Katarzyna Piekarz, Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher and David Aebisher
Medical College of The University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland

Part of the book: The Biochemical Guide to Hormones

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is a peptide hormone that has a significant impact on the growth and development of the body. Its concentration depends on age, gender, insulin levels and nutritional status. In the human body throughout life, the processes of synthesis of building components take place, the replacement of worn-out cells and the reconstruction of tissues caused by damage of various origins takes place, which makes the presence of this ligand in the blood plasma necessary throughout life. The most disturbing and at the same time giving therapeutic hope is the influence of IGF on the pathological proliferation of cells manifested in neoplasms. The high activity of this hormone can lead to the development of the disease. However, knowing the structure of IGF and its receptors well, attempts are made to develop substances that act as inhibitors of IGF-IR receptors in tissues and prevent cells from multiplying in pathological conditions.

Keywords: IGF-I, Insulin-like growth factor (IGF), growth hormone (GH), Insulin receptors

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