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GH-IGF-IGFBP Axis

Meaning

The GH-IGF-IGFBP Axis is a central neuroendocrine cascade that governs somatic growth, cellular metabolism, and tissue repair throughout the lifespan. It is composed of Growth Hormone (GH), primarily secreted by the pituitary gland; Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), largely produced by the liver in response to GH; and the Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Proteins (IGFBPs), which modulate the bioavailability of IGF-1. This axis is critical for maintaining metabolic homeostasis, muscle mass, and bone density. Dysregulation in this intricate system can lead to significant clinical syndromes, including growth disorders and metabolic dysfunction.