Insights from three key research reviews
Growth hormone and its partner insulin like growth factor I are best known for regulating body growth, but they also play important roles in the brain. Scientific reviews show that these hormones influence brain structure, function, and repair throughout life.
Growth Hormone and Cognitive Function
A 2013 research review found that growth hormone is not limited to physical growth and directly interacts with the brain. Researchers showed that growth hormone receptors are present in many brain regions, including those linked to memory, learning, and motivation. Growth hormone can cross the blood brain barrier and influence neurotransmitter systems. In both animals and humans, growth hormone therapy has been shown to improve aspects of cognitive function, particularly in cases of deficiency. This research highlights the potential role of growth hormone in supporting memory, alertness, and mood, although further clinical studies are needed.
Growth Hormone and IGF I in Brain Protection and Plasticity
A 2006 review explored how growth hormone and IGF I work together to support brain resilience. Growth hormone stimulates the production of IGF I both in circulation and within the brain itself. IGF I promotes neuron survival, the growth of new brain cells, blood vessel development, and myelination, which insulates nerve fibers. These effects may help protect the brain from injury and support functional plasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize throughout life. Together, growth hormone and IGF I may help the brain repair damage and maintain healthy function.
Growth Hormone and IGF I in Neuroprotection and Repair
Another review examined how growth hormone and IGF I contribute to neuroprotection and regeneration. IGF I helps neural cells survive stress and injury. Both hormones influence key signaling pathways involved in cell survival and growth. Their effects are not limited to development but extend into adulthood, including aging and recovery after neurological injury. These findings suggest potential future applications of growth hormone and IGF I pathways in treating brain injury or neurological disease.
Key Takeaways
Growth hormone is not only involved in muscles and height but also influences brain chemistry and structure. IGF I, stimulated by growth hormone, acts as a powerful neurotrophic factor that supports neuron survival, growth, and function. Both hormones may play important roles in memory, learning, mood, and recovery from brain injury.
What This Means for You
Although these studies are primarily reviews of existing research rather than new clinical trials, they present a compelling picture. Growth hormone and IGF I are biologically active in the brain and are involved in processes that extend far beyond traditional growth roles. This research opens the door to future therapies targeting cognitive decline, recovery from brain injury, and age related changes in brain function.
Citations:
Growth hormone and cognitive function — Fred Nyberg et al., Nature Reviews Endocrinology (2013). PubMed PMID: 23629538.
Aspects of GH & IGF-I in neuroprotection, regeneration & plasticity — N David Aberg et al., ScientificWorldJournal (2006). PubMed PMID: 16432628.
Additional studies show GH & IGF-I receptors are distributed in brain tissue linked to learning and memory, and that GH/IGF-I signaling supports neuronal health.
CLICK TO SHOP
Growth hormone and its partner insulin like growth factor I are best known for regulating body growth, but they also play important roles in the brain. Scientific reviews show that these hormones influence brain structure, function, and repair throughout life.
Growth Hormone and Cognitive Function
A 2013 research review found that growth hormone is not limited to physical growth and directly interacts with the brain. Researchers showed that growth hormone receptors are present in many brain regions, including those linked to memory, learning, and motivation. Growth hormone can cross the blood brain barrier and influence neurotransmitter systems. In both animals and humans, growth hormone therapy has been shown to improve aspects of cognitive function, particularly in cases of deficiency. This research highlights the potential role of growth hormone in supporting memory, alertness, and mood, although further clinical studies are needed.
Growth Hormone and IGF I in Brain Protection and Plasticity
A 2006 review explored how growth hormone and IGF I work together to support brain resilience. Growth hormone stimulates the production of IGF I both in circulation and within the brain itself. IGF I promotes neuron survival, the growth of new brain cells, blood vessel development, and myelination, which insulates nerve fibers. These effects may help protect the brain from injury and support functional plasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize throughout life. Together, growth hormone and IGF I may help the brain repair damage and maintain healthy function.
Growth Hormone and IGF I in Neuroprotection and Repair
Another review examined how growth hormone and IGF I contribute to neuroprotection and regeneration. IGF I helps neural cells survive stress and injury. Both hormones influence key signaling pathways involved in cell survival and growth. Their effects are not limited to development but extend into adulthood, including aging and recovery after neurological injury. These findings suggest potential future applications of growth hormone and IGF I pathways in treating brain injury or neurological disease.
Key Takeaways
Growth hormone is not only involved in muscles and height but also influences brain chemistry and structure. IGF I, stimulated by growth hormone, acts as a powerful neurotrophic factor that supports neuron survival, growth, and function. Both hormones may play important roles in memory, learning, mood, and recovery from brain injury.
What This Means for You
Although these studies are primarily reviews of existing research rather than new clinical trials, they present a compelling picture. Growth hormone and IGF I are biologically active in the brain and are involved in processes that extend far beyond traditional growth roles. This research opens the door to future therapies targeting cognitive decline, recovery from brain injury, and age related changes in brain function.
Citations:
Growth hormone and cognitive function — Fred Nyberg et al., Nature Reviews Endocrinology (2013). PubMed PMID: 23629538.
Aspects of GH & IGF-I in neuroprotection, regeneration & plasticity — N David Aberg et al., ScientificWorldJournal (2006). PubMed PMID: 16432628.
Additional studies show GH & IGF-I receptors are distributed in brain tissue linked to learning and memory, and that GH/IGF-I signaling supports neuronal health.
CLICK TO SHOP
