Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3)

Testing for IGFBP-3 is a good indicator of pituitary disease and hypopituitarism and in assessing abnormal amounts of growth hormone in the blood.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is an abundant protein in the body that binds to and transports Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) around the body. IGF-1 is a type of hormone that helps to promote tissue growth and development of healthy bones. It is produced in the liver and skeletal muscles, but also in other tissues in response to growth hormone. Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland located in the brain. IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels mirror that of growth hormone, and therefore, testing for IGFBP-3 is a good indicator of pituitary disease and hypopituitarism and in assessing abnormal amounts of growth hormone in the blood. This is typically an easier test to perform than a growth hormone test.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Slowed growth rate and short stature
• Decreased bone density
• Fatigue
• Changes to lipid levels
• Suspected underactive pituitary gland
• Monitoring those on GH therapy.

Also Known As: IGFBP-3