Growth Hormone Secretagogues in Perspective

Introduction The parenteral administration of human growth hormone (HGH) has become an intervention of great significance in anti-aging medicine. There is now frenetic interest in using reliable G H secretagogues i n the form of peptides, such as GHRP-2. Although age-related sarcopenia is related to HGH deficiency, the use of HGH for the building of "lean body mass" has been questioned, especially in young adults. Growth hormone administration has precipitated ethical concerns and controversies concerning its use in medical practice. There are many Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved brands of HGH, and their use is governed by federal law that has been in place for approximately two decades. In brief, criminal use of HGH involves anyone who "knowingly distributes or possesses with the intent to distribute human growth hormone for any use in humans other than the treatment of a disease or other recognized medical condition where such use has been authorized by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (i.e., FDA) and pursuant to the order of a physician" (21 USCs33 [e]).