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Blutwerte · Marker

IGFBP-3

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

Hormone — GH/IGF-Achse
Einheit:
ng/mL

IGFBP-3 quantifies the level of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 in the blood, which regulates the activity of IGFs.

Reference Ranges

Reference
3.47ng/mL
3.4
7
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mL

Ranges may vary based on age, sex, and specific laboratory standards.

Overview

Übersicht

Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is a key component of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, primarily responsible for modulating the availability and activity of IGFs in circulation. It binds to IGF-I and IGF-II, prolonging their half-life and modulating their interaction with IGF receptors, thereby influencing cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Clinically, IGFBP-3 is significant in various conditions, including cancer and kidney disease. Researchers have found that high levels of IGFBP-3 are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, such as premenopausal breast cancer, while also playing a role in kidney disease pathogenesis through IGF-independent mechanisms. In the context of athletic performance and longevity, IGFBP-3's role in modulating IGF activity suggests potential implications for muscle growth and repair, as well as metabolic health. However, its precise impact on these areas remains under investigation. Caveats include variability due to assay methods, potential confounders such as nutritional status and underlying health conditions, and the need for standardization in laboratory methods to ensure accurate measurement. Fasting is generally not required, but consistent testing conditions are recommended for reliable results.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated IGFBP-3 levels can indicate an increased risk of certain cancers, while low levels may be associated with reduced overall survival in conditions like esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. It also plays a role in kidney disease.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising IGFBP-3 levels may suggest an increased cancer risk or response to IGF-I therapy. Re-test in 3 months if levels are consistently high.

Falling Values

Falling IGFBP-3 levels could indicate malnutrition or liver dysfunction.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Cancer risk
  • IGF-I therapy
  • Certain kidney diseases
  • Hormonal imbalances
Cause

Low Levels

  • Malnutrition
  • Liver dysfunction
  • Chronic illness
  • Diabetes
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular exercise
  • Stress management
  • Adequate sleep
Lever

Nutrition

  • Balanced diet
  • Adequate protein intake
Lever

Supplementation

  • GH secretagogues
  • IGF-1 supplements

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes, especially if managing chronic conditions.

Testing Guidelines

Fasting Not Required
Not Time-Sensitive

IGFBP-3 levels can vary with circadian rhythms; morning samples are preferred.

Testing Frequency

Annually for health monitoring, more frequently if managing specific conditions.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent intense exercise
  • Acute illness

Related Markers

Related Peptides & Hormones

Igf 1

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that the reference ranges and optimal targets for serum IGFBP-3 levels in various cancers, including oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, remain debated, particularly regarding confounding factors such as age and metabolic conditions. Researchers have not yet established standardized laboratory methods for measuring IGFBP-3, which could impact its clinical utility. Additionally, unanswered clinical questions include the precise mechanisms by which IGFBP-3 influences cancer progression and its potential role in therapeutic strategies.

21 Research Publications

2,359

Total Citations

10

Human/RCT

11.0

Avg. Influence

2024

Latest

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#01

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

Meta-AnalysisInfluence47.0
1666
This study examined the relationship between insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, its binding protein IGFBP-3, and cancer risk. Researchers found that high levels of IGF-I were linked to an increased risk of prostate and premenopausal breast cancer, while higher IGFBP-3 levels were also associated with increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer. The findings suggest that both biomarkers may play a role in cancer risk assessment.
View on PubMed
#02

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

ReviewInfluence28.0
314
This review unraveled the actions of IGFBP-3 in various human diseases. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 has distinct biological effects independent of IGF signaling, contributing to cancer, diabetes, and malnutrition. The study highlights the need for further investigation into IGFBP-3's mechanisms and clinical significance.
View on PubMed
#03

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

ReviewInfluence7.0
103
This review explored the anti-tumor and anti-metastatic functions of IGFBP-3 in cancer. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 has both tumor suppressing and promoting effects, depending on various factors. The study emphasizes the clinical significance of the IGFBP-3 receptor system in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
View on PubMed
#04

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

ReviewInfluence2.0
99
This review detailed the molecular regulation of IGF-I and IGFBP-3. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 levels are influenced by insulin and that its production is linked to metabolic conditions like diabetes. The study underscores the importance of understanding these regulatory mechanisms in metabolic disorders.
View on PubMed
#05

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

Review
44
This review discussed clinical assays for measuring IGF1, which is primarily bound to IGFBP-3. Researchers found that accurate quantitation of IGF1 is essential for diagnosing growth-related disorders and that IGFBPs can interfere with immunoassays. The study highlights the need for standardized assay methods.
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

ReviewInfluence1.0
37
This review focused on laboratory investigations for diagnosing GH-related disorders. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 can provide complementary information in assessing GH action and that assay methods vary significantly. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding biological variables in interpreting IGFBP-3 levels.

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
22
This systematic review assessed the use of biomarkers in cancer cachexia trials. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 was one of the biomarkers frequently used, showing significant increases in trials related to lean body mass. The study emphasizes the importance of biomarkers in evaluating treatment efficacy.

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

Human
19
This study explored the role of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in maternal serum during pregnancies complicated by type 1 diabetes. Researchers found that IGFBP-3 levels were associated with birth weight and diabetic retinopathy progression. The study suggested that IGFBP-3 may influence IGF-I bioavailability in diabetic pregnancies.

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

Tear Levels of IGFBP-3: A Potential Biomarker for Diabetic Nerve Changes in the Cornea.

Stuard Whitney L, et al. · Eye & contact lens · 2020

HumanInfluence1.0
11
This research reviewed the potential of IGFBP-3 in tear fluid as a biomarker for diabetic nerve changes in the cornea. Researchers found that higher levels of IGFBP-3 in tears were significantly associated with corneal nerve loss in type 2 diabetes. The study indicates IGFBP-3's potential role in assessing ocular complications of diabetes.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers observed that IGFBP-3 levels in tears were significantly associated with nerve loss in the cornea of individuals with type 2 diabetes.
  2. 02Tear levels of IGF-1 were found to be related to aging rather than diabetes.
  3. 03In vivo confocal microscopy was identified as an effective tool for studying nerve and epithelial changes in the cornea due to diabetes.
View on PubMed

Publication Trend

Research publications about IGFBP-3 over time

8total
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1
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1
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1
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1
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