IGF-1 and HGH

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) is a type of protein hormone produced by target tissues and liver, structured in a similar way to Insulin, which plays a role during childhood growth. The growth hormone (HGH) is responsible for stimulating IGF-1 production in an individual’s body. In a human body, almost every single cell is affected by IGF-1, especially cells such as bone, muscle, skin, nerve, liver, cartilage, and lungs. Cell growth can also be regulated by IGF1, especially in DNA synthesis along with nerve cells. This insulin-like growth factor is produced during a person’s life span, with the highest production resulting during puberty, and lowest occurring during old age and infancy.

In the 1970’s, IGF-1 was called the “nonsuppressible insulin-like activity” and known as somatomedin C in the 1980’s. It was also used by doctors as a screening test for excess and growth hormone deficiency. IGF1 has been used in therapeutic trials for certain types of conditions such as diabetes and growth failure. The protein hormone can be measured in the individual’s blood in (1  0-1000 ng/ml) amounts, since levels do not move around too much during the day.

In 2005, the Food and Drug Administration approved Increlex as a replacement therapy on 71 patients for types of severe IGF-1 deficiencies based on clinical trials. Other studies were performed as well and the conclusion was that treatment methods that last for a period of several years were safe enough to meet the standards. Some of the most common effects that resulted included: lipohypetrophy, hypoglycemia, and tonsillar hypertophy.

For more information on IGF-1 and HGH, visit our main HGH homepage.