Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1)
9 and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) are commonly used to assess the growth hormone (GH)-IGF-1 axis in patients with growth disorders
1. It has been suggested that the
molar ratio of IGF-1 to IGFBP-3 could be used as a crude indicator of IGF-1 bioavailability 2, and several recent epidemiological studies in adults have
shown an association between highly bioavailable IGF-1 concentrations and cancer risk, raising concerns about the long-term safety of high-dose GH treatment
3. The IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio is also associated with metabolic syndrome
4. These biological parameters have become essential tools for monitoring GH replacement therapy in various conditions