Insulin-Like Growth Factors

Abstract

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) participate in the growth and function of almost every organ in the body.1 Because of the wide range of their biologic effects and their therapeutic potential in a variety of clinical disorders, the IGFs have become the focus of research by an increasing number of investigators.24 The object of this seminar is to review the clinical aspects of the IGFs, including their potential therapeutic value, and to discuss briefly their structure, synthesis, regulation, and physiologic role.Basic Biochemistry and Physiologic FunctionsStructure and SynthesisThe three peptide hormones, or growth factors, in the IGF . . .