Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3)

Description: 
IGFBP-3 measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay using the Immulite XPi
Clinical details: 
IGFBP-3 is produced largely by the liver but to a lesser extent in fibroblasts, the ovaries, and the placenta. The Insulin like growth factor binding proteins bind IGF-I and IGF-II with high affinity and control the ability of IGF-1 and IGF-II to bind to their receptors. The major functions of the IGF-binding proteins in circulation are:

a) to transport IGFs in the vascular system,
b) to regulate their half-lives, and
c) to control transcapillary transport into the extravascular fluid compartments.

IGFBP-3 is the predominant IGF carrier of six distinct IGF binding proteins structurally characterised. It is responsible for complexing and transporting approximately 95% of circulating IGF-I and IGF-II.

Similarly to age-related changes for IGF-I, serum IGFBP-3 concentrations vary with age. In growth hormone deficient children, IGFBP-3 concentrations increase following GH administration whilst in contrast IGFBP-2 decreases following administration. Measurement of the binding proteins is useful in discriminating between growth hormone deficiency and short stature due to other aetiologies in children. IGFBP-3 may also be low in patients with short stature due to poorly controlled diabetes. In addition, IGFBP-3 decreases in calorific and protein restriction therefore IGFBP-3 measurement offers a useful tool in assessing nutritional status.
Reference range: 

*Paediatric references ranges by age (Age & Ref range mg/L)* 1 yr; 0.7 - 3.6 2 yrs; 0.8 - 3.9 3 yrs; 0.9 - 4.3 4 yrs; 1.0 - 4.7 5 yrs; 1.1 - 5.2 6 yrs; 1.3 - 5.6 7 yrs; 1.4 - 6.1 8 yrs; 1.6 - 6.5 9 yrs; 1.8 - 7.1 10 yrs; 2.1 - 7.7 11 yrs; 2.4 - 8.4 12 yrs; 2.7 - 8.9 13 yrs; 3.1 - 9.5 14 yrs; 3.3 - 10.0 15 yrs; 3.5 - 10.0 16 yrs; 3.4 - 9.5 17 yrs; 3.2 - 8.7 18 yrs; 3.1 - 7.9 19 yrs; 2.9 - 7.3 20 yrs; 2.9 - 7.2 *Adult references ranges by age (Age & Ref range mg/L)* 21 - 25 yrs; 3.4 - 7.8 26 - 30 yrs; 3.5 - 7.6 31 – 35 yrs; 3.5 - 7.0 36 – 40 yrs; 3.4 - 6.7 41 – 45 yrs; 3.3 - 6.6 46 – 50 yrs; 3.3 - 6.7 51 – 55 yrs; 3.4 - 6.8 56 – 60 yrs; 3.4 - 6.9 61 – 65 yrs; 3.2 - 6.6 66 – 70 yrs; 3.0 - 6.2 71 – 75 yrs; 2.8 - 5.7 76 – 80 yrs; 2.5 - 5.1 81 – 85 yrs; 2.2 - 4.5

Units: 
mg/L
Department: 
Reference Biochemistry Department
Location: 
King's College Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Serum or heparinized plasma (250 µL). EDTA plasma unsuitable
Turnaround time: 
1 week
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Must be sent frozen by courier.
Contacts:
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 13/08/2023