Treatment FAQ

what is igf in cancer treatment

by Melyna Ritchie Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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A protein made by the body that stimulates the growth of many types of cells. IGF is similar to insulin (a hormone made in the pancreas). There are two forms of IGF called IGF-1 and IGF-2. Higher than normal levels of IGF-1 may increase the risk of several types of cancer.

What is the role of IGF-1 in cancer?

Abstract. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are essential for growth and survival that suppress apoptosis and promote cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, and metastatic activities in various cancers. The IGFs actions are mediated through the IGF-1 receptor that is involved in cell transformation induced by tumour.

Does insulin-like growth factor (IGF) cause breast cancer?

IGF System and Cancer Risk Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) plays an important role in tissue growth and development. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in American women and is the second most common cause of death due to cancer [78].

What are the side effects of IGF-1?

IGF-1 Side Effects and Dangers 1 Cancer. The fact that IGF-1 can contribute to cancer should be a turn-off, especially when the link is clear. Scientists... 2 Decreased longevity. While some people may use IGF-1 hoping to reverse signs of aging, some evidence shows that it can... More ...

How is the IGF system involved in glioblastoma tumor invasion?

Taken together with the observation that tumor cells within the margins of infiltration express higher levels of IGF-1R [104], the IGF system is intimately linked to glioblastoma tumor invasion.

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How does IGF-1 affect cancer?

IGF‐1 is known to promote cancer development by inhibiting apoptosis and stimulating cell proliferation. Epidemiological studies have reported a positive association between circulating IGF‐1 levels and various primary cancers, such as breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer.

What does the IGF do?

IGF helps to control growth hormone secretion in the pituitary gland. IGF works with growth hormones to promote growth and development of bone and tissue. These hormones also affect how your body metabolizes sugar, or glucose. IGF and insulin can work together to rapidly reduce the level of glucose in your blood.

Does IGF-1 increase cancer?

A growth hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is likely to play a role in the development of breast cancer, according to new research published in the leading cancer journal Annals of Oncology [1] today (Wednesday). IGF-1 is already known to encourage the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

What does increased IGF do?

Higher than normal levels of IGF-1 may mean gigantism in children or acromegaly in adults. Gigantism and acromegaly are most often caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland, a small organ in the base of the brain that controls many functions, including growth.

What is IGF medical term?

IGF is a type of growth factor and a type of cytokine. Also called insulin-like growth factor and somatomedin.

How do you use IGF?

It is usually administered right before a post-workout meal or along with glucose or with amino acids with the purpose of preventing hypoglycemia while shutting off proteolysis and increasing protein synthesis (Evans and Lynch, 2003).

What foods are high in IGF-1?

Positive relations were seen with dairy products, milk and calcium intake, all of which were associated with raised IGF-1 levels. High intakes of vegetables and tomatoes or tomato-containing products were associated with lower levels of IGF-1 or its molar ratio.

Does IGF-1 cause breast cancer?

A growth hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is likely to play a role in the development of breast cancer, according to new research published in the leading cancer journal Annals of Oncology [1] today (Wednesday). IGF-1 is already known to encourage the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

What does low IGF-1 indicate?

Decreased IGF-1 If the IGF-1 level is decreased, then it is likely that there is a GH deficiency or an insensitivity to GH. If this is in a child, the GH deficiency may have already caused short stature and delayed development and may be treated with GH supplementation.

Where is IGF made?

the liverMost IGF-1 is secreted by the liver and is transported to other tissues, acting as an endocrine hormone. IGF-1 is also secreted by other tissues,28 including cartilagenous cells, and acts locally as a paracrine hormone (fig 4 ▶).

How can I lower my IGF levels?

Insulin-sensitizing low-intensity aerobic exercise is thus considered to be an effective method for downregulating IGF-I and upregulating IGFBP-1 levels.

Does IGF increase blood glucose?

IGF-I leads to an increase in peripheral glucose uptake and a decreased production of hepatic glucose causing better insulin sensitivity (2,23). Furthermore, low IGF-I serum concentrations were related to a higher anthropometric status, which in turn is related to insulin resistance.

What are the IGFs?

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are important mediators of growth, development, and survival, and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of malignancies. The IGF system is a complex system comprising two growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II), cell surface receptors (IGF-IR and IGF-IIR), six specific high-affinity binding proteins ...

How do IGFs affect cell cycle?

Studies have revealed that IGFs may promote cell cycle progression and inhibition of apoptosis either by directly associating with other growth factors or indirectly by interacting with other molecular systems that have an established role in carcinogenesis and cancer promotion, such as steroid hormones and integrins.

