Insulin-like Growth Factor
Full Form of IGF
What is IGF?
Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) refers to a group of proteins that resemble insulin in structure and function, primarily IGF-1 and IGF-2. These hormones play a crucial role in growth, development, and metabolism, acting as mediators of growth hormone (GH) effects. In India, IGF is widely studied in medical and biology curricula, particularly in endocrinology and physiology. It is measured in clinical diagnostics to assess growth disorders, such as gigantism or dwarfism, and is also linked to conditions like diabetes and cancer. IGF levels are commonly evaluated in hospital laboratories and research settings. For students preparing for NEET, AIIMS, or MBBS exams, understanding the GH-IGF axis is essential. IGF is also used in sports medicine and anti-aging treatments, though such applications are controversial. The term is frequently encountered in textbooks, medical journals, and competitive exams, making it a fundamental concept in human biology.
IGF का फुल फॉर्म
इंसुलिन-सदृश वृद्धि कारक
Example
In the endocrinology exam, the professor asked, 'How does the IGF-1 test help in diagnosing growth hormone deficiency in children?'