IGF-I and osteoporosis

This article discusses the clinical use of insulin-like growth factors (IGF) as a potential diagnostic tool for osteoporosis. Although there is a numerical relationship between measurable IGF-I and bone mass, or risk of fractures, it is not clear that it is causal. Caution must be undertaken in deciphering the results of a low, normal, or high IGF-I in relation to osteoporosis. Further studies should help define more clearly the possible pathogenic relationship between IGF-I and bone mass.