growth hormone does not affect muscle protein synthesis

[TPT]

the following study suggests that growth hormone does not affect muscle protein synthesis, but does affect tendon and collagen synthesis.

http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short

these data and others might further direct bodybuilders to avoid gh as an effective drug for muscle hypertrophy and towards using gh for injuries or tendon healing.



Growth hormone stimulates the collagen synthesis in human tendon and skeletal muscle without affecting myofibrillar protein synthesis


<LI id=contrib-1>Simon Doessing (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=Simon+Doessing&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)1 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-1), <LI id=contrib-2>Katja M. Heinemeier (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=Katja+M.+Heinemeier&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)1 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-1), <LI id=contrib-3>Lars Holm (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=Lars+Holm&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)1 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-1), <LI id=contrib-4>Abigail L. Mackey (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=Abigail+L.+Mackey&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)1 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-1), <LI id=contrib-5>Peter Schjerling (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=Peter+Schjerling&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)1 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-1), <LI id=contrib-6>Michael Rennie (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=Michael+Rennie&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)3 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-3), <LI id=contrib-7>Kenneth Smith (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=Kenneth+Smith&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)3 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-3), <LI id=contrib-8>Søren Reitelseder (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=S%C3%B8ren+Reitelseder&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)1 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-1), <LI id=contrib-9>Anne-Marie Kappelgaard (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=Anne-Marie+Kappelgaard&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)4 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-4), <LI id=contrib-10>Michael Højby Rasmussen (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=Michael+H%C3%B8jby+Rasmussen&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)4 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-4), <LI id=contrib-11>Allan Flyvbjerg (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=Allan+Flyvbjerg&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)5 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-5) and
Michael Kjaer (http://jp.physoc.org/search?author1=Michael+Kjaer&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)1 (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#target-1)
+ (http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short#) Author Affiliations
1Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Center of Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark2Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark3School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Derby City General Hospital, Derby DE22 3DT, UK4Medical & Science, Global Development, Novo Nordisk, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark5The Medical Research Laboratories, Clinical Institute and Medical Department M (Diabetes and Endocrinology), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark

Corresponding author
S. Doessing: Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Center of Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.  Email: [email protected] ([email protected])
Abstract

In skeletal muscle and tendon the extracellular matrix confers important tensile properties and is crucially important for tissue regeneration after injury. Musculoskeletal tissue adaptation is influenced by mechanical loading, which modulates the availability of growth factors, including growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), which may be of key importance. To test the hypothesis that GH promotes matrix collagen synthesis in musculotendinous tissue, we investigated the effects of 14 day administration of 33–50 μg kg−1 day−1 recombinant human GH (rhGH) in healthy young individuals. rhGH administration caused an increase in serum GH, serum IGF-I, and IGF-I mRNA expression in tendon and muscle. Tendon collagen I mRNA expression and tendon collagen protein synthesis increased by 3.9-fold and 1.3-fold, respectively (P < 0.01 and P = 0.02), and muscle collagen I mRNA expression and muscle collagen protein synthesis increased by 2.3-fold and 5.8-fold, respectively (P < 0.01 and P = 0.06). Myofibrillar protein synthesis was unaffected by elevation of GH and IGF-I. Moderate exercise did not enhance the effects of GH manipulation. Thus, increased GH availability stimulates matrix collagen synthesis in skeletal muscle and tendon, but without any effect upon myofibrillar protein synthesis. The results suggest that GH is more important in strengthening the matrix tissue than for muscle cell hypertrophy in adult human musculotendinous tissue.

Footnotes


(Received 25 July 2009; accepted after revision 22 November 2009; first published online 23 November 2009)


© 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 The Physiological Society

[ob205]

I concur, and believe that many, if not all superstar athletes that have an injury use it to recover quicker (Dr. Galea).

If I am correct, this study was looking at GH use alone, not concomitantly with AAS. I think there is a synergystic effect when combined.

Good stuff as usual, wish this whole board was more active.

[joe d]

gh's recovery increasing properties are exactly what help with muscle development.

[gottabecool]

gh's recovery increasing properties are exactly what help with muscle development.

This was essentially what I was coming in here to post.

Am I suppose to rep someone that steals my views? :dunno:LOL

[tiramisu]

GH's obviously doesn't work. Modern bodybuilder's have add 30 pounds using muscletech.

[p.s.]

GH's obviously doesn't work. Modern bodybuilder's have add 30 pounds using muscletech.Actually GH has been around the sprot for quite some time now. And the huge change in the size of BBs can be directed to the use of 'slin IMO, as well as the massive AAS cycles some BBs use. GH is great for healing tendons etc as well as fat loss, but if you're looking for muscle gains then IMO your money is better spent on quality food.

[TPT]

the effects of growth hormone on muscle protein synthesis has been suspect for a long time.


