How does insulin like growth factor prevent fatty build-up inside arteries?

Examining the mechanisms underpinning protection from atherosclerosis in mice with increased endothelial cell insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor expression

Dr Stephen Wheatcroft and his team at the University of Leeds are working out if a hormone called insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its receptors can help prevent fatty deposits building up inside the arteries. This 'furring up' process, called atherosclerosis, occurs more often in people with diabetes, but we don’t understand why this happens. Most people with diabetes still produce insulin but their bodies are resistant to its effects, and they are also resistant to the effects of a related hormone called IGF-1, which can help to keep blood vessels healthy. IGF-1 works by communicating with receptors on the surface of the body’s cells including endothelial cells that line our blood vessels. Dr Wheatcroft has found that increasing the number of receptors for IGF-1 on the surface of endothelial cells in mice can help prevent the build-up of fatty deposits within arteries. In this project, he will find out how this happens by studying these special mice and working out how endothelial cells and the development of atherosclerosis are affected. Understanding how IGF-1 and IGF-1 receptors can prevent fatty deposits building up may give clues to ways to prevent heart disease in the future, such as drugs that boost the numbers of IGF-1 receptors.