MRI-derived morphological metrics unveiling GH-IGF-1 axis in modulation of adenohypophyses during peripubertal development

Abstract Objective To explore the regulatory mechanisms of adenohypophysis height and volume growth in peripubertal children via the correlation between magnetic resonance characteristics (height and volume) of the adenohypophysis and the GH-IGF-1 axis. Methods Included were 380 children (aged 3–12) suspected of growth disorders from 2020–2024. Participants underwent pituitary MRI, serological tests, and GH stimulation tests. Adenohypophysis height (aPH) and volume (aPV), along with Insulin-like Growth Factor 1(IGF-1), Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3. (IGFBP-3), and GHmax levels, were measured. Pearson and partial correlation analyses assessed relationships among these variables. Results Pearson analysis revealed stronger correlations of aPV with IGF-1 (r = 0.609, p < 0.001) and IGFBP-3 (r = 0.560, p < 0.001) than with GHmax (r = 0.083, p = 0.105). Similarly, aPH correlated more closely with IGF-1 (r = 0.490, p < 0.001) and IGFBP-3 (r = 0.448, p < 0.001) than with GHmax (r = 0.111, p = 0.031). Partial correlation analysis, adjusting for age, height, and weight, showed improved but still weaker correlations between aPV, aPH and GHmax (r = 0.212, p < 0.01; r = 0.155, p < 0.01) compared to IGF-1 (r = 0.252–0.254, p < 0.001), suggesting confounding effects of growth-related factors. Conclusion 3D CUBE-retrieved enlarged volume and increased height of adenohypophysis during adolescence more likely attributed to the GH-IGF-1 axis rather than hormone secretion.