IGF-1 and Macrovascular Complications of Diabetes
Alternative interpretations of recently published data
- Elena Conti, MD1,
- Dario Pitocco, MD2,
- Ettore Capoluongo, BSC, PHD3,
- Cecilia Zuppi, MD3,
- Giovanni Ghirlanda, MD2,
- Filippo Crea, MD, FESC, FACC1 and
- Felicita Andreotti, MD, PHD, FESC1
- 1Department of Cardiology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- 2Department of Diabetologia, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- 3Department of Hormonal Chemistry, Rome, Italy
The hypothesis of a detrimental role for IGF-1 and other growth factors in the development of vascular disease (1) has not been consistently supported by recent studies (2,3). New evidence suggests that cellular senescence (4) and impaired vascular endothelial proliferation, adhesion, and incorporation play a pivotal role in the development of macrovascular disease (5). Indeed, recent data on large numbers suggest that higher IGF-1 bioavailability may protect against the onset of ischemic heart disease (6,7) and glucose intolerance (8) and, in type 2 diabetic patients, may offer improved metabolic control and prevent vascular complications (9,10). Other potential beneficial actions of IGF-1 in …
