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Dynamic Changes in Serum IGF-I and Growth During Infancy: Associations to Body Fat, Target Height, and PAPPA2

Emmie N Upners1,2, Marie Lindhardt Ljubicic1,2, Alexander S Busch1,2

  • 1Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is linked to infant weight gain, particularly in girls, and is not solely related to linear growth. This study provides crucial reference ranges for IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric endocrinology
  • Growth and development
  • Biomarkers in infancy

Background:

  • Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is vital for postnatal growth and diagnosing pituitary conditions in infants.
  • Detailed reference ranges for IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) during infancy are currently lacking.
  • Understanding determinants of infant growth is essential for early diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate rapid weight and length changes in healthy infants.
  • To establish age- and sex-specific reference curves for IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in infants (0-1 year).
  • To identify determinants of infant growth, including IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and PAPPA2 genotype.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective longitudinal cohort study of 233 healthy infants (114 girls) with repeated blood samples.
  • Measurement of serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations.
  • Assessment of length and weight velocities, and PAPPA2 (rs1325598) genotype.

Main Results:

  • Sex-specific trajectories observed for length and weight velocities.
  • Detailed reference curves for IGF-I and IGFBP-3 established for infancy.
  • IGF-I decreased, while IGFBP-3 remained stable throughout infancy.
  • IGF-I and IGFBP-3 positively associated with weight gain, not longitudinal growth.
  • Association between IGF-I and weight gain was significant in girls only.

Conclusions:

  • IGF-I plays a significant role in infant weight gain, especially in girls.
  • The anabolic role of IGF-I extends beyond linear growth in the first year of life.
  • Established reference curves aid in diagnosing growth disorders in infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
IGF-IIGFBP-3PAPP-A2growthgrowth velocityinfancy

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