Luteinizing Hormone Analogue (LHRH Analogue)
Luteinizing Hormone Analogue (LHRH Analogue) is one of the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH) analogs that stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland. LH-RH analogues are more active than the naturally produced factor. Initially, they increase the secretion of luteinizing hormone, but then blockade of hormonal receptors occurs and further release of luteinizing hormone is suppressed.
The two best-known LH-RH analogues, goserelin (Zoladex) and leuprorelin (Prostap), are widely used to treat prostate cancer. They are administered subcutaneously at one-month intervals. After a slight increase in testosterone levels, its concentration decreases sharply, as during surgical castration.
Some LH-RH analogues are used in powder form for inhalation in the treatment of infertility in women. There are also other drugs in this group, for example buserelin.
Luteinizing Hormone Analog (LHRH Analogue): Mechanism of Action and Medical Use
Introduction:
Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues are an important class of drugs that are widely used in medical practice. They play a key role in regulating hormonal balance and have found use in the treatment of various diseases, including prostate cancer and female infertility. In this article we will look at the mechanism of action of LHRH analogues and their medical applications.
Mechanism of action:
LHRH analogues are pharmacological agents that mimic the action of the natural LHRH releasing factor. These analogues stimulate the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland by activating LHRH receptors. However, unlike natural factor, LHRH analogues have more potent activity and cause blockade of LHRH receptors after initial stimulation. This results in decreased release of LH and hence decreased secretion of gonadotropins (follicle stimulating hormone and LH) by the pituitary gland.
Medical use:
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Prostate cancer treatment:
Two LHRH analogues, goserelin (Zoladex) and leuprorelin (Prostap), are widely used in the treatment of prostate cancer. These drugs are injected under the skin of the abdominal wall with a certain interval between injections. Their long-term use leads to a decrease in testosterone levels in the blood to values comparable to levels after castration. This is an important aspect in the treatment of prostate cancer, since this type of cancer often depends on the presence of testosterone to grow. -
Treatment of female infertility:
Some LHRH analogues are also used in the treatment of female infertility. They are used in powder form for inhalation through the nose. The mechanism of action in this case is associated with the suppression of gonadotropins and a decrease in the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland. This may help stimulate ovulation and increase the chance of conception in women with certain reproductive disorders.
Conclusion:
LHRH analogues are an important class of drugs used to regulate hormonal balance and treat various diseases. They have stronger activity than the natural releasing factor LHRH and are able to block hormonal receptors, which leads to a decrease in the release of luteinizing hormone. The use of LHRH analogues, such as goserelin and leuprorelin, is widespread in the treatment of prostate cancer, where they help reduce testosterone levels, which influence tumor growth. In addition, some LHRH analogues are used to treat female infertility by stimulating ovulation and increasing the likelihood of conception in women with reproductive disorders. LHRH analogues are an important tool in modern medicine and continue to be researched to expand their clinical applications.