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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The insulin-like growth factor system plays an important role in renal physiology and it is perturbed in a range of kidney diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: Some insulin-like growth factor (IGF) actions in the kidney are mediated by nitric oxide. Growth hormone and IGF-binding proteins may contribute to renal diseases via effects on podocytes and proximal tubule cells. In contrast, growth hormone and IGF-I may counteract the catabolic consequences of end-stage renal disease. Polymorphisms in the IGF system are associated with hypertension. SUMMARY: Further studies are needed to determine whether modulating the IGF system may have a role in treating kidney diseases and/or hypertension.
Leon A. Bach (Sat,) studied this question.