J Appl Physiol 74: 3073-3076, 1993;
8750-7587/93 $5.00


Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 74, Issue 6 3073-3076, Copyright © 1993 by American Physiological Society ARTICLES


Short-term growth hormone treatment does not increase muscle protein synthesis in experienced weight lifters

K. E. Yarasheski, J. J. Zachweija, T. J. Angelopoulos and D. M. Bier
Metabolism Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether recombinant human growth hormone (GH) administration enhances muscle protein anabolism in experienced weight lifters. The fractional rate of skeletal muscle protein synthesis and the whole body rate of protein breakdown were determined during a constant intravenous infusion of [13C]leucine in 7 young (23 +/- 2 yr; 86.2 +/- 4.6 kg) healthy experienced male weight lifters before and at the end of 14 days of subcutaneous GH administration (40 microgram.kg-1 x day-1). GH administration increased fasting serum insulin-like growth factor-I (from 224 +/- 20 to 589 +/- 80 ng/ml, P = 0.002) but did not increase the fractional rate of muscle protein synthesis (from 0.034 +/- 0.004 to 0.034 +/- 0.002%/h) or reduce the rate of whole body protein breakdown (from 103 +/- 4 to 108 +/- 5 mumol.kg-1 x h-1). These findings suggest that short-term GH treatment does not increase the rate of muscle protein synthesis or reduce the rate of whole body protein breakdown, metabolic alterations that would promote muscle protein anabolism in experienced weight lifters attempting to further increase muscle mass.

http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/74/6/3073





Br J Sports Med 2003;37:100-105 doi:10.1136/bjsm.37.2.100

Review
Claims for the anabolic effects of growth hormone: a case of the Emperor’s new clothes?


M J Rennie (http://bjsm.bmj.com/search?author1=M+J+Rennie&sortspec=date&submit=Submit)

Correspondence to:
 Professor Rennie, Division of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Old Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, Scotland, UK; 
 [email protected] ([email protected])


Accepted 2 December 2002
Abstract

This review examines the evidence that growth hormone has metabolic effects in adult human beings. The conclusion is that growth hormone does indeed have powerful effects on fat and carbohydrate metabolism, and in particular promotes the metabolic use of adipose tissue triacylglycerol. However, there is no proof that net protein retention is promoted in adults, except possibly of connective tissue. The overexaggeration of the effects of growth hormone in muscle building is effectively promoting its abuse and thereby encouraging athletes and elderly men to expose themselves to increased risk of disease for little benefit.

http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/37/2/100.abstract

[Will Brink]

the following study suggests that growth hormone does not affect muscle protein synthesis, but does affect tendon and collagen synthesis.
.

I have suggested in the past it's primary value be in that area:
GH therapy and possible applications to connective tissue/joint degeneration in active populations. (http://www.brinkzone.com/general-health/gh-therapy-for-joint-degeneration-and-back-pain/)


However, as far as bang for the $$$, it's perhaps the most overrated drug used by bbers and other athletes:

Human Growth Hormone: The Mother Of Over-Hyped Hormones (http://www.brinkzone.com/general-health/growth-hormone-drug-of-choice-or-over-hyped/)

The additional research here would seem to be further support for that conclusion.

[GuidedByScience]

it can allow for taking in a lot of calories on a bulk,however it is like most have said already,it is better for other things.

[BarbellBeast]

Unfortunately I can never remember where I read information from, but I remember reading that your body recognizes the increase in growth hormone and counterbalances with an increase in myostatin. This is suposed to be why GH alone is a disappointment as far as muscle growth, but works in other ways like fat loss and joint repair. AAS however inhibit myostatin so the combination of gh and AAS provides the synergistic effect because the androgen is able to keep myostatin lower.

[s2h]

long term GH use in moderate doses(2-4 ius) daily is very effective for fat loss..i also agree that it is not a effective drug for protien synthesis alone but there is synergy effect when used with AAS...as stated by barbellbeast...

[joe-ali]

You guys are missing a big point for the use of gh. It increase muscle cell hyperplasia, that is why it works well with aas. Muscle hyperplasia is when the cell splits and forms two cells, so when combined with aas u will increas the protein synthesis to the new muscle cell, hence drastically increasing size. Also more muscle cells creat stronger muscles as well so great for athletes as well.

[s2h]

You guys are missing a big point for the use of gh. It increase muscle cell hyperplasia, that is why it works well with aas. Muscle hyperplasia is when the cell splits and forms two cells, so when combined with aas u will increas the protein synthesis to the new muscle cell, hence drastically increasing size. Also more muscle cells creat stronger muscles as well so great for athletes as well.thats why i said "when used alone".....

