Can IGF-1 LR3 be used to promote fetal growth?

No. IGF-1 LR3 is an insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) analogue exhibiting low affinity for IGF-binding proteins and high affinity for the IGF-1 receptor. IGF-1, an important foetal growth hormone, is considered a potential therapeutic agent for intrauterine growth restriction. Pregnancy complications, such as placental insufficiency, can lead to foetal growth restriction (FGR), characterised by reduced circulating IGF-1 and insulin concentrations alongside diminished glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), potentially causing neonatal glucose dysregulation. Studies indicate that direct intra-circulatory administration of IGF-1 LR3 to growth-restricted foetal lambs fails to improve foetal growth or attenuate circulating insulin or GSIS. This is attributed to IGF-1 LR3 treatment reducing circulating amino acid levels, particularly branched-chain amino acids, which have been demonstrated to enhance GSIS and protein synthesis, thereby supporting foetal growth.

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