Circulating IGFBP-2 levels are inversely associated with the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A cohort study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis is essential for the body's metabolism. The hepatokine, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2), acts as a major regulator of this metabolism. We aimed to evaluate the role of serum IGFBP-2 in the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS:

This hospital-based prospective cohort study recruited residents from a health program from January to November 2013, and re-invited them for follow-up in 2016. The occurrence of NAFLD was noted and IGFBP-2 levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at both visits.

RESULTS:

Of 763 participants at baseline, 296 completed the re-evaluation. Baseline serum IGFBP-2 levels were significantly lower in subjects with NAFLD compared with those without NAFLD. Circulating IGFBP-2 levels were negatively correlated with body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, alanine transaminase, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and insulin. IGFBP-2 levels at follow-up decreased in subjects who developed NAFLD compared with those who did not. Higher circulating levels of IGFBP-2 at baseline were negatively associated with the incidence of NAFLD.

CONCLUSION:

These results indicate that IGFBP-2 levels are inversely associated with the risk of NAFLD. This offers new insights into the role of circulating IGFBP-2, as an IGF-axis hepatokine, in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis.

• Authors: Ji Yang, Wenjing Zhou, Yue Wu, Liqian Xu, Yuming Wang, Zherong Xu, Yunmei Yang
• Journal: The Journal of international medical research (J Int Med Res) Vol. 48 Issue 8 Pg. 300060520935219 (Aug 2020) ISSN: 1473-2300 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 32762395 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• IGFBP2 protein, human
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I

Topics

• Cohort Studies
• Humans
• Incidence
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (metabolism)
• Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (epidemiology)
• Prospective Studies