Understanding Hormones: Key to Preventing and Treating Various Diseases

What are hormones?

Hormones are a class of biologically active molecules secreted by endocrine glands or other cells. They can regulate physiological processes by circulating to various parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. There are many types of hormones, including thyroid hormones, insulin, estrogen and progesterone, testosterone, adrenaline and noradrenaline, and growth hormone, which play different roles in the human body, such as regulating metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, immunity, and stress ^[1].

Common hormones in the human body

Common hormones in the human body include thyroid hormones, insulin, estrogen and progesterone, testosterone, adrenaline and noradrenaline, growth hormone, and others.

Fig. List of Hormones Secreted by Human Organs

Thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are secreted by the thyroid gland. They act like an accelerator in the body and regulate the basal metabolic rate, affecting many physiological processes such as heart rate, body temperature, digestion, and respiration, as well as playing an important role in the development and function of tissues such as the brain, bones, and muscles. Abnormal levels of thyroid hormones, whether too high or too low, can lead to various diseases and discomforts ^[2].

CUSABIO can provide ELISA kits for detecting thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) in mice, cattle, chickens, fish, and other species. The product list is as follows:

Insulin is a hormone secreted by pancreatic beta cells that promotes the absorption and utilization of glucose and maintains blood sugar balance ^[3]. After we eat, carbohydrates in food are digested and converted into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. An increase in blood glucose levels stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin, which promotes the uptake and utilization of glucose by cells in the body and promotes the synthesis and storage of glycogen in the liver, muscles, and fat tissue. Through these mechanisms, insulin can lower blood sugar levels and maintain blood sugar within a normal range. Insulin plays an important role in glucose metabolism and energy metabolism, and is closely related to lipid metabolism, protein metabolism, and growth and development. CUSABIO offers various ELISA kits for insulin and related markers.

Estrogen and progesterone are hormones secreted by the ovaries and play important roles in female reproduction and physiological cycles ^[4].

● Estrogen plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system and throughout the body. In the female reproductive system, estrogen promotes the development and maturation of eggs, regulates the growth and differentiation of the uterine lining, and affects the physiological state of the vagina. Throughout the body, estrogen is involved in various physiological processes such as bone metabolism, fat metabolism, cardiovascular system, and nervous system.

● Progesterone is a hormone secreted by the ovaries in the later stages of the menstrual cycle, and its main function is to provide a suitable environment for the implanted fertilized egg. Progesterone can promote the differentiation and thickening of the uterine lining, and prevent uterine contractions, thereby maintaining the stability of pregnancy. In addition, progesterone is involved in many physiological processes such as the female reproductive system and immune system.

CUSABIO offers ELISA kits for human estrogen and multiple species of progesterone including cattle, cats, chickens, humans, and monkeys, as listed in the table below.

Testosterone is a male hormone, belonging to the class of androgens and one of the main hormones secreted by the testicles ^[5]. It plays an important role in male sexual development, reproductive function, libido, muscle mass, bone density, and other aspects. Women also secrete small amounts of testosterone, which plays a certain role in maintaining their reproductive system health and libido.

CUSABIO offers testosterone ELISA kits for multiple species, including humans, mice, pigs, dogs, and cows, which are used to detect testosterone levels in serum, plasma, urine, and other samples.

Adrenaline and noradrenaline are two hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla. They are both catecholamines that play an important role in regulating the body's stress response and maintaining internal homeostasis ^[6]. Adrenaline promotes stress responses such as increased heart rate, respiration, and elevated blood sugar levels. On the other hand, noradrenaline plays a role in regulating blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, and also has a sedative effect. C provides ELISA assay kits for these hormones as shown in the table below:

Human growth hormone (HGH) is a protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which primarily promotes growth and maintains normal metabolism in the body ^[7]. It stimulates the liver to produce a growth factor called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which promotes bone and muscle growth, increases protein synthesis, and reduces fat storage. In addition, HGH also enhances immunity, improves sleep, and increases cardiorespiratory function. The secretion of HGH is mainly influenced by various factors such as nerves, metabolism, and nutrition. CUSABIO provides HGH ELISA test kits as shown in the table below:

Hormone secretion and regulation

The mechanism of hormone secretion is mainly achieved through negative feedback. Negative feedback refers to the inhibition of hormone secretion when hormone concentrations rise, thus maintaining hormone concentrations within a certain range. For example, the secretion of thyroid hormones is regulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. When the level of thyroid hormones in the blood increases, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland are inhibited, reducing the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones ^[8].

Hormone secretion is regulated by various factors, including the nervous system, environmental factors, physiological status, and other hormones. For example, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is regulated by stress and the stress response. When the body is under stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone, promoting the secretion of adrenal cortex hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline ^[9].

Hormone detection techniques

Hormone detection techniques mainly include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), radioimmunoassay, mass spectrometry, and biosensor technology. Among them, ELISA is a common detection method that is sensitive, accurate, and easy to operate, and is widely used in clinical and scientific research.

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References

[1] Tsigos C, Chrousos GP. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neuroendocrine factors and stress. J Psychosom Res. 2002;53(4):865-871.

[2] Maccario M, Grottoli S, Procopio M, et al. The GH/IGF-I axis in the regulation of natural killer cell function and cytokine secretion: effects of aging and exercise. Mech Ageing Dev. 2002;123(8):1089-1101.

[3] Prossnitz ER, Arterburn JB, Sklar LA. GPR30: A G protein-coupled receptor for estrogen. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2007;265-266:138-142.

[4] Farid M, Farid T. Adrenaline. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021.

[5] Kars M, Yang L, Gregor MF, et al. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid may improve liver and muscle but not adipose tissue insulin sensitivity in obese men and women. Diabetes. 2010;59(8):1899-1905.

[6] De Rosa M, Zarrilli S, Paesano L, et al. Traffic pollutants affect fertility in men. Hum Reprod. 2003;18(5):1055-1061.

[7] Onsrud M. Hormones in Milk. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2005;4(3):40-51.

[8] Mullur R, Liu YY, Brent GA. Thyroid hormone regulation of metabolism. Physiol Rev. 2014;94(2):355-382.

[9] Charmandari E, Tsigos C, Chrousos G. Endocrinology of the stress response. Annu Rev Physiol. 2005;67:259-284.

[10] Raff H. Utility of salivary cortisol measurements in Cushing's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009;94(10):3647-3655.