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Insulin-like growth factors: clinical experience in ovarian function
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles.
The American Journal of Medicine
|January 16, 1995
Summary
The insulin-insulin-like growth factor-insulin-like growth factor binding protein family regulates ovarian physiology. This review details their roles in normal function and disorders like androgen excess.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology and molecular biology.
Background:
- Insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) are crucial for ovarian function.
- Animal models initially elucidated their roles, but human studies are increasingly clarifying their impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological roles of the insulin/IGF/IGFBP axis in human reproduction.
- To discuss their involvement in disorders characterized by androgen excess.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on the insulin/IGF/IGFBP family in ovarian physiology.
- Analysis of evidence from both animal models and human reproductive studies.
Main Results:
- Local steroid production and intraovarian peptides, including the insulin/IGF/IGFBP family, are essential for dominant follicle development during folliculogenesis.
- These peptides influence various stages of ovarian follicle development.
Conclusions:
- The insulin/IGF/IGFBP family plays a significant role in normal ovarian function.
- Dysregulation of this family is implicated in reproductive disorders, particularly those associated with excess androgens.