What is being tested?The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) test is an indirect measure of the average amount of growth hormone (GH) being produced by the body. IGF-1 and GH are peptide
hormones, small proteins that are vital for normal bone and tissue growth and development. GH is produced by the pituitary gland, a grape-sized gland located at the base of the brain behind the bridge of your nose. GH is secreted into the bloodstream in pulses throughout the day and night with peaks that occur mostly during the night. IGF-1 is produced by the liver and to a lesser degree by skeletal muscles, primarily in response to GH stimulation. It mediates many of the actions of GH, stimulating the growth of bones and other tissues and promoting the production of lean muscle mass. IGF-1 mirrors GH excesses and deficiencies, but its level is stable throughout the day, making it a useful indicator of average GH levels.
Like GH, IGF-1 levels are normally low in early childhood, increase gradually during childhood, peak during puberty, and then decline in adult life. Deficiencies in GH and IGF-1 may be caused by conditions such as hypopituitarism or by the presence of a non-GH-producing pituitary tumor that damages hormone-producing cells. Deficiencies in IGF-1 also occur where there is a lack of responsiveness to GH. This insensitivity may be primary (genetic) or secondary to conditions such as malnutrition and chronic diseases.
Deficiencies early in life can inhibit bone growth and overall development and can result in a child with a shorter than normal stature. In adults, decreased production can lead to low bone densities, less muscle mass, and altered lipids.
Excess GH and IGF-1 can cause abnormal growth of the skeleton and other signs and symptoms characteristic of gigantism and acromegaly. In children, gigantism causes bones to grow longer, resulting in a very tall person with large feet and hands. In adults, acromegaly causes bones to thicken and soft tissues, such as the nose, to swell. Both conditions can lead to enlarged organs, such as the heart, and to other complications such as type 2 diabetes, increased cardiovascular disease risk, high blood pressure, arthritis, and a decreased life span. The most common reason for the pituitary to secrete excessive amounts of GH is a GH-producing pituitary tumor (usually benign). Frequently, the tumor can be surgically removed and/or treated with drugs or radiation. In most cases, this will cause GH and IGF-1 levels to return to normal or near normal levels.
