Abstract
IGF-1 is a peptide hormone that is expressed in most tissues. It shares significant structural and functional similarities with insulin, and is implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Recombinant human IGF-1 has been used in Type 2 diabetes to improve insulin sensitivity and aid glycemic control. There is evidence supporting IGF-1 as a vascular protective factor and it may also be beneficial in the treatment of chronic heart failure. Further understanding of the effects of IGF-1 signaling in health and disease may lead to novel approaches to the prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.