Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2) may represent a critical link between body composition and
insulin sensitivity. We investigated the relationship between circulating
IGFBP-2 levels, body composition,
insulin sensitivity, energy intake and physical activity in children with
obesity. Children were recruited via the Weight Management Service at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, as part of the
Childhood Overweight BioRepository of Australia (COBRA). Comprehensive anthropometric, biochemical and environmental data were collected and compared to serum
IGFBP-2 levels (measured by
enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay). Multiple regression modelling was used to assess the influence of circulating
IGFBP-2 levels on anthropometric and biochemical measures. One hundred and ninety-four children were included in this study (46% male). Circulating
IGFBP-2 negatively correlated with age, anthropometric measures, blood pressure and
insulin concentration. Positive associations were observed between
insulin sensitivity index-homeostasis model assessment (ISI-HOMA) and serum
IGFBP-2. In multiple regression modelling,
IGFBP-2 significantly contributes to variance in systolic blood pressure (-19%, P < 0.05), circulating
triglycerides (-16%, P < 0.05) and ISI-HOMA (18%, P < 0.05). No associations were observed between dietary energy intake or physical activity and
IGFBP-2 levels. Circulating
IGFBP-2 levels in children with
obesity correlate inversely with body mass and markers of metabolic dysfunction, and positively with
insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest that reduced levels of
IGFBP-2 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of
obesity complications in early life.