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Relationships between serum IGF1 levels, blood pressure, and glucose tolerance: an observational, exploratory study

Annamaria Colao1, Carolina Di Somma, Teresa Cascella

  • 1Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, University Federico II of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. colao@unina.it

European Journal of Endocrinology
|July 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Low Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) levels are linked to higher blood pressure and impaired glucose tolerance, including diabetes. These findings highlight IGF1

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Low Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease and mortality in the general population.
  • Understanding IGF1's role in metabolic and cardiovascular health is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) levels and blood pressure (BP).
  • To examine the association between IGF1 levels and glucose tolerance (GT).

Main Methods:

  • Study included 404 subjects (200 men, aged 18-80 years).
  • Exclusion criteria included history of pituitary/cardiovascular diseases, specific medications, heavy smoking, and alcohol abuse.
  • Measurements included IGF1 levels, blood pressure, and glucose tolerance tests.

Main Results:

  • Normotensive subjects had significantly higher IGF1 levels than hypertensive subjects.
  • IGF1 levels independently predicted systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
  • Subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) had higher IGF1 levels than those with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes mellitus.
  • IGF1 levels independently predicted fasting glucose and HOMA-R.

Conclusions:

  • Low-normal IGF1 levels are associated with hypertension.
  • Low-normal IGF1 levels are associated with diabetes mellitus.
  • These associations are observed in subjects without pre-existing pituitary or cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract

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