Determination Of Free Insulin-Like Growth Factor, IFG-1, and The Effect of Pastuerization in Milk

Determination Of Free Insulin-Like Growth Factor, IFG-1, and The Effect of Pastuerization in Milk

Alvin Sherman Library 2053

The hormone insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) is known to have a broad range of effects including promotion of cell survival, stimulation of metabolism, and proliferation of differentiating cells. In 1994, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH). According to rBGH manufacturers, injections of rBGH causes cows to produce up to 20 percent more milk. IGF-1 is the same in humans and cows. The FDA has insisted that, if consumed orally, IGF-1 is not dangerous, and thus does not pose a health risk. It is highly likely that IGF-1 promotes transformation of normal breast cellular activity to breast cancers. In addition, IGF-1 maintains the malignancy of human breast cancer cells, including their invasiveness and ability to spread to distant organs. (ICF-1 has similarly been associated with colon cancer.) Milk Producers have stated that IGF - 1 is destroyed in the pastuerization process. This study utilizes Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay,ELISA, to quantitate the levels of free IGF-1 in milk before and after the process of pastuerization.