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In this article, we will discuss Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and its function in the body, as well as the properties of IGF-1 and the possible impacts of IGF-1 shortage. Growth may be stunted, and other health problems become more likely by even a little disruption in the coordinating pathway.
IGF-1 Peptide: What Is It?
Somatomedin C, or insulin-like growth factor 1, comprises 70 amino acids [i]. The polypeptide hormone IGF-2 has structural similarities with proinsulin. Disulfide linkages connect the polypeptide chains that makeup IGF-1.
Its primary production site [ii] is suggested to be the liver, and GH appears to stimulate its synthesis. It is also worth noting that it appears to be naturally produced in certain tissues.
Insulin growth factor binding protein (IGF-BP) is the primary receptor for IGF-1. The subsequent binding appears to dramatically lengthen the time IGF-1 is active in the bloodstream. Peak production of insulin-like growth factor 1 is considered to occur throughout adolescence.
What Role Does IGF-1 Peptide Play?
Let’s explore what research exists into the causes of liver secreted IGF-1. Growth hormone (GH) synthesis is considered to be boosted by growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). GH may reach the liver through the circulatory system, possibly stimulating the production of Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Some insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) appears to be also generated in peripheral bodily tissues.
Studies suggest that in a negative feedback loop, increased IGF-1 levels may cause the pituitary gland to secrete more somatostatin, which blocks further growth hormone (GH) secretion [iii].
Recent studies have suggested that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) may effectively regulate GH levels.
Findings imply that due to structural similarities, IGF-1 may possibly bind to both the IGF-1R and the insulin receptor, tyrosine kinases found on the surface of cells.
Researchers speculate it exhibits some potential to sense availability of nutrients. It possibly signals cells to undergo cell development via activating Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and PI3K signaling pathways [iv].. Additionally, researchers speculate that IGF-1 may prevent cells from undergoing apoptosis too early.
Studies suggest IGF-1 may boost glucose metabolism, stimulate cellular protein synthesis, and enhance fat utilization, all of which have clear metabolic roles in conjunction with IGF-1’s proposed close collaboration with growth hormone (GH).
Research suggests IGF-1 may also be a diagnostic tool for measuring GH levels, which is important. Increased IGF-1 levels are associated with healthy growth hormone (GH) production.
IGF-1 Peptide Research
Findings imply that IGF-1 may have systemic effects, including promoting bone development, the elevation of lean muscle mass, and the fortification of cartilage and ligaments, all due to its suggested stimulation of cell division.
Researchers speculate IGF-1 may have several impacts, but one that stands out is the hyperplasia it may induce in muscle cells.
There is mounting speculation that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) may improve endurance, increase energy, and facilitate cellular recovery after physical activity. It also exhibits some potential in tissue repair.
Scientists hypothesize the increased metabolic rate apparently brought on by IGF-1 may cause fat to be broken down into energy, resulting in less fat being stored and more weight loss.
Studies have suggested that IGF-1 may positively affect cognitive abilities and nervous system functioning in a positive way.
IGF-1 Peptide and Aging
There is mounting speculation that IGF-1 may have anti-aging properties and aid longevity [v],[vi]. Research suggests downregulation of the growth hormone/IGF-1/Insulin signaling axis greatly slows the beginning of aging. Research employing mutated murine models suggests it may exhibit an anti-oxidant impact, albeit the exact pharmacology is unknown.
IGF-1 Peptide and Cancer
Higher IGF-1 levels have been linked to the development of primary cancers because studies suggest IGF-1 may increase mitogenesis or cell proliferation and block apoptosis by binding to IGF-1R. Subjects with breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer reported greater levels of IGF-1 [vii].
Consequently, researchers may conclude that having a greater IGF-1 level may possibly increase a chance of acquiring certain primary malignancies.
IGF-1 Peptide and Metabolic Syndrome
Let’s define metabolic syndrome before discussing IGF-1’s impact on the condition.
Hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems are hallmarks of the metabolic syndrome.
Research suggests that because of its structural similarity to insulin, IGF-1 may bind to IGF-1R with a higher affinity, making it a potential agent for mitigating the symptoms associated with diabetes and a means of lowering insulin resistance.
Some data also point to a possible protective effect of IGF-1 against cardiovascular disease [viii]. As a result, the cardiovascular health may be maintained and enhanced. In addition, because studies suggest IGF-1 may promote fat breakdown, being overweight may be less likely to occur as fat accumulation is reduced.
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References
[i] Laron Z. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): a growth hormone. Mol Pathol. 2001 Oct;54(5):311-6. doi: 10.1136/mp.54.5.311. PMID: 11577173; PMCID: PMC1187088.
[ii] Peters CJ, Dattani MT. How to use insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2012 Jun;97(3):114-8. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2011-300265. Epub 2012 Jan 20. PMID: 22267103.
[iii] Aguirre GA, De Ita JR, de la Garza RG, Castilla-Cortazar I. Insulin-like growth factor-1 deficiency and metabolic syndrome. J Transl Med. 2016 Jan 6;14:3. doi: 10.1186/s12967-015-0762-z. PMID: 26733412; PMCID: PMC4702316.
[iv] Wrigley S, Arafa D, Tropea D. Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1: At the Crossroads of Brain Development and Aging. Front Cell Neurosci. 2017 Feb 1;11:14. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00014. PMID: 28203146; PMCID: PMC5285390.
[v] Bartke A, Chandrashekar V, Dominici F, Turyn D, Kinney B, Steger R, Kopchick JJ. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and aging: controversies and new insights. Biogerontology. 2003;4(1):1-8. doi: 10.1023/a:1022448532248. PMID: 12652183.
[vi] Vitale G, Pellegrino G, Vollery M, Hofland LJ. ROLE of IGF-1 System in the Modulation of Longevity: Controversies and New Insights From a Centenarians’ Perspective. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019 Feb 1;10:27. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00027. PMID: 30774624; PMCID: PMC6367275.
[vii] Shanmugalingam T, Bosco C, Ridley AJ, Van Hemelrijck M. Is there a role for IGF-1 in the development of second primary cancers? Cancer Med. 2016 Nov;5(11):3353-3367. doi: 10.1002/cam4.871. Epub 2016 Oct 13. PMID: 27734632; PMCID: PMC5119990.
[viii] AsghariHanjani N, Vafa M. The role of IGF-1 in obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2019 Jun 17;33:56. doi: 10.34171/mjiri.33.56. PMID: 31456980; PMCID: PMC6708115.
