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[Physiology of the GH-IGF axis]
Carlos Eduardo Martinelli1, Rodrigo José Custódio, Manuel Hermínio Aguiar-Oliveira
1Departamento de Puericultura e Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil. cemart@fmrp.usp.br
Arquivos Brasileiros De Endocrinologia E Metabologia
|September 18, 2008
Summary
Growth during childhood and adolescence is influenced by genetics and the growth hormone-IGF axis. This review details the GH-IGF axis components and their roles in regulating growth.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
Context:
- Childhood and adolescent growth follows a general pattern influenced by genetics.
- The growth hormone-IGF axis is a key regulator of this process.
Purpose:
- To review the composition and regulation of the growth hormone-IGF axis.
- To elucidate the role of each component in growth regulation.
Summary:
- The pituitary growth hormone (GH) regulates growth primarily via the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system.
- IGF-1 and IGF-2 act through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms on metabolism, cell proliferation, and differentiation.
- IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) modulate IGF bioactivity, with most actions mediated by the IGF type 1 receptor (IGF1R).
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing human growth.
- Highlights the intricate interplay between hormones, growth factors, and binding proteins in development.
- Establishes a foundation for further research into growth disorders and therapeutic interventions.
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