Correlation between IGF-2 and IGF-1 levels in type 1 diabetic Iraqi patients

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by impaired β-cell function and insulin deficiency, with emerging evidence implicating dysregulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis in its pathophysiology.

AIM: This research aimed to explore the levels of total insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) in sera of Iraqi adult patients with T1D and correlate these findings with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels and other biochemical parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 participants, including 80 patients with a history of T1D and 80 healthy controls were recruited from the National Diabetes Center, Mustansiriyah University. All Blood samples from both groups were analyzed for IGF-1, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA_1c), Lipid Profile, and Renal Function Markers. At the same time, IGF-2 was assessed via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis shows significant differences in all studied factors between T1D patients and control groups (p< 0.001). Notably, IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in T1D patients (median: 147 mg/dl) compared to controls (median: 215 mg/dl). In comparison, IGF-2 levels were markedly elevated in patients (median: 1.15 mg/dl) versus controls (median: 0.37 mg/dl). Strong positive correlations were observed between FBS, HbA_1c, and IGF-2, whereas negative correlations were found between these parameters and IGF-1. Additionally, BMI showed positive associations with FBS, HbA_1c, and IGF-2 but negative associations with IGF-1 and IGF-1/IGF-2 Ratio.

CONCLUSION: These findings indicate significant changes in the IGF system in patients with T1D. In particular, changes in IGF-1 and IGF-2 levels are thought to be related to the metabolic disturbances seen in T1D. However, larger, long-term studies are needed to better understand the clinical significance and potential biological mechanisms of these results.

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