Insulin-like growth factor-1: A potential target for bronchopulmonary dysplasia treatment (Review)

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common respiratory disorder among preterm infants, particularly low-birth-weight infants (LBWIs) and very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs). Although BPD was first reported 50 years ago, no specific drugs or efficient measures are yet available for prevention or treatment. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) belongs to the insulin family. It promotes mitosis and stimulates cell proliferation and DNA synthesis, the primary factors involved in pulmonary development during the fetal and postnatal periods. Several studies have reported that IGF-1 exerts certain effects on BPD genesis and progression by regulating BPD-related biological processes. In addition, exogenous addition of IGF-1 can alleviate lung inflammation, cell apoptosis and eliminate alveolar development disorders in children with BPD. These findings suggest that IGF-1 could be a new target for treating BPD. Here, we summarize and analyze the definition, pathogenesis, and research status of BPD, as well as the pathogenesis of IGF-1 in BPD and the latest findings in related biological processes.