Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein -3 (IGF BP3) Test
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein -3 (IGF BP3) Test
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is a protein that plays a vital role in the body’s growth and development. Of the six binding proteins structurally characterized to date, IGFBP3 is the predominant protein in the circulation that is growth hormone-responsive. It specifically binds to insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), also called somatomedin C, to modulate its effects on body tissues.
Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 (IGF BP3) test measures the level of IGFBP-3 in the blood. This test helps doctors determine if the body is producing normal amounts of human growth hormone. In children, it is used to diagnose growth hormone deficiencies. In adults, it helps diagnose suspected problems associated with growth hormone or the pituitary gland.
What is the Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein -3 (IGF BP3) Test Used For?
Insulin Like Growth Factor Binding Protein -3 (IGF BP3) test is used
To check for pituitary gland disorders(hypopituitarism)
To investigate abnormalities in growth hormone production (acromegaly and gigantism)
To monitor the effectiveness of recombinant growth hormone therapy for growth disorders
To assess the nutritional status of children
Symptoms of Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)
Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency depend on the patient's age. In children, GHD usually manifests as growth failure, with other symptoms that include
Delayed tooth development
Delayed or absent puberty
Impaired nail and hair growth
Chubby and younger-looking face
Low blood sugar levels
Small penis in newborn males
Among adults, the symptoms of GHD are more difficult to detect but often include
Increased body fat, especially around the belly
Anxiety and depression
Reduced bone mineral density
Decreased quality of life
Impaired sexual function and interest
Greater sensitivity to heat and cold
Poor body stamina and lean muscles
Higher triglyceride (TG)and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)levels in the blood
Preparation for Test
Avoid taking high-dose biotin supplements at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample, as it may interfere with the test results.
Interpretation of Test Results
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein -3 (IGF BP3) reference ranges are highly age-dependent. Therefore, test results are always interpreted within the context of the patient's age.
Levels of IGFBP3 above the reference value indicate pituitary gigantism in children or acromegaly in adults from excessive growth hormone production due to the presence of a pituitary gland tumor. It could also mean side effects of growth hormone treatment.
Levels lower than the reference value establish deficiency or decreased sensitivity to growth hormone. However, such a result may also be seen with abnormalities associated with the pituitary gland, particularly hypopituitarism.
FAQs
Who should get tested for insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3)?
The IGF BP3 test is usually recommended for individuals with signs and symptoms of GH deficiency or hypopituitarism. Sometimes, the assay may also be suggested for evaluating an individual's nutritional status since IGFBP-3 decreases during both caloric and protein restriction.
How is the IGF BP-3 test performed?
This test is usually done by drawing blood from a vein in your arm using a needle.
What factors can affect my IGF BP – 3 test results?
Besides GH influence, the intake of biotin supplements, the patient's age, thyroid function, liver function, kidney function, and nutritional status can impact the levels of IGF BP-3.
How accurate are the results of the IGF BP-3 test?
A single measurement of IGFBP-3 concentration is sufficient to diagnose GH deficiency accurately. However, discrepant results can sometimes occur due to liver and kidney diseases.
Can this test be used to diagnose cancer?
Even though certain scientific evidence suggests a link between low levels of IGFBP-3 and increased risk of certain cancers, the test is still not used as a diagnostic tool for cancer due to low sensitivity
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