Insulin Like Growth Factor


Graph

Types

  • IGF-1 - Chromosome 12 - Synthesized primarily in Liver
  • IGF-2 - Chromosome 11

Characteristics

Role in the nervous system

  • Strong neurotrophic factor
  • Promotes:
    • Neuronal survival
    • Neurogenesis
    • Synaptic plasticity
    • Myelination
  • Enhances learning, memory, and cognition
  • Interacts with BDNF and Nerve Growth Factor

Endocrine regulation

  • ↑ IGF-1 by:

    • Growth hormone
    • Adequate protein intake
    • Sleep
    • Exercise (especially resistance training)
  • ↓ IGF-1 by:

    • Fasting
    • Malnutrition
    • Chronic inflammation
    • Aging
    • Liver disease

Pathophysiological roles

  • Deficiency

    • Growth failure
    • Muscle wasting
    • Cognitive impairment
  • Excess

    • Acromegaly-like features
    • Increased cancer risk (via mitogenic signaling)
  • Cancer

    • Promotes tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis
  • Aging

    • Declines with age
    • Longevity trade-off: high IGF = growth, low IGF = lifespan extension (context-dependent)

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