Following the identification of
insulin-like growth factor-I (
IGF-I) as a potent trophic factor for the intestine over a decade ago, therapeutic indications have been identified for a range of candidate bowel disorders and diseases in which accelerated intestinal repair is desirable. Subsequent experimental studies in experimentally-induced animal models and genetically-modified mice have supported a therapeutic role for
IGF-I in facilitated repair processes in
gastrointestinal disorders including radiation
enteritis,
chemotherapy-induced
mucositis and
inflammatory bowel disease, conditions associated with either the pre-existence of
malignancy or a predisposition to develop
neoplasia. Moreover, recent evidence from in vitro, in vivo and human population studies is suggestive of an active role for
IGF-I in the development and progression of certain
cancers, and although causality remains unproven, antagonism of
IGF-I action is being pursued as a potential chemo-preventive strategy. Novel milk and colostrum-derived bioactive formulations containing
IGF-I are being developed as adjunctive treatment modalities for certain bowel disorders. Understanding the precise role of the IGF axis in
cancer will either identify antagonism of the
IGF-I/receptor interaction as an important approach in
cancer prevention and risk reduction, or alternatively, support further development of
IGF-I as a promising treatment modality for acute
gastrointestinal disease.