IGF-1 (Somatomedin C):
Why IGF-1 Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is also called somatomedin C, produced mainly by the liver (as well as in target tissues — i.e paracrine/autocrine function). IGF-1 stimulates systemic body growth and has growth-promoting effects on almost each and every cell in the body such as skeletal muscle, cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, nerve, skin, lung, hemopoietic cells etc. Moreover, IGF-1 also regulates cellular DNA synthesis. IGF-1 is a protein encoded by the IGF-1 gene. It is a peptide hormone similar to the molecular structure of the hormone — insulin. Once this IGF-1 hormone is synthesized and released from the liver, it binds to the binding proteins i.e IGF - BP). IGF-1 binds to the at least two cell surface receptors - IGF1R i.e receptor tyrosine kinases – RTK (thus activates the AKT signalling pathways) and also to the insulin receptor. In children IGF-1 has a key role in the growth (GH and IGF-1 promote normal growth of bone and tissues: responsible for “Pubertal Growth Spurt”) hormone (GH) and while in the adults it plays a role in the anabolic effect. While IGF-1 is a potent inhibitor of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Congenital deficiency of IGF-1 in children can lead to Laron dwarfism (a genetic disorder). While elevated levels of IGF-1 are associated with a high protein diet, high glycemic index, obesity, dairy products, delayed puberty, hyperthyroidism, certain tumours etc. IGF-1 levels are measured by the IGF-1 test. It is used as a screening test for growth hormone deficiency and excess in acromegaly, gigantism, low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism), liver diseases, and uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus. Other associated additional tests include the GH stimulation test, GH suppression test, IGBP3 (protein carrier for IGF-1) Test that helps to diagnose GH deficiency, GH insensitivity or GH excess, Imaging studies like X-Ray studies, thyroid function test etc.
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen - Blood sample collected from the vein. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RT DIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
