The clinical measurement of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) concentration in the serum, which serves as a primary surrogate marker for endogenous growth hormone (GH) secretion and biological activity. This assessment is a critical diagnostic tool used to evaluate the functional status of the somatotropic axis. It provides valuable insight into anabolism, tissue repair capacity, and overall cellular growth regulation.
Origin
The methodology is based on the established physiological relationship where Growth Hormone, released by the pituitary, stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, the main mediator of GH’s anabolic effects. The assessment evolved as a more stable and practical measure than direct GH testing, due to GH’s pulsatile secretion pattern. It is central to diagnosing both GH deficiency and excess.
Mechanism
The assessment works because IGF-1 levels exhibit significantly less diurnal variation than GH, offering a more reliable, integrated reflection of GH action over time. Low levels can indicate GH deficiency, poor nutrition, or liver dysfunction, signaling impaired anabolism and repair. Conversely, elevated levels may suggest GH excess or other pathological states, requiring careful clinical interpretation.
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