Insulin resistance (HOMA) in relation to plasma cortisol, IGF-I and IGFBP-3. A study in normal short-statured and GH-deficient children.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the possible contribution of plasma cortisol and growth hormone (GH) as reflected by insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)/insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) on insulin action in short-statured children.

METHODS:

In this study, insulin resistance (HOMA) was determined in 34 normal short-statured (age 9.4 +/- 3.5 years) and in 19 GH-deficient children (age 10.4 +/- 2.2 years). HOMA was examined in relation to fasting plasma cortisol, IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and in addition to birthweight and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS:

Birthweight was not correlated to insulin resistance. In GH-deficient children, BMI was significantly augmented and was associated with HOMA (p < 0.02). In both groups of patients, fasting plasma cortisol was related to HOMA (normal: r = 0.295, p < 0.05, GH-deficient: r = 0.495, p < 0.02). Only in normal short-statured children IGF-I (r = 0.338, p < 0.03) and IGFBP-3 (r = 0.493, p < 0.002) were associated with insulin resistance.

CONCLUSION:

The results indicated that at a young age cortisol contributed to insulin resistance in short-statured children. In normal short-statured children HOMA was associated with IGF-I and IGFBP-3. Possibly GH, a known cause of insulin resistance, contributed to HOMA as IGF-I and IGFBP-3 do not mediate insulin resistance but reflect growth hormone secretion. The results in GH-deficient children supported this conclusion as in the absence of GH insulin resistance was not associated with IGF-I/IGFBP-3.

• Authors: Marlene Bleicher, Josef Högel, Stefan Wudy, Martin Wabitsch, Janos Homoki, Wolfgang Sorgo, Eberhard Heinze
• Journal: Hormone research (Horm Res) Vol. 58 Issue 5 Pg. 229-32 ( 2002) ISSN: 0301-0163 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 12401942 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

Chemical References

• Insulin
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3
• Human Growth Hormone
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Body Height (physiology)
• Child
• Data Interpretation, Statistical
• Female
• Human Growth Hormone (deficiency)
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (blood)
• Infant, Low Birth Weight (metabolism)
• Infant, Newborn
• Insulin (blood, metabolism)
• Insulin Resistance (physiology)
• Insulin Secretion
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 (blood)
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (metabolism)
• Male