Associations of insulin-Like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-2 and IGFBP-3 with ultrasound measures of atherosclerosis and plaque stability in an older adult population

Martin, R.M., Gunnell, D., Whitley, E. , Nicolaides, A., Griffin, M., Georgiou, N., Davey Smith, G., Ebrahim, S. and Holly, J.M.P. (2008) Associations of insulin-Like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-2 and IGFBP-3 with ultrasound measures of atherosclerosis and plaque stability in an older adult population. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 93(4), pp. 1331-1338. (doi: 10.1210/jc.2007-2295)

Abstract

Context: Circulating IGF-I is inversely associated with ischemic heart disease incidence. Whether this association relates to alterations in plaque growth or stability, and the role of IGF-II and the major binding proteins [IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-2 and -3], is unclear.<p></p> Objective: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that circulating IGF-I is inversely, and IGF-II is positively, associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and plaque stability.<p></p> Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a cross-sectional analysis based on 310 participants in the United Kingdom-based Boyd Orr cohort who were aged 63–82 yr. Cohort members from Aberdeen, Bristol, Dundee, Wisbech, and London were invited to clinics for fasted venepuncture and arterial ultrasound examination.<p></p> Main Outcomes: Arterial intima-media thickness, arterial plaque prevalence, and computerized assessment of plaque echogenicity (a measure of stability), undertaken using the gray scale median, were calculated.<p></p> Results: In total, 269 of 310 (86.8%) participants had at least one carotid or femoral plaque. In models controlling for IGFBP-3, there was a 44% (95% confidence interval 12–64%) reduction in the odds of any plaque and a 28% lower (0–48%) odds of echolucent (unstable) plaques per SD increase in IGF-I. IGFBP-3 was positively associated with plaque instability (odds ratio: 1.38; 0.99–1.93). IGF-II was positively associated (0.05-mm increase per SD; 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.09), and IGFBP-2 was inversely associated, with carotid bifurcation intima-media thickness. Neither IGF-II nor IGFBP-2 was associated with plaque prevalence or echogenicity.<p></p> Conclusion: High-circulating IGF-I levels may promote arterial plaque stability. IGF-II and IGFBP-2 do not appear to play a role in plaque development or stability.<p></p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Whitley, Dr Elise
• Authors: Martin, R.M., Gunnell, D., Whitley, E., Nicolaides, A., Griffin, M., Georgiou, N., Davey Smith, G., Ebrahim, S., and Holly, J.M.P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Publisher: Endocrine Society
• ISSN: 0021-972X
• ISSN (Online): 1945-7197