The liver secretes insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that plays a crucial role in growth and development.
What is IGF-1?
IGF-1 is a protein hormone that is structurally similar to insulin. It is produced primarily by the liver in response to growth hormone (GH) released by the pituitary gland.
Functions of IGF-1:
- Growth and Development: IGF-1 is essential for normal growth and development, particularly in childhood and adolescence. It stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to increased bone growth, muscle mass, and organ size.
- Metabolic Regulation: IGF-1 plays a role in regulating metabolism, including glucose uptake, protein synthesis, and lipid metabolism.
- Tissue Repair: IGF-1 promotes tissue repair and regeneration after injury.
- Other Functions: IGF-1 has also been implicated in various other biological processes, including immune function, brain development, and aging.
Regulation of IGF-1 Production:
The production of IGF-1 is primarily regulated by growth hormone (GH). When GH levels increase, the liver produces more IGF-1. Other factors, such as nutrition, stress, and age, can also influence IGF-1 levels.
Clinical Significance:
- Growth Disorders: Abnormalities in IGF-1 production can lead to growth disorders, such as dwarfism or gigantism.
- Cancer: IGF-1 has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly those related to the breast, prostate, and colon.
- Other Conditions: IGF-1 levels can be affected by various other conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease.
In summary, while the liver is not the primary hormone-producing organ, it does produce IGF-1, a crucial hormone involved in growth, development, and other important biological processes.
