The Effect of Muscle IGF-1 on Murine Craniofacial Growth in the Presence of Decreased Masticatory Load: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a crucial protein that participates in cell growth and development. The actions of growth hormone (GH) are primarily regulated by IGF-1. The anterior pituitary gland is responsible for the production of GH, which is then delivered in the bloodstream and triggers the liver for the production of IGF-1. The growth-promoting effects of IGF-1 then occur in nearly every cell of the human body, including skeletal muscle tissues, kidneys, skin, bone, cartilage, nerve tissues, bone marrow, and lungs. While the liver is responsible for secreting about 75% of the circulating IGF-1, some target tissues can produce and express IGF-1 locally through autocrine and paracrine roles. These tissues include muscle, cartilage, bone, kidneys, and brain. IGF-1 can influence cell growth and development, particularly in nerve cells, along with the synthesis of DNA within cells, in addition to its insulin-like effects. The importance of IGF-1 in cell proliferation and inhibition of cell death (apoptosis) has been demonstrated. This review article aimed to determine and present the effect of IGF-1 in murine craniofacial growth in the presence of decreased masticatory load.