Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), also called somatomedin C, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IGF1 gene. IGF-1 is a hormone similar in molecular structure to insulin. It plays an important role in childhood growth and continues to have anabolic effects in adults.
The reference range of IGF-1 blood levels are as follows:
- Adults: 200 to 450 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter).
- One-third of individuals over 50 years of age: less than 200 ng/ml
- Youth: over 600- 800 ng/ml.
www.usdoctor.com/hghbar1.htm
Decreased IGF-1 levels may indicate:
- Pituitary function (hypopituitarism)
- Pituitary damage following conditions such as trauma, infections, and inflammation.
- Nutritional deficiencies such as anorexia nervosa
- Chronic kidney disease
- Liver disease
Increased IGF-1 levels may indicate:
- Pregnancy
- Pituitary tumors (usually benign)
- Recurrence of the pituitary tumor
Keywords: Insulin-like Growth Factor – 1
