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Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 and hemoglobin concentration in older persons living in the community

Francesco Landi1, Andrea Russo, Ettore Capoluongo

  • 1Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy. francesco_landi@rm.unicatt.it

International Journal of Hematology
|May 8, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) are linked to increased hemoglobin concentration in older adults. This suggests the growth hormone/IGF axis influences red blood cell production in the elderly.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Endocrinology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Anemia is common in the elderly, often with unknown causes.
  • Understanding factors influencing hemoglobin levels in older adults is crucial for health.
  • The role of the growth hormone/IGF axis in aging and hematopoiesis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) levels and hemoglobin concentration in individuals aged 80 and above.
  • To explore the potential role of the growth hormone/IGF axis in age-related changes in hemoglobin.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the ilSIRENTE study (n=253).
  • Utilized analysis of covariance to assess the relationship between IGFBP-3 levels and hemoglobin.
  • Adjusted for confounding factors including age, sex, comorbidities, renal function, albumin, and iron levels.

Main Results:

  • Higher IGFBP-3 concentrations were significantly associated with higher mean hemoglobin levels (13.4 +/- 1.4 g/dL vs. 12.9 +/- 1.9 g/dL, P=.03) after statistical adjustments.
  • The association remained significant even after accounting for various clinical and biochemical variables.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated IGFBP-3 levels correlate with increased hemoglobin concentration in community-dwelling older adults.
  • The growth hormone/IGF axis may play a significant role in regulating hematopoiesis in the elderly.
  • This finding could offer insights into the mechanisms behind age-related anemia.

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