The insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP) family and its role in obesity and cancer

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) plays an interesting role as a growth factor. Its function is mainly modulated by family of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). There are six important members, which maintain a structural and functional similarity and perform different role. Several studies have linked IGFBPs to obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and cancer. In this article, we provide the most relevant and recent implication of IGFBPs member in obesity and cancer, and some approach of each member as a therapeutic target or biological biomarker.