Growth Factors in ACT: What They Are and Why They Drive Regeneration | ALIV

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar | Written by ALIV

Growth factors are signalling proteins — molecules that bind to specific receptors on target cells and trigger defined cellular responses including proliferation (cell division), migration (movement of cells to sites of repair), differentiation (cells maturing into specific functional types), survival (protection from programmed cell death), and metabolic activation (increasing cellular energy production and biosynthetic activity). They are produced naturally by cells throughout the body but are particularly concentrated in platelets, bone marrow, and adipose tissue — which is why these sources are used in ACT. At concentrations naturally present in tissue after injury, growth factors direct the normal healing response. At the supraphysiological concentrations achievable through ACT processing, they can meaningfully upregulate this healing response in tissues where the natural healing process has been overwhelmed or chronically suppressed by disease.

The Key Growth Factors in ALIV's ACT Preparations

PDGF — Platelet-Derived Growth Factor: Stimulates fibroblast proliferation and migration to sites of tissue repair; promotes smooth muscle and connective tissue regeneration; and stimulates angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) indirectly through VEGF induction. Most concentrated in platelets; prominent in PRP-type preparations. TGF-β — Transforming Growth Factor beta: Bidirectional effects depending on concentration and context — promotes collagen synthesis and matrix formation at low concentrations; modulates immune activation through Treg induction and anti-inflammatory cytokine promotion; and in some contexts, modulates fibrogenic stellate cell activation. The most immunologically significant growth factor in MSC paracrine preparations. VEGF — Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: The primary angiogenic signal — stimulates new capillary formation, supporting oxygen and nutrient delivery to the healing tissue. Critical for wound healing, cartilage repair (avascular cartilage has very limited natural angiogenic access), and neurological regeneration. IGF-1 — Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1: Supports cell survival and metabolic activation; promotes glucose uptake and mitochondrial function in target cells; important in muscle, nerve, and cartilage cell survival. Particularly relevant to anti-ageing and neuropathic applications. HGF — Hepatocyte Growth Factor: Despite its name, HGF acts on multiple epithelial and parenchymal cell types — its primary hepatic role is as the main driver of hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration; it also has significant roles in kidney, lung, and neuronal repair. Most relevant in ALIV's liver and multi-organ applications. See how these factors work together: ACT mechanism explained.

Do all ACT preparations contain the same growth factors?

No — the growth factor profile varies by source material and processing protocol. Bone marrow-derived preparations are particularly rich in TGF-β, HGF, and IGF-1 — making them more appropriate for immunomodulatory and systemic applications. Platelet-based preparations (PRP) are concentrated in PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-β — more relevant for localised tissue repair applications. Adipose-derived MSC preparations have a distinct growth factor and cytokine profile that includes higher neurotrophic factor content (BDNF, NGF) — relevant for neurological applications. This is why ALIV selects the source material based on the specific clinical indication rather than using a single universal preparation for all applications.

Can I take growth factor supplements instead of ACT?

Oral or topical growth factor supplements are available in the wellness market but have very limited clinical relevance. Growth factors are proteins — they are denatured by stomach acid and do not survive oral ingestion to reach target tissues in active form. Topical growth factor creams penetrate skin to a limited degree and have some cosmetic evidence for surface skin applications. Neither approach achieves the tissue concentrations or systemic paracrine delivery that IV or targeted injection of ACT-processed preparations achieves. The clinical relevance of ACT growth factor delivery is fundamentally about the concentration and route of delivery that bypasses the barriers that make oral or topical delivery ineffective.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Therapies offered by ALIV are proprietary, experimental protocols and results vary by individual.