Artículos en prepublicación

Renal compensatory hypertrophy induced by contralateral nephrectomy is largely mediated by local increase of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) production. These renal anabolic effects of the IGF-1 have been extensively studied in order to enhance glomerular filtration rate and prevent acute renal injury.

Circulating IGF-1 concentration have shown to be useful as a marker of malnourishing in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), since the lower IGF-1 levels are associated with the lower uptake of protein/calories, as well as reduced muscle strength.

IGF-1 plays a key role in the regulation of phosphate resorption and the renal activation of vitamin D by increasing 1-α hydroxylase activity, effects that are triggered independently of the parathyroid hormone levels. Moreover, IGF-1 also participates directly in bone growth and bone remodeling, particularly bone formation.

Moreover, IGF-1 is an important factor promoting erythroid cell proliferation, playing a relevant role in the prevention of anemia, even when erythropoietin levels are below the normal range. In addition, IGF-1 controls vascular nitric oxide synthesis, indicating a contribution of this factor on the regulation of vasodilation.

However, while IGF-1 plays a crucial role in the context of renal disease, resistance to IGF-1 has been observed in renal insufficiency, which may potentially contribute to the complications associated with CKD, underscoring the need for further research.