How are IGFs produced?

IGFs are produced by almost any cell in the body; circulate in more than 1000-fold higher concentrations than most other peptide hormones, such as insulin, and their action is modulated by several binding proteins. Studies have revealed that IGFs may promote cell cycle progression and inhibition of apoptosis either by directly associating ...

Does IGF cause cancer?

In addition, studies also suggest that increased serum levels of IGFs and/or altered levels of their binding proteins are associated with increased risk of developing cancers. These data underline the significance of IGFs system in the development of cancer risk, and a potential target for novel anticancer treatments and/or preventative strategies ...

Protein Triggers IGF-1 Production

Problems arise when IGF-1 continues to increase, rather than decrease as biologically programmed, throughout adulthood. Of all the factors that can raise IGF-1 levels, the most powerful seems to be dietary — particularly the consumption of foods that are high in protein.

The Type of Protein Matters

While excess protein of all kinds can contribute to health problems such as osteoporosis and kidney stones, when it comes to IGF-1 production, the type of protein matters.

Cancer & IGF-1

It seems the more IGF-1 you produce in response to animal protein in your diet, the higher your risk of contracting cancer. And for people who have previously had a cancer diagnosis, it could be even more of a concern because high IGF-1 levels may also increase the risk for secondary cancers.

What You Can Do

The best strategy for keeping IGF-1 levels in check and preventing the type of cell overgrowth associated with multiple types of cancer is by replacing animal protein with plant protein. For example, substitute ingredients like beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds in meals where you might normally have meat.

Healthy Recipes Using Plant Rather Than Animal Protein

Below you’ll find three delicious recipes that bring loads of flavor and textures, while leaving meat and dairy behind — thus helping to keep your IGF-1 levels well-managed. Vegan Mince Lettuce Tacos use peas and corn, plus lots of colorful veggies, to create a “mince meat-like” appetizer (but without the meat).

Another Win for Plant-Based Eating

Although IGF-1 is a natural hormone produced by the body, dietary intake of animal protein may cause levels to become excessive and cause health issues. Associations exist between IGF-1 and the development of multiple types of cancer.

Why is IGF used?

IGF has been used to help people reverse or inhibit the effects of aging, such as wrinkles and fatigue, ...

What is the function of IGF-1?

IGF-1 is a hormone produced naturally by the body. It’s responsible for a number of bodily functions. In addition to regulating our growth, it can also help us manage our blood sugar. Many folks have undertaken the dangerous task of artificially increasing levels of IGF-1 in their body.

What are the side effects of IGF-1?

IGF-1 Side Effects and Dangers 1 Cancer. The fact that IGF-1 can contribute to cancer should be a turn-off, especially when the link is clear. Scientists are unsure as to how exactly IGF-1 increases the risk of developing cancer, but IGF-1 promotes growth of cells – and it doesn’t seem to be exclusive in which cells it helps grow. It can speed up the growth of even unhealthy, cancerous cells.In fact, adults with lower levels of the hormone are believed to be less likely to develop cancer. For these reasons, it’s generally believed to be unsafe to use IGF-1 without the strict supervision of a doctor. 2 Decreased longevity. While some people may use IGF-1 hoping to reverse signs of aging, some evidence shows that it can actually decrease lifespan. While lower levels of the hormone have been linked to an increase in lifespan (at least in some animal studies), increasing levels of IGF-1 can actually decrease lifespan – by as much as half!

What is IGF-1 in the body?

What is IGF-1? IGF-1, which is properly better known as insulin-like growth factor 1, is a unique hormone that’s found in the human body. As a growth factor, IGF-1 is an important aspect of hormones that are involved in the growth of things like cells and the tissues that these cells comprise of.

How to decrease IGF-1?

Excessive amounts of insulin will likely decrease the amount of IGF-1 your body produces. Neglecting to exercise. Depriving yourself of sleep. Excessive estrogen, which can occur as a result of eating too many phytoestrogen-rich foods like soy, can decrease levels of IGF-1.

What foods help with IGF-1?

This will help manage your insulin sensitivity and thus your IGF-1 levels will be more balanced. High levels of protein and dairy are believed to be some of the best IGF-1 foods. Eating lots of cheese, eggs, and other protein-rich foods can help.

Why is IGF-1 important?

IGF-1 helps the body activate a number of processes that also encourage other growth factor hormones to flourish. IGF-1 also helps to prevent the natural loss of muscle with aging – using it for this purpose is likely safer than using it in an effort to stack on the pounds. Prevents mental health decline.

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