[KZ]

GH is mediated by insulin. Without significant amounts of insulin it's pretty much impotent for growth. Otherwise everyone would blow up on a low carb diet - eating lots of fat jacks up your GH. But alas... This may also be the reason bulking diets work - you get the fat and the carbs - ie GH + Insulin. Problem is that people just shove everything down their piehole and take the bad with the good. A lot of bad. And then comes cutting which restricts one or both severely and muscles go bye bye. Fuck, why didn't I follow my own advice....:hypno:

[retwa]

Unfortunately I can never remember where I read information from, but I remember reading that your body recognizes the increase in growth hormone and counterbalances with an increase in myostatin. This is suposed to be why GH alone is a disappointment as far as muscle growth, but works in other ways like fat loss and joint repair. AAS however inhibit myostatin so the combination of gh and AAS provides the synergistic effect because the androgen is able to keep myostatin lower.

On the contrary, myostatin tends to increase with use of AAS, while GH appears to be a myostatin inhibitor:


"Myostatin mRNA expression was significantly inhibited to 31 +/- 9% (P < 0.001) of control by GH but not by placebo administration (79 +/- 11%) as determined by quantitative real-time PCR normalized for the housekeeping glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene. The inhibitory effect of GH on myostatin was sustained after 12 and 18 months of GH treatment. These effects were associated with increases in lean body mass and translated into enhanced aerobic performance as determined by maximal oxygen uptake and ventilation threshold. Parallel in vitro studies of skeletal muscle cells demonstrated significant reduction of myostatin expression by myotubes in response to GH, compared with vehicle treatment. Conversely, GH receptor antagonism resulted in up-regulation of myostatin in myoblasts. Given the potent catabolic actions of myostatin, our data suggest that myostatin represents a potential key target for GH-induced anabolism."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14602795

[s2h]

I had a interesting discussion with a world renound endo...that deals solely with HRT and thyroid related issues...by the way he was not anti GH or AAS at all...his exact words were "yes HGH works to a extent(as per things mentioned above) but the cost WAY out way the results"...we also talked about the GH brands coming from china...he said "US pharm grade is a Bentley and the stuff from china is like driving a KIA"....

[joe-ali]

I have never taken anything from US, but I will say the gh from china still works, I used it off cycle with creatine and a nitric oxide supp and lost fat but only lost 3kg or around 6.5lbs from cycle. I am using currently with cycle and up 6kg after 2 weeks, bodyfat same. I never had results like this before, and have cycled for many years off and on

[Gunners]

You guys are missing a big point for the use of gh. It increase muscle cell hyperplasia, that is why it works well with aas. Muscle hyperplasia is when the cell splits and forms two cells, so when combined with aas u will increas the protein synthesis to the new muscle cell, hence drastically increasing size. Also more muscle cells creat stronger muscles as well so great for athletes as well.

yep, gh+aas=magic! Great synergy.

[MikeS]

the following study suggests that growth hormone does not affect muscle protein synthesis, but does affect tendon and collagen synthesis.

http://jp.physoc.org/content/588/2/341.short

these data and others might further direct bodybuilders to avoid gh as an effective drug for muscle hypertrophy and towards using gh for injuries or tendon healing.

I read these exact sentiments in another journal the other day! Thought it was intrigueing...seems GH is an over priced fat burner unless you are recovery from surgery etc in which case it may speed the healing process.

Someone above mentioned it may have a synergistic effect with AAS, which is a valid point, and needs to be researched.

I wonder how many IFBB pro's will actually pay attention to what the science is saying

[MikeS]

any links to journals/etc stating this?




You guys are missing a big point for the use of gh. It increase muscle cell hyperplasia, that is why it works well with aas. Muscle hyperplasia is when the cell splits and forms two cells, so when combined with aas u will increas the protein synthesis to the new muscle cell, hence drastically increasing size. Also more muscle cells creat stronger muscles as well so great for athletes as well.

[Ryan Wacht]

You guys are missing a big point for the use of gh. It increase muscle cell hyperplasia, that is why it works well with aas. Muscle hyperplasia is when the cell splits and forms two cells, so when combined with aas u will increas the protein synthesis to the new muscle cell, hence drastically increasing size. Also more muscle cells creat stronger muscles as well so great for athletes as well.

What kind of dose do you think is needed to elicit this hyperplasmic effect?

[bushmaster]

any links to journals/etc stating this?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC150853/

This study shows that rats with a dominant negative IGF-1 receptor actually had hypoplasia as the study went on. This doesn't prove hyperplasia but it definitely forms an argument that with supplemental IGF-1 or HGH (which raises IGF-1 levels) it does occur.

[tmno]

i tend to agree, interesting topic thanks

[BrazilX]

For muscle growth you gotta be running 10iu's+ minimum, don't fool yourself.

.

[Ryan Wacht]

For muscle growth you gotta be running 10iu's+ minimum, don't fool yourself.

.

Are you telling me what to do?