• IGF-1 is a more precise indicator of human growth hormone (GH). IGF-1, also called Somatomedin-C (Sm-C) measurements reflect availability of the number one human "youth and longevity hormone" the growth hormone. Clinical studies have shown that GH administration to the elderly has significant rejuvenating effects. Some of these are improved cognesence, muscle and bone strength, libido, generally longevity. IGF-1 also enhances athletic performance.

• Use Traditionally IGF-1 is used to diagnose acromegaly, in which Sm-C and GH are increased; evaluate hypopituitarism and hypothalamic lesions in children (diagnosis of dwarfism and response to therapy). Low levels occur in Laron dwarfism, an entity in which GH is increased.

• Malnutrition will cause low somatomedin-C levels in spite of normal amounts of circulating growth hormone. The Sm-C level does not distinguish pituitary dwarfism from constitutional delay of growth and development.

• IGF-1 (Somatomedin-C) is a polypeptide hormone produced by the liver and other tissues, with effect on growth promoting activity and glucose metabolism (insulin-like activity). Somatomedin-C is carried in blood bound to a carrier protein which prolongs its half-life. Its level is therefore more constant than that of growth hormone.

• Low values are described with the extremes of age (first 5-6 years and advanced age), hypopituitarism, malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, hypothyroidism, maternal deprivation syndrome, pubertal delay, cirrhosis, hepatoma, and some cases of short stature and normal GH response to pharmacologic tests. Low values may be found with nonfunctioning pituitary tumors, with constitutional delay of growth and development and with anorexia nervosa.

• High values occur with adolescence, true precocious puberty, pregnancy, obesity, pituitary gigantism, acromegaly and diabetic retinopathy.

• Since Sm-C is decreased with malnutrition, its concentration provides an index with which to monitor therapy for food deprivation.

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