Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3
Also written as: IGFBP-3 — Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3
A binding protein that transports IGF-1, used as a marker of growth hormone activity.
Full Definition
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is the major binding protein for IGF-1 and IGF-2 in circulation, carrying over 80% of circulating IGF-1. IGFBP-3 levels are growth hormone-dependent and less variable than IGF-1, making it a useful complementary marker in growth hormone deficiency evaluation. IGFBP-3 testing is particularly valuable in pediatric growth assessment and adult growth hormone deficiency diagnosis, especially when IGF-1 results are borderline or discordant with clinical presentation.
Usage
Usage note: Use hyphens in the full term; IGFBP-3 is the standard abbreviation.
In Context
- "Low IGFBP-3 levels supported the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in the pediatric patient." — Pediatric endocrinology report
- "Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 measurement complemented the IGF-1 assessment." — Growth disorder evaluation