Growth Hormone Growth Factors And Acromegaly

Gigantism and Acromegaly brings together pituitary experts, taking readers from bench research, to genetic analysis, clinical analysis, and new therapeutic approaches. This book serves as a reference for growth hormone over-secretion and its diagnosis and treatment for endocrinologists, pediatricians, internists, and neurosurgeons, and for geneticists. Pharmaceutical companies may use it as a reference for drug development and research. Students, residents and fellows in medicine and endocrinology and genetics will also find it valuable as it provides a single up-to-date review of the molecular biology of gigantism and acromegaly as well as recommended approaches to evaluation and management. Acromegaly is a rare pituitary disorder that slowly changes its adult victim’s appearance over time: larger hands and feet, bigger jaw, forehead, nose, and lips. Generally, a benign pituitary tumor is the cause and symptoms of acromegaly can vary from patient to patient, making a diagnosis difficult and prolonging suffering for years. Early detection is key in the management of acromegaly as the pathologic effects of increased growth hormone (GH) production are progressive and can be life-threatening as the result of associated cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory disorders and malignancies. Accessible, up-to-date overview of the characteristics, state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures, and management of acromegaly and gigantism Provides a unique compendium of endocrinology, genetics, clinical diagnosis and therapeutics Contains contributions from internationally known experts who have treated patients with acromegaly and gigantism

At the 4th International Workshop of Highlights in Basic and Clinical Neuroendocrinology, held in Athens in November 2005, internationally recognized experts presented a series of lectures covering current knowledge in the treatment modalities for acromegaly and providing useful updates in basic research related to growth hormone and growth factors. The special issue starts with an historical annotation of acromegaly over the last 120 years. The reader can find up-to-date information regarding the use of somatostatin analogs in relation to somatostatin receptors for the treatment of acromegaly, the GH receptor antagonists and the role of IGF binding proteins. The diagnostic utility of PET imaging and dynamic tests for defining active acromegaly are reviewed. In addition, there are papers presenting the pathology of acromegaly and predictive markers of pituitary adenoma behavior, the molecular genetics in Carney Complex and genetic aspects, the regulation of the human GH gene family, and data of GH-secreting tumors from animal models. Regarding Neurosurgery, transsphenoidal microsurgery for newly diagnosed acromegaly and the endoscopic versus the traditional approach in pituitary surgery are presented. There is also additional information on acromegaly in relation to cancer, cardiovascular system and the questionable role of radiotherapy. Lastly, the quality of life and the cost of medical care for the acromegalic patient are discussed.

Readers of this book can update their knowledge in the fast-moving field of endocrinology and neurobiology. Topics concerning growth and development are extensively reviewed from both basic science and clinical viewpoints. Aspects related to growth development and to the control of cellular differentiation and multiplication are discussed. Further new information is provided on: synthetic recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH); potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of the neuropeptide, growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH); the physiology and physiopathology of the neural control of growth hormone secretion; the diagnosis and therapy of growth hormone deficiency or excess states; and the biology, function and possible utilization of growth factors. These important new findings are relevant to progress in pediatrics, pediatric and clinical endocrinology, neuroendocrinology and physiology.

This revised new edition reviews the substantial advances in our understanding of the vital role of growth hormone (GH) in maintaining adult health, and the resulting disorders from GH deficiency. The first edition, published in 1996, provided a pioneering overview of the subject; this new edition provides an even more comprehensive account, fully updated with the latest research, clinical applications, and references. The therapeutic benefits of GH treatment in GH deficiency are thoroughly evaluated, including effects on metabolism, cardiac function, exercise performance, psychosocial aspects, and aging and gender-specific effects. This compilation by the world's leading experts covers clinical investigation, diagnosis and treatment issues, and encompasses new knowledge of the control and action of GH secretion. This volume is the most authoritative, comprehensive, and detailed account available and will be an essential source of reference for all endocrinologists.

A concise and innovative account of clinical neuroendocrine disorders and the key principles underlying their diagnosis and management.

The first two years of life represent a transition period when growth changes from predominantly growth hormone (GH) independent to GH dependent. This book, Growth Disorders and Acromegaly, includes two parts. The first part consists of five chapters that illustrate the nature, causes, types, signs, and symptoms of GH deficiency (GHD) and fetal growth restriction. It describes the impact of GH and its deficiency on different biological systems in children and adults. Also, this book assesses the role of human GH (hGH) and insulin-growth factor1 (IGF-1) gene families during pregnancy. This book offers several novel insights of GH in male reproductive health. The second part consists of three chapters that show the pegvisomant, colorectal neoplasms in acromegaly, epidemiology and underlying mechanisms, and the surgical managements of acromegaly. Finally, this book will be of interest to scientists, embryologists, neuroendocrinologists, neurotoxicologists, and physicians who follow recent developments in the field of growth disorders.