Insulin-like growth factor-I on skeletal muscle growth and repair of research progress

The growth hormone (GH)/insulin- like growth factor- I (IGF- I) axis is one of the most important regulators of skeletal muscle growth. Insulin- like growth factor- I is expressed in many tissues, however it may have different functions. Skeletal muscle is not only a target of the IGF- I, but also a producer. The IGF- I expressed in skeletal muscle has been suggested playing a key role in muscle regeneration and repair after injury. It is also an important regulatory factor in maintaining muscle quantity. This review summarized the current literature in this field, and discussed the potential significance and application of GH/IGF- I intervention in exercise rehabilitation.