What the liver-deficient mice, the knockout mice and the human cohorts say about IGF-1 and the skeleton

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
IGF-1 drives growth-plate chondrocyte proliferation, stimulates osteoblast function and bone matrix synthesis, and participates in the coupling of bone formation to resorption. Mice lacking IGF-1 entirely have small, under-mineralised skeletons; the liver-specific knockout mice of 1999, which grow to normal length, were shown by Yakar and colleagues in 2002 to have markedly reduced cortical bone thickness and strength, showing that circulating IGF-1 matters for bone even where it does not for length. In humans, lower IGF-1 associates with lower bone density and higher fracture risk in several cohorts, and the bone phenotypes of acromegaly and of adult deficiency run in the expected directions.

The mouse genetics

Total IGF-1 deficiency: short bones, reduced mineralisation, growth plate disorganisation. Liver-specific deficiency: normal length, because local IGF-1 in the growth plate suffices, but a thin cortex and weak bones, because periosteal bone formation depends on the circulating hormone. Receptor deletion in osteoblasts: reduced mineralisation. Each dissects a different part of the action.

The liver-deficient result was the finding that gave circulating IGF-1 a function after the 1999 growth result had seemed to remove one.

The human data

IGF-1 declines with age as bone density does, and cross-sectional studies associate the two after adjustment. Acromegaly increases bone size and cortical thickness while worsening vertebral fracture risk through other mechanisms. Adult growth hormone deficiency lowers bone density and replacement raises it slowly. Trials of IGF-1 itself for osteoporosis were small and did not progress.

Bone is a tissue where the IGF-1 story is reasonably coherent across species.

Why it is here

Because the skeleton is a principal target of the hormone and the evidence about it is clear enough to state. It describes no use of the pack.

IGF-1 LR3 is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity and purity documented for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
IGF-1 LR3 Pack1 mgAED 650In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

The mouse genetics?

Total IGF-1 deficiency: short bones, reduced mineralisation, growth plate disorganisation. Liver-specific deficiency: normal length, because local IGF-1 in the growth plate suffices, but a thin cortex and weak bones, because periosteal bone formation depends on the circulating hormone. Receptor deletion in osteoblasts: reduced mineralisation. Each dissects a different part of the action.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

IGF-1 LR3 Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.