What is the Meaning of GH-IGF-1 Axis?

The GH-IGF-1 axis, or Growth Hormone-Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 axis, is a critical neuroendocrine signaling pathway that governs growth, cellular proliferation, and metabolic regulation throughout life. Growth Hormone (GH) is secreted by the pituitary gland, which then stimulates the liver and other tissues to produce IGF-1, the primary mediator of GH's anabolic and growth-promoting effects. This axis is fundamental for maintaining body composition, bone density, and metabolic homeostasis.

What is the Origin of GH-IGF-1 Axis?

The concept of this axis emerged from the discovery of growth hormone in the early 20th century and the subsequent identification of IGF-1 (initially called somatomedin) as the molecule responsible for mediating many of GH's actions. The term "axis" denotes the hierarchical, interconnected nature of the signaling cascade, linking the central nervous system (hypothalamus) to the pituitary and then to peripheral target tissues like the liver. Understanding the GH-IGF-1 axis is crucial for addressing issues of growth, aging, and metabolic function.

What is the Mechanism of GH-IGF-1 Axis?

The axis operates when the hypothalamus releases Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH), stimulating the anterior pituitary to secrete GH. GH travels through the bloodstream to the liver, where it binds to receptors and triggers the synthesis and release of IGF-1. IGF-1 then acts both locally and systemically, binding to its own receptors to promote anabolic processes, such as protein synthesis and cellular growth, while also providing negative feedback to the pituitary and hypothalamus to modulate GH release.

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