IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3)
$95.00
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins (IGFBPs) bind IGF-I and IGF-II with high affinity but do not bind insulin. Among the six structurally characterized IGF binding proteins, IGFBP-3 is the primary carrier, transporting about 95 percent of circulating IGF-I and IGF-II.
IGFBP-3 levels are growth hormone (GH) responsive. They are elevated in acromegaly, reduced in hypopituitarism, and rise in GH-deficient children after GH therapy. Lower IGFBP-3 levels can also occur in poorly controlled diabetes and other causes of short stature.
The IGFBP-3 assay is valuable for assessing nutritional status, as IGFBP-3 decreases during both caloric and protein restriction. By monitoring IGFBP-3 levels, healthcare providers can evaluate growth hormone activity, investigate causes of growth disorders, and guide treatment decisions for growth-related and nutritional concerns.