The Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 7 in Obstetric and Gynecological Diseases

doi:10.12280/gjfckx.20260359

Abstract

Abstract:

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), as a multifunctional secreted glycoprotein, plays a significant role in the physiology and pathology of the female reproductive system. It influences follicular development, endometrial receptivity, and embryo implantation by participating in processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration, insulin resistance, immune microenvironment modulation, and angiogenesis. IGFBP7 exhibits high disease specificity across different microenvironments and participates in the development and progression of obstetric and gynecological diseases through multiple signaling pathways. Studies have shown that the abnormal expression of IGFBP7 is closely associated with gynecological tumors (e.g., ovarian cancer, endometrial carcinoma), pregnancy-related disorders (e.g., hyperemesis gravidarum, miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-related acute kidney injury), polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. This review elaborates on the biological characteristics of IGFBP7 and its regulatory functions in the female reproductive system, summarizes its differential roles in various obstetric and gynecological diseases, and discusses future research directions to provide novel insights for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Key words: Insulin resistance, Genital neoplasms, female, Hyperemesis gravidarum, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7

YAO Yu, CHEN Xiang-nan, WU Xiao-ke. The Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 7 in Obstetric and Gynecological Diseases[J]. Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2026, 53(5): 487-492.

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