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Blutwerte · Marker

IGFBP-3

Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 · IGF Binding Protein 3

Hormone — GH/IGF-AchseZeitabhängig
Einheit:
ng/mL

IGFBP-3 quantifies the concentration of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, which modulates IGF activity.

Reference Ranges

Reference
3.57.5ng/mL
3.5
7.5
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mL

Ranges may vary based on age, sex, and assay method. Typically higher in males and decreases with age.

Overview

Übersicht

Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is a key member of the IGF binding protein family, primarily known for its role in modulating the activity of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in circulation. It acts as the main carrier protein for IGF-1, forming a ternary complex with acid labile subunit (ALS) to stabilize IGF-1 and prolong its half-life. Beyond its IGF-related functions, IGFBP-3 has been implicated in various cellular processes including apoptosis, cell migration, and transcription regulation, which are crucial in both normal physiology and disease states. Clinically, IGFBP-3 is significant in the context of cancer, where it has been observed to have dual roles, potentially acting as both a tumor suppressor and promoter depending on the context. Elevated levels of IGFBP-3 have been associated with increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, while its independent actions may offer anti-tumor benefits through interactions with specific receptors like TMEM219. In the realm of athletic performance and biohacking, IGFBP-3 is of interest due to its role in growth and metabolism. It may influence muscle growth and repair, making it a potential biomarker for optimizing physical performance and recovery. However, the complex interplay with IGF-1 and other factors necessitates careful interpretation. Researchers have noted that IGFBP-3 levels can be influenced by various factors including age, sex, and nutritional status, which can confound its interpretation. Additionally, IGFBP-3 assays may be subject to interference from other binding proteins, and its levels can vary with time of day and fasting state, although these effects are less pronounced than with IGF-1 itself.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated IGFBP-3 levels may indicate an increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. Conversely, low levels might be associated with growth deficiencies or metabolic disorders.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising IGFBP-3 levels may suggest increased cancer risk or response to growth hormone therapy. Re-test every 3 months if elevated.

Falling Values

Progressively falling levels may indicate growth hormone deficiency or malnutrition.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Cancer
  • Growth hormone therapy
  • Acromegaly
  • Pregnancy
  • Hyperthyroidism
Cause

Low Levels

  • Growth hormone deficiency
  • Malnutrition
  • Liver disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Chronic kidney disease
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular exercise
  • Adequate sleep
  • Stress management
Lever

Nutrition

  • Balanced diet rich in protein
  • Adequate caloric intake
Lever

Supplementation

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Vitamin D

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle or dietary changes.

Testing Guidelines

Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive

Levels may vary slightly by time of day; morning samples are preferred for consistency.

Testing Frequency

Annually for general health monitoring or more frequently if clinically indicated.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent intense exercise
  • Acute illness
  • Hormonal medications

Related Peptides & Hormones

Igf 1

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that the reference ranges and optimal targets for IGFBP-3 in various diseases, including cancer and kidney disease, remain debated, with confounding factors such as assay variability and patient demographics complicating interpretations. Emerging research directions include exploring the IGFBP-3/TMEM219 axis in cancer therapy and its role in cachexia. However, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the precise mechanisms by which IGFBP-3 influences tumor progression and its potential as a reliable biomarker for treatment response.

22 Research Publications

2,377

Total Citations

10

Human/RCT

11.6

Avg. Influence

2024

Latest

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Filter
#01

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF binding protein-3, and cancer risk: systematic review and meta-regression analysis.

Meta-AnalysisInfluence47.0
1679
This systematic review analyzed the association between IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations and cancer risk. Researchers found that high levels of IGF-I are linked to increased risks of certain cancers, while higher IGFBP-3 levels may also be associated with increased cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women.
View on PubMed
#02

Unraveling insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 actions in human disease.

ReviewInfluence31.0
314
This review explored the actions of IGFBP-3 in human diseases. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 has significant biological effects independent of IGF signaling, contributing to the pathophysiology of conditions like cancer and diabetes.
View on PubMed
#03

IGFBP-3/IGFBP-3 Receptor System as an Anti-Tumor and Anti-Metastatic Signaling in Cancer.

