The Relation Between IGF-1, GH, IGFBP3 Levels and Stroke and Comorbid Disease

Objectives: The GH/IGF axis (GH: growth hormone; IGF: insulin-like growth factor) includes IGF-1 and -2, specific receptors, and at least six insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP). Human and animal studies have shown that the IGF axis, particularly IGF-1, is related to stroke risk. In the present study, we aimed to determine the relationship between IGF-1, GH, IGFBP3, and stroke and comorbid diseases. Methods: This prospective study was conducted between August 2010 and December 2010 at the Emergency Department of Ankara Training and Research Hospital after approval by the local ethics committee. Patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke within 24 hours of symptom onset were included in the study. Gender, age, waist circumference, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, history of stroke, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipid profile, and GH, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 levels were recorded. Results: Fifty patients with ischemic stroke and 30 control patients were included. GH levels were significantly higher in stroke patients than in the control group (0.57 versus 0.06, respectively; p<0.001), as were IGFB3 levels (3234.6±1135.3 versus 2264.1±451.5, respectively; p<0.001). However, IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in stroke patients (93.5 versus 142, respectively; p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that GH (odds ratio: 24.972; 95% confidence interval: 2.362-263.974) and IGFBP3 (odds ratio: 1.002; 95% confidence interval: 1.0003-1.003) are significant markers for ischemic stroke, but IGF-1 is not a significant marker. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, IGF-1 is not related to ischemic stroke, but high levels of GH and IGFBP3 are related to ischemic stroke. Further studies are needed to determine the diagnostic or prognostic usage of these markers in ischemic stroke patients.