Re: more about growth hormone and the decline of years

From: CurtAdams@aol.com
Date: Wed Feb 06 2002 - 19:39:26 MST


In a message dated 2/6/02 6:03:34 PM, bradbury@aeiveos.com writes:

>I would freely accept that GH supplementation in humans might accelerate
>cancer progression. That however might be counteracted by angiogenesis
>inhibitors. On the other hand GH supplementation might contribute to
>increased muscle mass that would tend to reduce falls, hip fractures,
>long periods of hospital down time and decreased mobility.

Quite possible. Reducing GH will reduce insulin growth factor activity,
and that reduction seems to be what triggers the CR effect. I believe all of
the longevity mutants with identified effects downregulate the IGF-1 pathway.
It's in nematodes and yeast as well as mice; that's pretty broad.
There's a lot of concern on the CR list about osteoporosis (several of the
serious
practitioners have it as middle-aged males; very unusual) and osteoporosis
appears to be linked to low IGF-1 levels in humans.

But the link between low IGF-1 activity and slow aging is very good;
hence it's very likely that GH supplementation will speed aging per se.

>The length of life x quality of life product is one that
>has a very subjective valuation. We must always be careful to
>look to the person whose life is involved to ascertain those
>values.

Of course. But right now, I'd say don't use GH unless you have some medical
problem (ie. osteo, immune deficiency) that justifies it. GH for looks,
sexiness, or athletic performance is a bad deal IMO - you're risking
many years of life and early deterioration.



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