Insulin-like growth factor-I signaling plays a pivotal role in the development of oral premalignant lesions in patients with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

<p>Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of the metabolic system that is diagnosed by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. Diabetic patients are frequently prone to developing oral health complications, such as being at a higher risk for developing oral precancerous conditions like lichen planus, leukoplakia, and erythroplakia. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a peptide hormone with a structure similar to insulin and belongs to the family of growth factors that play a vital role in the development of embryonic, postembryonic, and normal physiological functions of the human body. IGF-I, through autophosphorylation of its receptor, activates the mitogen-activated protein kinases pathway that leads to the expression of IGF-I hormone. In oral premalignant conditions, like lichen planus, submucous fibrosis, leukoplakia, and erythroplakia, the levels of the IGF-I hormone are increased. Subsequently, IGF-I can be used as a marker for early detection of malignancy in oral premalignant lesions.</p>