Evaluation of insulin-like growth factor-1 in apparently healthy infants and prepubertal Egyptian children with different nutritional statuses

BMC Pediatr. 2024 Oct 22;24(1):673. doi: 10.1186/s12887-024-05118-x.

Abstract

Objectives: to estimate insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in apparently healthy infants and prepubertal children and compare results among different nutritional statuses.

Methods: Our cross-sectional work is a sub-study of a screening project for anemia and nutritional status. We included 252 apparently healthy infants and children with a mean age of 3.7 ± 1.3 years (1.1-6.6), with equal gender distribution. Data retrieved included breastfeeding and anthropometric measures. We tested the stored blood samples for IGF-1 levels. The sample size was reached when all kits were consumed.

Results: abnormal anthropometric measures were detected in 32.9%, either a single or multiple, and 86.5% were breastfed. Girls had significantly higher serum IGF-1 levels than boys (P: <0.001), which was noticeable in girls with abnormal nutritional status detected with anthropometry. Breastfeeding showed no significant association with IGF-1 levels. No significant difference was observed between IGF-1 levels between children with normal versus those with abnormal growth measures. Children with overweight or obesity had significantly lower IGF-1 than children with other body mass index (BMI) categories. Serum IGF-1 levels correlated positively with arm muscle area Z scores in infants and toddlers and weight and BMI Z scores in children between three and four. Also, IGF-1 correlated positively with the triceps skinfold Z score and arm muscle area Z score between four and five.

Conclusions: Among studied infants and prepubertal children, serum IGF-1 was significantly higher in girls than boys and was considerably lower in children with overweight or obesity. Breastfeeding showed no association with IGF-1 levels.

Keywords: Anthropometric measures; Breastfeeding; Gender; IGF-1; Obesity; Short stature.

MeSH terms

  • Anthropometry
  • Body Mass Index
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Egypt
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I* / analysis
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I* / metabolism
  • Insulin-Like Peptides
  • Male
  • Nutritional Status*

Substances

  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Insulin-Like Peptides