
  • Sample matrix: Serum
  • Sample volume: 25 µl
  • Incubation time: 30 min
  • Measuring range: 0.1 - 80 ng/ml
  • Detection Limit: 0.1 ng/ml
 
 
Product code Product name Method Kit Size Sample Type
310340 Liaison hGH Direct, two site, sandwich immunoluminometric assay 100 test kit Serum
P2244 HGH-CTK irma IRMA Coated Tubes (RIA) 100 test kit Serum
 
     
 
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  IGF-1  
     
  The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) test is an indirect measure of the average amount of Growth Hormone (GH) being produced by the body. IGF-1 and GH are peptide hormones, small proteins that are vital for normal bone and tissue growth and development. GH is produced by the pituitary gland, a grape-sized gland located at the base of the brain behind the bridge of your nose. GH is secreted into the bloodstream in pulses throughout the day and night with peaks that occur mostly during the night. IGF-1 is produced by the liver and to a lesser degree by skeletal muscles, primarily in response to GH stimulation. It mediates many of the actions of GH, stimulating the growth of bones and other tissues and promoting the production of lean muscle mass. IGF-1 mirrors GH excesses and deficiencies, but its level is stable throughout the day, making it a useful indicator of average GH levels.  
     
  Like GH, IGF-1 levels are normally low in early childhood, increase gradually during childhood, peak during puberty, and then decline in adult life. Deficiencies in GH and IGF-1 may be caused by conditions such as hypopituitarism or by the presence of a non-GH-producing pituitary tumor that damages hormone-producing cells. Deficiencies in IGF-1 also occur where there is a lack of responsiveness to GH. This insensitivity may be primary (genetic) or secondary to conditions such as malnutrition and chronic diseases.  
     
  Deficiencies early in life can inhibit bone growth and overall development and can result in a child with a shorter than normal stature. In adults, decreased production can lead to low bone densities, less muscle mass, and altered lipids.  
     
  Excess GH and IGF-1 can cause abnormal growth of the skeleton and other signs and symptoms characteristic of gigantism and acromegaly. In children, gigantism causes bones to grow longer, resulting in a very tall person with large feet and hands. In adults, acromegaly causes bones to thicken and soft tissues, such as the nose, to swell. Both conditions can lead to enlarged organs, such as the heart, and to other complications such as type 2 diabetes, increased cardiovascular disease risk, high blood pressure, arthritis, and a decreased life span. The most common reason for the pituitary to secrete excessive amounts of GH is a GH-producing pituitary tumor (usually benign). Frequently, the tumor can be surgically removed and/or treated with drugs or radiation. In most cases, this will cause GH and IGF-1 levels to return to normal or near normal levels.  
     
  DiaSorin Liaison IGF-1  
 
  • 1-step immunoluminometric sandwich assay using directly coated magnetic microparticles
  • Sample matrix: Serum
  • Sample volume: 13 µl
  • Incubation time: 20 min
  • Measuring range: 3 - 1500 ng/ml
  • Detection Limit: 3 ng/ml
 
 
Product code Product name Method Kit Size Sample Type
313231 Liaison IGF-1 1-step immunoluminometric sandwich assay 100 test kit Serum
         
 
 
   
 

LINKS

http://www.diasorin.com/

 
 
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