Objective: To review the physiologic role of IGFs and impact in the clinical area.
Materials: We carried out a search in MEDLINE and INDEX MEDICUS from 1995 to 2000 and relevant articles were selected.
Results: IGFs are polypeptides involved in cellular development and growth. Their structure is similar to proinsulin. The biological effects of IGFs are produced when they bind their receptors. The majority of circulating IGFs are bound to specific proteins called IGFBPs that modulate the effects of IGFs. Imbalance in IGF-IGFBP production is associated with several pathological conditions.
Conclusions: Several studies have demonstrated that administration of IGFs may be a promissory treatment for certain diseases related not only to growth, but also to diabetes mellitus, hyperinsulinism, and some cardiopathies.