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 Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=14015