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Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) in acromegaly
V J Coulson1, J A Wass, A F Abdulla
1Department of Chemical Endocrinology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London.
Growth Regulation
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Acromegaly involves excess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). This study explored the relationship between IGF-I, GH, insulin, and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Proteins (IGFBPs) in acromegaly patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Acromegaly is characterized by growth hormone (GH) hypersecretion and elevated insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I).
- Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Proteins (IGFBPs) modulate IGF-I activity in circulation.
- Understanding IGFBP regulation is crucial for acromegaly management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate correlations between IGFBP levels and regulatory factors (IGF-I, GH, insulin) in acromegaly.
- To analyze the behavior of different IGFBP forms in varying disease activity.
- To assess IGFBP levels in biochemically cured acromegaly patients.
Main Methods:
- Western Ligand Blotting and 2-dimensional radioactive scanning were employed.
- Quantification of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-1 levels using RIA.
- Analysis of glycosylated forms of IGFBP-3.
Main Results:
- Two glycosylated IGFBP-3 forms correlated with increased IGF-I levels, but not GH.
- IGFBP-2 showed an association with IGFBP-1 RIA levels.
- IGFBP-3 levels were normal in cured patients, but fasting insulin remained elevated.
Conclusions:
- IGFBP-3 glycosylation is linked to IGF-I levels in acromegaly.
- Potential interference from IGFBP-3 fragments affects IGFBP-1 measurements.
- Persistent hyperinsulinemia in cured acromegaly warrants further investigation.