Clinical Uses of Insulin-like Growth Factor I

doi:10.1059/0003-4819-120-7-199404010-00011

Clinical Uses of Insulin-like Growth Factor I

An edited summary of a Combined Clinical Staff Conference held 24 February 1993 at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. Authors who wish to cite a section of the conference and specifically indicate its author can use this example for the form of reference: Underwood LE. Insulin-like growth factor I in growth hormone-resistant short stature, pp 594-596. In: Bondy CA, moderator. Clinical uses of insulin-like growth factor I. Ann Intern Med. 1994; 120:593-601. Requests for Reprints: Carolyn Bondy, MD, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 10N 262, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892.

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) has acute insulin-like metabolic effects and long-term anabolic actions. The therapeutic potential of recombinant human IGF-I treatment is being investigated in various growth hormone-resistant and insulin-resistant disorders. Recent studies have shown that IGF-I may substitute for growth hormone in promoting linear growth in children with growth hormone insensitivity. The anabolic, protein-sparing action of IGF-I is being evaluated as a potential therapy for adults with catabolic diseases. Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus have reduced endogenous IGF-I production, and studies are in progress to determine whether treatment with IGF-I in addition to insulin may improve their metabolic/anabolic status. Insulin-like growth factor I treatment may reduce glucose and triglyceride levels in adults with non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and in some patients with extreme insulin resistance. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IGF-I treatment in these and other conditions and to provide a better understanding of this hormone's normal physiologic role(s) and complex relations with growth hormone and insulin.