What is Somatostatin? Let's learn about it simply!

Have you ever heard of the word ' somatostatin '? Maybe you haven't. But it's a small chemical messenger that plays a very important role in our bodies, a hormone to be precise. So, today we're going to talk about what somatostatin is, what it does to our bodies, and what happens if there are any changes in its levels.

What exactly is Somatostatin?

Simply put, somatostatin is a hormone in our body. Its main job is to stop or control the production of certain other hormones. Not only that, this friend also helps control the functioning of our digestive tract and stop cells from dividing too quickly. Imagine, there are hormones for each function in our body. Sometimes, if those hormones start working too much, problems can arise. That's when this somatostatin comes along and tells the others, 'Okay, stop for a while now.'

Where is this somatostatin produced in our body?

This is not something that only occurs in one place. It is produced in several places in our body.

• Gastrointestinal (GI) tract: This is a long tube-like system that runs from the mouth to the anus that helps us digest the food we eat.
• Pancreas: This is a gland located inside our stomach. It produces enzymes that help digest food, as well as hormones like insulin and glucagon.
• Hypothalamus: This is located in our brain. It helps maintain homeostasis within our body. It's like the 'control panel' of our body. It tells the pituitary gland what hormones to release.
• Central nervous system ( central nervous system (CNS): This is the system that consists of our brain and spinal cord. It sends messages to all parts of our body.

Are there other names for somatostatin?

Yes, there are several other names for this. Perhaps doctors use these names.

• SS, SST or SOM
• Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone ( Growth Hormone Inhibitory Hormone (GHIH)
• Somatotropin Release-Inhibiting Factor (SRIF)
• Somatotropin Release-Inhibiting Hormone (SRIH)

This sounds a bit scientific, doesn't it? But it's good to know.

Is somatostatin also used as a medicine?

Yes, indeed! Doctors use synthetic somatostatin to treat certain diseases. For example:

• Certain gastrointestinal diseases
• There is a condition called acromegaly. It is caused by the body producing too much growth hormone. That's why.
• Some types of tumors called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).
• This is also given for some conditions of the endocrine system.

So what does this somatostatin actually do?

Its main function is to stop the production of other hormones in our endocrine system. It also controls the release of some secretions in the exocrine system.

Now you might be wondering what this endocrine system and exocrine system are.

• The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones and release them directly into the blood. Examples include the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.
• The exocrine system is made up of glands that secrete their products through a duct. Examples include salivary glands, sweat glands, and some glands in the digestive system.

Imagine that we have a water tap in our house. We turn on the tap when we need water. When there is water, we turn it off, right? That's how somatostatin works. When our body temporarily doesn't need certain hormones or secretions, somatostatin comes in and turns off that 'tap'.

Not only that, but somatostatin also has another important function. That is, it stops cells from dividing abnormally quickly. For example, it helps control cell division in ways that can lead to tumors or growths.

Another thing is that somatostatin also acts as a neurotransmitter in our central nervous system (CNS). A neurotransmitter is a chemical substance that carries messages from one nerve cell to another.

How somatostatin affects different parts of our body

• In the hypothalamus: This is where somatostatin stops the release of hormones such as growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and prolactin, which are produced by the pituitary gland.
• In the pancreas: It inhibits the release of hormones produced by the pancreas, such as insulin, glucagon, and gastrin. It also reduces the production of pancreatic enzymes that help digest food.
• In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract: It reduces gastric secretions, which are stimulated when we eat. It also limits the release of digestive hormones like Secretin and Gastrin.
• In the Central Nervous System (CNS): Here, somatostatin contributes to altering the way messages are transmitted through nerves (neurotransmission) and memory formation.

What causes this somatostatin release?

Scientists still don't know exactly how the release of somatostatin is controlled in our bodies, and what triggers it to be released from tissues. It is currently known that various cell types and proteins are involved.

One study has revealed that glucose , our body's main source of energy, not only controls the release of somatostatin, but also its production. That is, when our blood sugar levels are low, somatostatin is released to stop the production of the hormone insulin. Because insulin lowers blood sugar levels. So, it stops blood sugar levels from dropping even lower. Similarly, when our blood sugar levels are high, somatostatin is released to stop the production of the hormone glucagon.

What are the diseases associated with somatostatin?

The main problem with somatostatin is a very rare endocrine tumor called somatostatinoma . This tumor can develop in the pancreas or the gastrointestinal tract. This causes the body to produce too much somatostatin.

This condition, called somatostatinoma, can occur alone or in association with certain genetic syndromes. Such conditions include:

• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Type 1: This is a rare genetic condition in which tumors develop in various parts of our endocrine system.
• Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1): This is also a hereditary condition. It causes light brown spots (café-au-lait spots) and benign tumors on the skin.
• Von Hippel-Lindau disease: This is also a rare, inherited condition. It can cause benign or malignant tumors to form in the brain, spinal cord, eyes, kidneys, pancreas, and adrenal glands.

When too much somatostatin is produced, the release of many other endocrine hormones is greatly reduced. Somatostatinoma can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases.

There have been very few reports of people with lower than normal somatostatin levels.

What tests can check my somatostatin levels?

Because somatostatin problems are so rare, doctors don't usually test for them. However, if there is a suspicion of a rare tumor called somatostatinoma, which produces too much somatostatin, a blood test called somatostatin-like-immunoreactivity (SLI) is done to check somatostatin levels.

Should I see a doctor about my somatostatin levels?

Generally, you don't have to worry about your somatostatin levels, as there are very few problems related to this.

However, if a close family member (parent, sibling) has been diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1, neurofibromatosis (NF1) type 1, or Von Hippel-Lindau disease, it is very important to tell your doctor about it. Because these conditions can run in families, you may also be at risk of developing somatostatinoma.

So, what can we learn from this story?

Somatostatin is a small but powerful hormone that performs many important functions in our bodies. Fortunately, major problems associated with this somatostatin, such as somatostatinomas, are rare.

However, if you know that someone in your family has a genetic condition that puts you at risk for developing somatostatinoma, don't forget to inform your doctor about it. Then they can do the necessary tests and see if you have the same condition. Knowing everything in advance is a great help in facing anything, right?

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