In acromegaly, which hormone is produced in excess?

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Multiple Choice

In acromegaly, which hormone is produced in excess?

Explanation:
Excess growth hormone drives acromegaly. In adults, overproduction of GH—usually from a pituitary adenoma—leads to continued growth of soft tissues and organs because the growth plates are closed. GH stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, and IGF-1 mediates most of the tissue growth and characteristic features such as enlarged hands and feet, coarsened facial features, and jaw protrusion. There are metabolic effects as well, like insulin resistance and possible hyperglycemia. Other hormones like ACTH, TSH, or prolactin are not the primary drivers of acromegaly, though some pituitary tumors can secrete multiple hormones; the one produced in excess in this condition is growth hormone.

Excess growth hormone drives acromegaly. In adults, overproduction of GH—usually from a pituitary adenoma—leads to continued growth of soft tissues and organs because the growth plates are closed. GH stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, and IGF-1 mediates most of the tissue growth and characteristic features such as enlarged hands and feet, coarsened facial features, and jaw protrusion. There are metabolic effects as well, like insulin resistance and possible hyperglycemia. Other hormones like ACTH, TSH, or prolactin are not the primary drivers of acromegaly, though some pituitary tumors can secrete multiple hormones; the one produced in excess in this condition is growth hormone.

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