Insulin-like growth factors and cancer.
Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) regulate important cellular activities involving cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Emerging evidence suggests that members of the IGF family, including IGF-1, IGF-2, the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and the IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), play important roles in the development and progression of cancer. Both in vitro and in vivo studies show that IGFs are strong mitogens for a variety of cancer cells. IGF-1 also has an antiapoptotic action on cancer. IGF-1R, overexpressed in cancer cells, mediates the effects of IGFs and plays a role in cell transformation induced by tumor virus and oncogene products. IGFBPs inhibit the actions of IGFs and mediate the anti-proliferative effect of wild-type p53 protein, retinoic acid, vitamin D, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Findings from epidemiologic studies support the involvement of IGF in cancer etiology. Diet, nutrition, and other lifestyle features affect the expression and production of IGF-1 and other members of the IGF family. This may provide new approaches for cancer prevention. Growth hormone (GH) stimulates the production of IGF-1. Use of GH replacement therapy to improve physiological and psychological well-being and to prevent aging-related diseases has been recommended. Given the close relationship between GH and IGF-1, the long-term safety of GH treatment warrants a serious concern.
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Section of Cancer Prevention and Control, Feist-Weiller Cancer Center at Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport, USA.
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D017209:Apoptosis; D015415:Biomarkers; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D002455:Cell Division; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D018753:Diet, Protein-Restricted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis
D015415:Biomarkers; D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II