HOW HORMONES INFLUENCE DWARFISM IN HUMANS

Dwarfism in humans is caused by a variety of genetic and hormonal factors. The most common cause of dwarfism is a deficiency or insensitivity to certain hormones that regulate growth and development. These hormones include:

• Growth hormone (GH): GH is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in regulating growth and development. A deficiency of GH can lead to short stature and other physical characteristics of dwarfism.
• Thyroid hormones: Thyroid hormones, produced by the thyroid gland, regulate metabolism and growth. A deficiency of thyroid hormones can also lead to short stature and other physical characteristics of dwarfism.
• Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): IGF-1 is a hormone that is produced in response to growth hormone stimulation. It plays a role in regulating cell growth and division, and a deficiency of IGF-1 can lead to short stature and other physical characteristics of dwarfism.

In addition to hormonal causes, dwarfism can also be caused by genetic mutations or variations that affect the growth and development of the body. Some of these genetic causes include:

• Achondroplasia: This is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3).
• Proportionate dwarfism: This type of dwarfism is caused by a mutation in a gene that affects the regulation of growth and development, resulting in a proportionate short stature and normal body proportions.
• Turner syndrome: This is a rare genetic disorder that affects females, caused by a missing or partially deleted X chromosome. It can result in short stature, as well as other physical and developmental abnormalities.

It’s important to note that dwarfism can also be caused by other factors, such as nutritional deficiencies, infections, and certain medical conditions.