The impact of IGF-1 deficiency on cardiometabolic risk factors in the elderly population

Background Lifestyle interventions can prevent metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors, of which obesity, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia are the most important components. Literature data provide evidence of significant age-related decline in circulating levels of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and decrease its cardio protection effects. The aim of the present study was to identify the association between the lipid ratios and age-related decline in IGF-1 secretion with the occurrence of cardiometabolic risk factors in a population-based sample of Polish older adults. Methods Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed in 799 (aged 77.3 ± 10.9 years; 427 female and 372 male participants), a population-based sample of Polish older adults. In all subjects somatic variables, serum contents of glucose, insulin, total and HDL cholesterol (TC and HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 were measured. To determine IGF-1 bioavailability, the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio was calculated. In order to evaluate the risk for cardiometabolic disease, lipid ratios (TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Results Serum IGF-1 concentrations significantly decrease with age (F = 5.7 p < 0.001) and higher serum IGF-1 and lower IGFBP-3 levels were found in male compared to female subjects. Significant associations were observed between age and IGF-1 levels (r = - 6.9, p < 0.000), IGF-1 and LDL ( r = 3.6 p < 0.001) and IGF-1 and AIP ( r = 2.2 p < 0.02). Individuals with higher IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio (p < 0.05) and higher serum IGF-1 contents were characterized by lower HOMA-IR levels. In conclusion, our study suggests that IGF-1 and lipid ratios have been important factors to identify an increased risk of developing of cardiometabolic risk in older adults.