Polypeptide growth factors regulate kidney development, growth, and function and participate in the repair processes after renal injury. The use of one or more growth factors as therapeutic agents in the settings of acute and chronic renal failure has been proposed. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) accelerates the restoration of kidney function and the normalization of structure and reduces mortality rates in animal models of acute renal injury. The mechanisms by which IGF-I acts in acute renal failure include stimulation of anabolism, maintenance of glomerular filtration, acceleration of tubular regeneration, and increased expression of ischemia-induced renal genes. It has been safely used in persons at risk of having acute renal failure and in patients with end-stage chronic renal failure, in whom it increases the glomerular filtration rate. Further studies to determine the role of IGF-I as a therapeutic agent for acute renal failure and its utility as a medical therapy for chronic renal insufficiency are required.