Association between insulin-like growth factor-1 and ocular surface parameters in obese prepubertal boys
Wen Jiang1, Lixia Yang2, Shuang Liang3
1Institute of Medical Sciences, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
Insights
Reduced insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in obese prepubertal boys is linked to poorer ocular surface health, specifically decreased tear production and increased meibomian gland issues. Monitoring these eye parameters may offer new clinical insights.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Obesity in children is linked to lower insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which are associated with metabolic complications.
- Ocular surface tissues may be affected by hormonal changes, including those related to IGF-1.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and ocular surface parameters in obese prepubertal boys.
- To determine if IGF-1 levels correlate with tear production and meibomian gland function in this population.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 30 obese prepubertal boys and 30 healthy controls.
- Measurements included physical data, laboratory tests, and ocular surface assessments like the Schirmer I tear test (SIT) and meibomian gland scoring (meiboscore).
Main Results:
- Obese boys had lower IGF-1, reduced SIT, and higher meiboscore compared to controls.
- IGF-1 positively correlated with SIT and negatively with meiboscore.
- IGF-1 independently predicted SIT, and lower IGF-1 was associated with a higher meiboscore.
Conclusions:
- Reduced IGF-1 in obese prepubertal boys is independently associated with decreased tear production and impaired meibomian gland function.
- These findings suggest ocular surface parameters may offer novel clinical insights for managing obese children.
Abstract:
The study aimed to investigate the correlation between insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and ocular surface parameters in obese prepubertal boys. Thirty obese prepubertal boys and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls underwent physical measurements, laboratory tests, and ocular surface assessments. The obese group showed lower IGF-1 levels (P = 0.001), reduced Schirmer I tear test (SIT) (P <0.001), and higher meibomian gland scores (meiboscore) compared to controls (P = 0.015). Bivariate analysis revealed a positive association between IGF-1 and SIT (r = 0.677, P < 0.001), and a negative association with between IGF-1 and meiboscore (r = - 0.487, P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that IGF-1 (P < 0.001) and triglycerides (P = 0.028) independently influenced SIT. Logistic analysis showed a significant association between decreased IGF-1 and higher meiboscore values (OR 0.994, 95% confidence interval 0.988-1.000; P = 0.033).
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that reduced IGF-1 in obese prepubertal boys is independently linked to decreased SIT and increased meiboscore, irrespective of obesity and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This implies that monitoring ocular surface parameters in obese children might provide a new perspective for clinical practice to focus on.
What Is Known:
• Obese children exhibit decreased levels of IGF-1, and this reduction in IGF-1 is associated with cardiovascular metabolic complications related to obesity. • Ocular surface tissues might act as targets for hormones, might experience local effects of these hormone.
What Is New:
• In prepubertal obese boys, the decrease in IGF-1 is independently linked to decreased SIT and increased meiboscore, irrespective of obesity and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. • This finding implies that monitoring ocular surface parameters in obese children might provide a new perspective for clinical practice to focus on.
