IVD of Hormone

What is the definition of hormone?

A hormone is a body-made chemical compound that affects and modulates activity of a specific cell or organ. Hormones, a product of different glands in the endocrine system, are secreted by the body and delivered to tissues and organs through the bloodstream, telling them what to do. They regulate many of the processes in our bodies, such as growth and development, metabolism, sex, fertility, mood and homeostasis.

What are the major hormones?

Insulin: Produced by the pancreas, it helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4): These hormones are produced by the thyroid gland and they regulate metabolism, energy generation, and growth.

Estrogen and Progesterone: These hormones, which are made by the ovaries, they regulate female reproductive processes.

Testosterone: Produced by the testes, it regulates male reproductive processes and secondary sexual characteristics.

Cortisol: The hormone released by the adrenal glands, it helps control metabolism, reduce inflammation, and assist with memory formulation.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine): Also produced by the adrenal glands, it is crucial for the 'fight or flight' response.

Growth Hormone: Produced by the pituitary gland, it stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration.

Oxytocin: Oxytocin is produced from the hypothalamus, released by the pituitary gland and involved in birthing, lactation, and social interaction.

Melatonin: Produced by the pineal gland, it regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): Produced by the parathyroid glands, it regulates calcium levels in the blood.

Such hormones are essential to body functions, and imbalances can create many problems in the body.

How the hormone works?

Hormones are messengers that coordinate various bodily functions. They are secreted by endocrine glands and circulate through the blood to reach their targets. Once there, they attach to certain receptors on or inside these cells. This interaction sets off a reaction within the cell, either by changing cellular proteins or activating genes that encode new proteins. The process triggers long-term modifications and reactions such as growth, development and stress responses, to name a few.

This hormone system is very precisely controlled by feedback loops that keep it in equilibrium. When a hormone, for example, has exerted its effects, signals are received back from the gland to decrease or suspend its release so that hormone levels remain in an optimal range. This tightly controlled system enables the body to adapt correctly to internal and external environment changes.

What is hormone imbalance?

Hormonal dysregulation is a state where the amount of a hormone in the bloodstream is imbalanced. Since they affect a wide range of finely tuned physiological functions, minor imbalances can have big effects. Hormonal imbalances are triggered by chronic stress, inadequate diet and nutrition, illness or disease, and drug or treatment side effects. The symptoms of hormonal dysfunction may vary depending on the hormone in imbalance but include weight gain or loss, depression, fatigue, skin disorders and more. These imbalances need to be resolved in order to get back to optimal health and organ function.

IVD Methods for Hormone Level Detection

For hormone-level measurements, in vitro diagnostic techniques typically test samples like blood, urine, or saliva outside of a living organism.

Immunoassays:

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Uses antibodies and color change to identify a substance. Radioimmunoassay (RIA): Uses radioactively labeled antibodies. Chemiluminescent Immunoassays (CLIA): Similar to ELISA, but uses luminescent tags.

Mass Spectrometry:

It is commonly used with chromatography techniques such as LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry).

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS):

Used for complex sample matrices, providing high specificity and sensitivity.

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA):

Combines electrochemical and luminescent techniques for detection.

Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay (FPIA):

Uses fluorescence to quantify antibodies binding to antigens.

Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA):

Similar to ELISA but may use different enzyme-substrate reactions.

Colorimetry:

Measures the intensity of color in a sample to determine the concentration.

Biosensors:

Utilize biological molecules for detection; often in portable devices for rapid testing.

Microarray Technology:

Allows the analysis of multiple hormones simultaneously using chips with immobilized antibodies.

Flow Cytometry:

Analyses suspended cells and molecules using lasers and antibodies.

These methods vary in their application, sensitivity, specificity, speed, and cost, often depending on the type of hormone being measured and the clinical requirements.

Our Advantages

• Precision and Specificity
• Natural and Biocompatible
• Enhanced Efficacy
• Regulation and Stability
• Support for Metabolic Processes
• Versatile Applications

All these benefits highlight the effectiveness and integration of hormone protein with the body's natural functions, making them an attractive option for health maintenance and therapeutic purposes.

Case Study

Case 1: Kraemer WJ, Ratamess NA, Hymer WC, Nindl BC, Fragala MS. Growth Hormone(s), Testosterone, Insulin-Like Growth Factors, and Cortisol: Roles and Integration for Cellular Development and Growth With Exercise. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2020 Feb 25;11:33. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00033. PMID: 32158429; PMCID: PMC7052063.

Although the specific hormonal influence must be considered within the context of the entire endocrine system and its relationship with other physiological systems, three key hormones are considered the "anabolic giants" in cellular growth and repair: testosterone, the growth hormone superfamily, and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) superfamily.

Case 2: Fujisawa H, Korwutthikulrangsri M, Fu J, Liao XH, Dumitrescu AM. Role of the Thyroid Gland in Expression of the Thyroid Phenotype of Sbp2-Deficient Mice. Endocrinology. 2020 May 1;161(5):bqz032. doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqz032. PMID: 31826256; PMCID: PMC7144917.

This study provides evidence for unsuspected changes in the thyroid gland that contribute to the thyroid phenotype of Sbp2 deficiency, with increased thyroidal T4 and T3 content in the setting of increased TH synthesis capacity contributing to the circulating TH levels while thyroidal secretion is preserved.

Case 3: Fernandez JD, Kendjorsky K, Narla A, Villasante-Tezanos AG, Tannock LR. Assessment of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Requirements. LGBT Health. 2019 Apr;6(3):101-106. doi: 10.1089/lgbt.2018.0116. Epub 2019 Feb 27. PMID: 30810452; PMCID: PMC6477580.

The purpose of this study was to assess the hormone dose needed to achieve target hormone levels in transgender men and transgender women, and whether body mass index (BMI) affects these doses.