Abstract | BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to establish age- and sex-related reference ranges of serum IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels in a pattern of Tunisian children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two hundred healthy Tunisian children (103 boys and 97 girls), aged between 6 and 16 yr, were considered in the study. RESULTS: Mean serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 are observed to be higher in girls compared to boys of the same age interval. However, these differences were statistically significant only in pubertal ages (11-14 yr) for IGF-I and in pre-pubertal ages (6-10 yr) for IGFBP- 3 (p<0.05). Steeper variations in IGF-I concentrations were obtained earlier in girls than in boys (11-12 vs 12-13 yr, Tanner stage 3-4). Peak of IGF-I levels are observed at almost the same age interval (12-14 yr). IGFBP-3 levels significantly increased at steeper variations of IGF-I for both sexes followed by steady values. CONCLUSIONS: Variations of IGF-I and IGFBP- 3 with the considered parameters (sex, age, and puberty stage), which concord with previous studies on various populations, emphasize the importance of locally established reference levels to construct a SD score prediction model. Establishment of reference serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 ranges during childhood and adolescence in Tunisian subjects can help to enhance the diagnostic efficiency of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in evaluating growth disorders in our population.
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Authors | S Sfar, M Zaouali Ajina, S Ben Mdalla, A Baklouti, H Knani, Z Tabka, A Zbidi |
Journal | Journal of endocrinological investigation
(J Endocrinol Invest)
Vol. 32
Issue 8
Pg. 671-6
(Sep 2009)
ISSN: 1720-8386 [Electronic] Italy |
PMID | 19494704
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Age Factors
- Child
- Female
- Humans
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3
(blood)
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
(metabolism)
- Male
- Puberty
(physiology)
- Reference Values
- Sex Factors
- Tunisia
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