X-Message-Number: 14015
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 07:29:12 -0400
From: Thomas Donaldson <>
Subject: about Human Growth Hormone

For Dave Pizer:

You are probably aware of my book on antiaging drugs. If you've read
it you know my criteria for a drug to act against aging: it must have
toxicology tests on HUMAN BEINGS showing that it does not harm us,
at least usually, and at least one longevity test on a MAMMAL showing
that it will increase the lifespan of the mammal.

In these terms, so far no one has done both required tests of a 
substitute for HGH. Moreover, the most likely candidates as substitutes
would be pieces of HGH, of which several have been made. However,
again, even these pieces haven't had both of the tests above. The
toxicology test is relatively easy (but no test excludes ALL possible
toxic reactions --- that would be impossible in practice). The lifespan
test basically tells us that the correct part of the HGH protein
has been chosen.

There are also several amino acids and mixtures of amino acids which
might work. Unfortunately, tests of them looked mainly at people
who had defective production of HGH, rather than at mainly older 
people.

If you read my chapter (Chapter 14) on HGH, you will see that of the
combinations of amino acids, lysine and arginine come closest. Of the
pieces of HGH, the  main problem seems to be lack of any longevity
experiment. The pituitary hormone GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing
Hormone) looks like the best choice, since it will cause increases of
HGH in older people. Getting it may be difficult.

If anyone on Cryonet reading this message knows of animal tests of 
one or more of the substitutes for HGH, I'd very much like to get
their information. (I am referring to LONGEVITY TESTS on healthy
MAMMALS --- anything less isn't enough).

Finally, Dave, if you HAVEN'T got my book, I can send you the
chapter on HGH alone for $10.00 plus postage. I believe your wife
bought a copy and you should consult her. The chapter on HGH is
a newer one, printed in 1997, with changes made in 1999. 

			Best and long long life to all,

				Thomas Donaldson

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