Despite numerous progresses, including extracorporeal epuration, acute
renal failure (ARF) remains associated with a high level of mortality
and morbidity, particularly in intensive care unit. Experimental rese
arch on different acute renal failure models has clearly shown that gr
owth factors and particularly Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) can
reduce renal injury, improve renal recovery and even reduce mortality
. IGF-I, that is locally produced in injured renal tubules, promotes t
he proliferation and differentiation of new tubular cells. Moreover, I
GF-I carriers (IGFBPs) and IGF-I receptor are altered in ARF and modif
y the growth factor bioactivity. To date, only two clinical trials stu
died IGF-I treatment in the ARF condition. Other studies are required
to demonstrate a role for IGF-I in treating or preventing acute renal
failure.