ReviewInfluence8.0
107
This review highlighted the anti-tumor and anti-metastatic roles of IGFBP-3 in cancer. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 exhibits both tumor suppressing and promoting effects, depending on various factors, and identified a novel receptor, TMEM219, that mediates its anti-tumor effects.
View on PubMed
#04

Molecular regulation of insulin-like growth factor-I and its principal binding protein, IGFBP-3.

ReviewInfluence2.0
97
This review discussed the molecular regulation of IGF-I and IGFBP-3. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 gene transcription is influenced by insulin and is critical for understanding its role in metabolic disorders like diabetes.
View on PubMed
#05

Clinical assays for quantitation of insulin-like-growth-factor-1 (IGF1).

Review
44
This review focused on clinical assays for measuring insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). Researchers found that IGFBP-3 is a significant carrier of IGF1 in circulation, and various assay methodologies are essential for accurate quantitation of IGF1 levels, which are crucial for diagnosing growth-related disorders.
View on PubMed
#06

Laboratory investigations in the diagnosis and follow-up of GH-related disorders.

Schilbach Katharina & Bidlingmaier Martin · Archives of endocrinology and metabolism · 2019

ReviewInfluence2.0
37
This review focused on laboratory investigations for diagnosing GH-related disorders. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 levels can provide complementary information for assessing GH action, highlighting the importance of understanding assay methodologies and biological variables in interpretation.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers observed that different assay methods for measuring GH and IGF-I can yield varying results due to differences in specificity and sensitivity.
  2. 02They found that biological factors such as age and puberty significantly affect IGF-I levels, necessitating specific reference intervals for accurate diagnosis.
  3. 03The study highlighted that GH levels fluctuate due to factors like stress and exercise, complicating the interpretation of test results.
View on PubMed
#07

Biomarker endpoints in cancer cachexia clinical trials: Systematic Review 5 of the cachexia endpoint series.

Yule Michael S, et al. · Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle · 2024

Systematic Review
23
This systematic review assessed the use of biomarkers in cancer cachexia trials. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 levels were significantly associated with lean body mass in trials, indicating its potential as a biomarker for monitoring treatment effects in cancer cachexia.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers observed that 99 different biomarkers were used across the trials, with albumin being the most frequently assessed.
  2. 02Researchers found that biomarkers were primarily used as exploratory endpoints, with only a few designated as primary outcomes.
  3. 03Researchers noted that certain biomarkers, like IGFBP-3 and IGF-1, showed significant changes linked to treatment effects, emphasizing the need for their responsiveness to interventions.
View on PubMed
#08

The clinical significance of IGF-I in maternal serum during pregnancy in type 1 diabetes.

Lauszus Finn Friis · Current diabetes reviews · 2007

Case Report
19
This study examined the role of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in maternal serum during type 1 diabetes pregnancies. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 modulates IGF-I action and is associated with complications like diabetic retinopathy.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers found that IGF-I and IGF-II levels in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes are related to the weight of the newborn.
  2. 02They observed that increased IGF-I levels can worsen diabetic retinopathy, regardless of blood sugar control.
  3. 03The study indicates that specific proteins and growth factors may influence the effects of IGFs during pregnancy.
View on PubMed
#09

The IGF-Axis and Diabetic Retinopathy Before and After Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Human
14
This study evaluated changes in the IGF-axis before and after gastric bypass surgery in type 2 diabetes patients. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 levels decreased post-surgery, while bioactive IGF levels were higher in patients with diabetic retinopathy. The findings suggest IGFBP-3 may be linked to diabetic retinopathy outcomes.
View on PubMed
#10

Serum insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Luo Yun, et al. · Annals of medicine · 2022

HumanInfluence1.0
11
This study evaluated serum IGFBP3 as a biomarker for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Researchers found that lower levels of serum IGFBP3 were significantly associated with ESCC diagnosis and prognosis, indicating its potential as a clinical biomarker.

Key findings

  1. 01Serum IGFBP3 levels were significantly lower in patients with early-stage ESCC compared to normal controls.
  2. 02IGFBP3 was identified as an independent prognostic risk factor for ESCC.
  3. 03A nomogram was developed to help predict the prognosis of patients with ESCC based on IGFBP3 levels.
View on PubMed

Publication Trend

Research publications about IGFBP-3 over time

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