Circulating IGF-1 Independently Predicts Blood Pressure in Children With Higher Calcium-Phosphorus Product Levels

Sílvia Xargay-Torrent1, Estefanía Dorado-Ceballos2, Anna Benavides-Boixader1

  • 1Pediatric Endocrinology Research Group, (Girona Biomedical Research Institute) IDIBGI, Salt, Spain.

Insights

Childhood insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) predicts systolic blood pressure (SBP), particularly in children with high calcium-phosphorus product (Ca*P) levels. This association highlights IGF-1

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Growth Factors

Background:

  • Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plays a crucial role in childhood growth and development.
  • Elevated blood pressure in childhood is a risk factor for adult cardiovascular disease.
  • The interplay between growth factors and cardiometabolic markers in pediatric populations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and blood pressure in children.
  • To investigate the potential interaction between IGF-1 and the serum calcium-phosphorus product (Ca*P) on blood pressure.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study of 521 children aged 8.8 years, with 158 followed up for 5 years.
  • Measurements included IGF-1, IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), serum calcium and phosphorus, anthropometrics, and cardiometabolic variables.
  • Statistical analyses involved Pearson correlations and multivariable linear regression.

Main Results:

  • Baseline IGF-1 and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and insulin resistance markers.
  • The association between IGF-1 and SBP was stronger in children with higher Ca*P levels.
  • After adjustment for confounders, IGF-1 remained an independent predictor of SBP, especially in the highest Ca*P tertile.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood IGF-1 is an independent predictor of SBP in apparently healthy children.
  • The predictive value of IGF-1 for SBP is particularly pronounced in children with elevated serum Ca*P levels.
  • These findings suggest a potential mechanism linking growth factors and cardiovascular health in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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