[Influence of insulin on human leukemia cell proliferation]

As a hormone with a number of biological effects, insulin not only displays the function of classic metabolic regulation, but also can regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, and ensure growth and development of embryos and young individuals. In vitro insulin can stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Insulin is also an important growth regulator in vivo, which has been proved in more and more studies. The role of insulin at the cellular level is triggered by the binding of insulin to its receptor located in the cell surface. However, insulin at the higher concentration can also been triggered by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor. Its role varies in different cell lines. Insulin receptor and insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 are widely expressed in human MDS and AML cell membranes. Recently, many studies related to the relationship between hyperinsulinemia and cancer have been reported. In this review the role and its possible mechanism in promoting human leukemia cell proliferation and inhibiting human leukemia cell proliferation are summarized. Furthermore, the potential application prospect of insulin analogues also will be described.