The insulin-like growth factor system is altered in obesity and type 2 diabetes, with suppressed IGFBP-1 levels predicting future diabetes and contributing to vascular complications.
The IGF system is altered in obesity and type 2 diabetes and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for vascular and other complications.
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, acting in concert with other hormone axes, is important in normal metabolism. In obesity, the hyperinsulinaemia that accompanies peripheral insulin resistance leads to reduced growth hormone (GH) secretion, while total IGF-I levels are relatively unchanged due to increased hepatic GH sensitivity. IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-1 levels are suppressed in relation to the increase in insulin levels in obesity and low levels predict the development of type 2 diabetes several years later. Visceral adiposity and hepatic steatosis, along with a chronic inflammation, contribute to the IGF system phenotype in individuals with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus, including changes in the normal inverse relationship between IGFBP-1 and insulin, with IGFBP-1 concentrations that are inappropriately normal or elevated. The IGF system is implicated in the vascular and other complications of these disorders and is therefore a potential therapeutic target.
Lewitt et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system was evaluated. The insulin-like growth factor system is altered in obesity and type 2 diabetes, with suppressed IGFBP-1 levels predicting future diabetes and contributing to vascular complications.