The human body is a marvel, and thanks to biotechnology, we’ve made groundbreaking strides in understanding and assisting bodily functions, specifically focusing on Human Growth Hormone (hGH) and insulin production.

Human Growth Hormone (hGH)

Kids owe a lot to the Human Growth Hormone (hGH) produced by their pituitary gland. Essential for growth, appetite stimulation, and healing, this hormone is vital for normal development. However, a lack thereof leads to short stature in children and is linked to Turner’s syndrome, a genetic condition exclusive to girls, causing underdeveloped reproductive organs and subsequent infertility.

The good news is, if Turner’s syndrome is identified early, hGH therapy can aid normal development. Before biotechnological advancements in 1985, obtaining hGH was macabre, harvested from deceased individuals. Modern biotechnology has revolutionized this, enabling safe, ethical hGH production using recombinant DNA technology, mirroring insulin production methodologies.

How does insulin work?

Insulin plays a starring role in how we utilize energy. The carbohydrates we consume break down into glucose, acting as fuel for our bodies—much like petrol for vehicles. When glucose levels spike, the pancreas secretes insulin, the key allowing cells to absorb glucose. Once within the cells, glucose serves as immediate energy or is stored as glycogen in liver and muscle cells. For those with Type I diabetes, insulin injections are life-critical, permitting glucose assimilation for energy or storage.

Producing insulin artificially

In the past, sourcing insulin was gruesome, relying on pig and cow pancreases, and supplies were unreliable. Biotechnology changed the game in 1978, introducing recombinant DNA technology to enable bacteria to generate human insulin. This process involved integrating the human insulin-producing gene into bacterial DNA. It’s noteworthy that all living beings share the DNA fabric – the difference lies in the sequence.

Once the bacteria acquired the ability to produce insulin, they were replicated en masse to meet global insulin demand. The final step was simple but crucial: harvesting the bacteria and extracting the requisite insulin. This biotechnological breakthrough meant a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective insulin supply for countless individuals globally.

Biotechnology’s role in producing hGH and insulin underscores its invaluable impact on human health, offering safer, more ethical, and more efficient healthcare solutions.