Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
14:39
A Quantitative Assay for Insulin-expressing Colony-forming Progenitors
Published on: November 28, 2011
Insulin-like growth factor I: a biologic maturation indicator.
Ramy Abdul Rahman Ishaq1, Sanaa Abou Zeid Soliman, Manal Yehya Foda
1Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Summary
Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) blood levels reliably indicate maturation during adolescence. This finding supports its use in orthodontic diagnosis for optimal treatment timing.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Growth
Background:
- Accurate assessment of skeletal maturation is crucial for effective orthodontic treatment planning in growing patients.
- Current methods for determining maturation, like the cervical vertebral maturation index, can be complemented by biochemical markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) serum levels as a reliable indicator of skeletal maturation.
- To correlate IGF-I levels with the established cervical vertebral maturation index (CVMI) in adolescents.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 120 subjects (60 males, 60 females) aged 8-18 years underwent lateral cephalometric radiography and blood sampling.
- Cervical vertebral maturation was assessed using the CVMI, and serum IGF-I levels were quantified.
- Statistical analysis compared mean IGF-I levels across different CVMI stages.
Main Results:
- Significant statistical differences in mean IGF-I levels were observed between each cervical vertebral maturation stage.
- Peak IGF-I levels were noted at CVMI stage 4 in males and stage 3 in females, with high levels also at stage 5 in males.
Conclusions:
- Serum IGF-I levels demonstrate a strong correlation with skeletal maturation stages defined by the CVMI.
- IGF-I can be considered a dependable biomarker for assessing maturation in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
Insulin action is mediated through a receptor tyrosine kinase, akin to the IGF-1 receptor. The number of receptors per cell varies significantly, from 40 on erythrocytes to 300,000 on adipocytes and hepatocytes. The insulin receptor consists of linked α/β subunit dimers, forming a heterotetramer glycoprotein with two extracellular α subunits and two β subunits spanning the membrane. The α subunits inhibit the inherent tyrosine kinase activity of the β subunits, but this inhibition is released...
01:28Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Hematopoietic growth factors are molecules that regulate the differentiation rate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Erythropoietin (EPO), primarily produced by the kidneys, plays a crucial role in erythrocyte production. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, EPO is released into the bloodstream, reaching the bone marrow, where it stimulates HSCs to differentiate and mature into erythrocytes, which are vital for oxygen transport.
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
01:05Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
01:16TGF - β Signaling Pathway
The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...
01:22PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast, mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...
01:25Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells synthesizes preproinsulin, which consists of a signal peptide, A and B chains, and a C-peptide. Preproinsulin is then cleaved and folded into proinsulin, which translocates to the Golgi apparatus for sorting and packaging into secretory granules. In these granules, enzymatic clipping generates insulin and C-peptide.
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...