Findings and theoretical considerations on the usefulness of the acid-labile subunit in the monitoring of acromegaly

Growth hormone (GH) action induces a variety of biochemical factors of which insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is conventionally measured for the diagnosis and monitoring of GH-related disorders such as GH deficiency or acromegaly. IGF-I circulates predominantly as a ternary complex with IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) and the acid labile subunit (ALS). In the treatment of active acromegaly with the GH receptor antagonist pegvisomant, ALS …