The influence of maternal protein deprivation on the developmental pattern of serum immunoreactive insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels

Decoding Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling Pathway From a Non-coding RNAs Perspective: A Step Towards Precision Oncology in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly complex and heterogenous disease. Several oncogenic signaling pathways drive BC oncogenic activity, thus hindering scientists to unravel the exact molecular pathogenesis of such multifaceted disease. This highlights the urgent need to find a key regulator that tunes up such intertwined oncogenic drivers to trim the malignant transformation process within the breast tissue. The Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway is a tenacious axis that is heavily intertwined with BC where it modulates the amplitude and activity of vital downstream oncogenic signaling pathways. Yet, the complexity of the pathway and the interactions driven by its different members seem to aggravate its oncogenicity and hinder its target-ability. In this review, the authors shed the light on the stubbornness of the IGF signaling pathway and its potential regulation by non-coding RNAs in different BC subtypes. Nonetheless, this review also spots light on the possible transport systems available for efficient delivery of non-coding RNAs to their respective targets to reach a personalized treatment code for BC patients.

Intrauterine programming of hypertension: nutrient-hormone interactions

Geographic, retrospective, and prospective epidemiologic studies have revealed evidence that the environment in utero is a major determinant of later degenerative disease. Observations from Britain, Sweden, Jamaica, Australia, India, and China support the hypothesis that disproportionate retardation of fetal growth results in increased blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. On the basis of what has been a limited pool of observations linking maternal undernutrition and fetal growth retardation, it has been proposed that hypertension and coronary heart disease are "programmed" by nutrition status.

The etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO)

Consideration of existing data leads to the hypothesis that polycystic ovary syndrome results from a primary abnormality in the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis characterized by increased IGF-1 activity at multiple sites. The effect of elevated IGF-1 activity upon the ovary, the adrenal, and on peripheral tissues may lead to the clinical and biochemical features of PCO, including hyperandrogenemic chronic anovulation, insulin resistance, and elevated adrenal androgen secretion. The fundamental defect may be a consequence of feeding behavior early in life.