Paul Czernichow Bücher

This issue is a dedicated supplement published in addition to the regular issues of 'Hormone Research' focussing on one specific topic. 'Hormone Research' is a well-respected, international peer-reviewed journal in Endocrinology. Supplement issues are included in the subscription.

The human race is unique in being the only species to experience a pubertal growth spurt. The mechanisms that underlie this spurt include an increase in pulse amplitude, pulse mass, and daytime secretion of growth hormone, which leads to increased IGF 1 levels. In addition, androgens increase the secretion of growth hormone, exert a direct effect on IGF 1, and affect the epiphyseal growth plate directly. During the pubertal growth spurt, the rate of growth increases to a peak in both genders, declines gradually, and eventually stops. The total gain in height during puberty will be greater in individuals who have an early onset of puberty compared with those who mature later. By adulthood, males are typically about 7% taller than females, mainly because of the timing of epiphyseal fusion. At the 2005 Congress of the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology, a distinguished panel of experts met to discuss various aspects of the topic of bone mass and puberty at a symposium entitled ‘Pubertal growth: the critical stage for the attainment and maintenance of skeletal health.’ This supplement contains the proceedings from this symposium.

Supplement Hormone Research 2006, Vol. 65, Suppl. 3

Supplement Hormone Research 2005, Vol. 64, Suppl. 1

Supplement Hormone Research 2004, Vol. 62, Suppl. 3

Presenting papers on growth and metabolic disorders from December 2001, this volume covers aspects of Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, growth failure and contributary factors, bone structure, diabetes, arthritus, growth hormones and steroids in children.