Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are a group of protein hormones that play a crucial role in growth and development. They are similar in structure and function to insulin, which is why they are named "insulin-like." IGFs are primarily produced and secreted by the liver and are controlled by the pituitary gland.
There are two main types of IGFs: IGF-1 and IGF-2. IGF-1 is the most abundant and potent form, while IGF-2 is primarily involved in fetal development. These hormones bind to specific receptors located on the surface of various cells throughout the body.
IGFs act as essential regulators of cell growth, division, and differentiation. They stimulate the growth of muscles, bones, and other tissues, promoting linear growth during childhood and adolescence. In addition to their role in growth, IGFs also contribute to tissue repair, maintenance, and metabolism in adults.
The production and action of IGFs are tightly regulated by the growth hormone (GH) axis. Growth hormone stimulates the secretion of IGFs from the liver, while IGFs, in turn, feedback to the pituitary gland and hypothalamus to modulate GH release. This intricate relationship ensures proper growth and development.
While IGFs are necessary for normal growth, they have also been associated with various diseases. Excessive levels of IGFs can lead to abnormal growth, as in the case of acromegaly, a condition characterized by excessive bone and tissue growth. On the other hand, deficiencies or dysregulation of IGFs have been linked to growth disorders, such as short stature or growth hormone insensitivity. Thus, understanding the role and regulation of insulin-like growth factors is paramount in both normal development and managing growth
