insulin‑like_growth_factor

Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs) are peptide hormones structurally similar to insulin, playing a key role in growth, development, and cellular regulation. There are two main types:

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)

  • Primarily produced in the liver in response to growth hormone (GH) stimulation.
  • Acts as the main mediator of the anabolic and growth-promoting effects of GH.
  • Essential for childhood growth and contributes to tissue repair, muscle maintenance, and metabolic regulation in adulthood.
  • Levels decline with age and are influenced by nutrition, exercise, and health status.

IGF-2 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 2)

  • More active during fetal development.
  • Functions largely independent of GH.
  • Its role in adults remains less clearly understood.

Biological Properties

  • Mitogenic: Stimulates cell proliferation.
  • Anti-apoptotic: Promotes cell survival.
  • Binds to IGF receptors, especially IGF-1R, activating pathways such as PI3K-AKT and MAPK.
  • Circulates bound to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), especially IGFBP-3, which regulate its bioavailability.

Clinical Relevance

  • ↑ IGF-1: Associated with acromegaly, neoplasms, and insulin resistance.
  • ↓ IGF-1: Linked to growth disorders, frailty, osteoporosis, and aging.
  • insulin‑like_growth_factor.txt
  • Last modified: 2025/07/10 09:42
  • by administrador