Relationship of insulin-like growth factor 1 and bone parameters in 7–15 years old apparently, healthy Indian children

Abstract

Objective: Growth hormone through insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plays an important role in both bone growth and mineralization. This cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between serum IGF-1 concentrations and dual energy X-ray (DXA) measured whole body less head bone area (BA), lean body mass (LBM), and bone mineral content (BMC). Methods: One hundred and nineteen children (boys = 70, age = 7.3–15.6 years) were studied for their anthropometric parameters by standard methods and bone and body composition by DXA. Their fasting serum IGF-1 concentrations were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Z-scores were calculated using available reference data. Bone and body composition parameter Z-scores were calculated using ethnic reference data. Results: Mean age of the boys and girls was similar (11.5 ± 1.8 years). The mean serum IGF-1concentrations and IGF-1 Z-scores were similar (P > 0.1) between boys and girls and were of the order of (302.3 ± 140.0 and − 1.4 ± 1.1, respectively). The LBM for age and BA for age Z-score was greater in children with IGF-1 Z-score > median than children with IGF-1 Z-score 0.1). Conclusion: Serum IGF-1 levels were more strongly associated with BA and LBM, suggesting that its effect on bone is greater with respect to periosteal bone acquisition and through its effect on muscle mass.

Keywords

• Bone mineral content
• Indian children
• insulin-like growth factor 1