IGF-BP3 Test

[lookslikesausage]

for the life of me, i could not anything using the search function. i have not had the best using it so if this been covered, i apologize. anyway, i have a script from my doc for an IGF-BP3 test. Is this the right blood test to determine if i am in low in levels of growth hormone? Thanks.

 

[1bigpapapump1]

What It Is
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is the main carrier of somatomedin C (also called insulin-like growth factor-1, or IGF-1) in the body. Blood levels of both these proteins are controlled by human growth hormone (hGH), a hormone that's produced by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland in the brain that works with the endocrine system. The pituitary gland regulates growth and the function of other glands.

But IGFBP-3 is more than just a transporter. It also helps extend the life of somatomedin C in the blood and helps control its effects on body tissues.

Levels of IGFBP-3 are highest during childhood and puberty, then they decrease during adulthood. Levels also may be affected by sexual maturation and nutritional status.

Why It's Done
The main reason doctors order the IGFBP-3 test is for its usefulness as an indicator of whether someone is producing a normal amount of human growth hormone. In this way, the IGFBP-3 test is used to check for pituitary gland disorders and abnormalities in growth hormone production.

Symptoms such as short stature or excessive growth (gigantism) may warrant an IGFBP-3 test. The test also might be used to monitor treatment of growth disorders.

 

[lookslikesausage]

What It Is
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is the main carrier of somatomedin C (also called insulin-like growth factor-1, or IGF-1) in the body. Blood levels of both these proteins are controlled by human growth hormone (hGH), a hormone that's produced by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland in the brain that works with the endocrine system. The pituitary gland regulates growth and the function of other glands.

But IGFBP-3 is more than just a transporter. It also helps extend the life of somatomedin C in the blood and helps control its effects on body tissues.

Levels of IGFBP-3 are highest during childhood and puberty, then they decrease during adulthood. Levels also may be affected by sexual maturation and nutritional status.

Why It's Done
The main reason doctors order the IGFBP-3 test is for its usefulness as an indicator of whether someone is producing a normal amount of human growth hormone. In this way, the IGFBP-3 test is used to check for pituitary gland disorders and abnormalities in growth hormone production.

Symptoms such as short stature or excessive growth (gigantism) may warrant an IGFBP-3 test. The test also might be used to monitor treatment of growth disorders.

Thank you. much appreciated. Would this test or a test for IGF-1 be more useful or do i need both if trying to figure out if i'd be a candidate for a prescription for GH?

 

[1bigpapapump1]

N Z Med J. 1996 May 10;109(1021):156-9.
IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 screening for disorders of growth hormone secretion.
Rasat R1, Livesey JL, Espiner EA, Abbott GD, Donald RA.
Author information
Abstract
AIM:
To assess the value of plasma assays of insulin like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in the diagnosis of growth hormone disorders in children and adults.

METHODS:
Plasma IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were measured in 47 children referred for the assessment of short stature, 26 adult subjects with hypopituitarism and in 10 adult subjects with acromegaly. Findings were compared with results obtained in 148 normal children and 124 normal adult subjects who comprised the reference range.

RESULTS:
Levels of both growth factors and especially IGF-1 are highly age dependent in normal children and adults. Six of 47 short children had growth hormone deficiency and in these cases both IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were close to the lower limit or below the normal reference range. In young children ( < 10 yr) IGFBP-3 was more informative than IGF-1, distinguishing normal short children from those with growth hormone deficiency. IGF-1 levels were raised in all 10 acromegalic adults, eight of whom had normal levels of IGFBP-3. Similarly growth hormone deficient adults were better identified (23 of 26 patients) by IGF-1 whereas IGFBP-3 was subnormal in only eight cases.

CONCLUSIONS:
Provided results are reviewed in relation to an age related normal reference range, both IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 are simple and convenient screening tests for assessing growth hormone deficiency in children. In adults plasma IGF-1 is the diagnostic test for a disorder of growth hormone excess. Low IGF-1 in an adult with a history of pituitary disease strongly suggests the presence of growth hormone deficiency.

PMID: 8657365
[Indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[IronLion2]

Thank you. much appreciated. Would this test or a test for IGF-1 be more useful or do i need both if trying to figure out if i'd be a candidate for a prescription for GH?

IGF-1 is what you would likely want to test for if you want HRT

 

[lookslikesausage]

IGF-1 is what you would likely want to test for if you want HRT

thank you