Role of IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP-3 in lung function of males: the Caerphilly Prospective Study.

Insulin-like growth factors are peptide hormones that have an endocrine role in the development, growth and repair of human tissues including the respiratory tract. To date, only one population study exists which found positive cross-sectional associations with IGF-I and higher lung volumes. We hypothesised that higher IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3 and IGF molar ratio would be associated with better cross-sectional and longitudinal lung function.

The role of IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP-3 in male cognitive aging and dementia risk: the Caerphilly Prospective Study.

Background: The increasing incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia in an aging population poses a significant burden on healthcare. Consequently, identifying modifiable physiological factors which may influence the onset of cognitive decline are becoming increasingly important. Previous studies have suggested an association between levels of insulin-like growth factors and cognitive function.

The effects of retinoic acid on the insulin-like growth factor axis in primary tissue culture from hyperparathyroidism.

Background: The importance of the IGF system in HPT has been previously demonstrated. Additionally, the role of vitamin A in HPT has been reported. Retinoic acid (RA), a derivative of vitamin A, is a ligand for the IGF II receptor (IGF2R).

Polymorphisms and circulating levels in the insulin-like growth factor system and risk of breast cancer: a systematic review.

We reviewed all English-language articles on associations among circulating levels of the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and their binding proteins (IGFBP), polymorphisms in their genes, and breast cancer risk. In premenopausal women, five of eight IGF-I studies and four of six IGFBP-3 studies of circulating levels found that women in the highest quantile had more than twice the risk of developing breast cancer of those in the lowest, although in some this effect was only apparent at young ages. In postmenopausal women, however, there was no consistent effect.

Muscle insulin-like growth factor status, body composition, and functional capacity in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) patients typically have reduced muscle mass and diminished functional capacity. The role of the muscle insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), a principal anabolic system that is involved in protein synthesis and that has downregulation that is implicated in muscle loss in animal models of uremia, has previously not been assessed in vivo in HD patients.

Methods: Seventeen HD patients were compared cross-sectionally with 17 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-independent effects of IGF binding protein-4 on human granulosa cell steroidogenesis.

The ovarian insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/IGF binding protein (IGFBP) system operates to permit maximal stimulation of steroidogenesis in the dominant follicle. In atretic follicles, the predominant IGFBPs are IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-4, which appear to be selectively cleaved in healthy follicles. We have recently demonstrated potent inhibition by IGFBP-4 of both theca and granulosa cell steroid production.