Evaluation of insulin-like growth factor-1 in apparently healthy infants and prepubertal Egyptian children with different nutritional statuses
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type
Article
Publisher
BMC Pediatrics
Series Info
Fouad et al. BMC Pediatrics; (2024) 24:673
Scientific Journal Rankings
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.
Description
Keywords
Anthropometric measures, Breastfeeding, INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS::Gender studies, IGF-1, Obesity, Short stature