Circulating Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 Are Associated With Early Carotid Atherosclerosis

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Abstract
Objective— Growth hormone (GH)–insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 axis regulates growth and survival of vascular cells and cardiomyocytes. The role of GH–IGF-1 axis in cardiovascular disease is controversial. Methods and Results— We assessed the association of circulating levels of IGF-1 and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) with early carotid atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic risk factors in 330 Japanese men (age 51.6±8.6 years, range 29 to 77, body mass index [BMI] 23.6±2.9 kg/m2). Intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery was measured by ultrasound. Abdominal visceral adipose and subcutaneous adipose tissue area by computer-assisted tomographic scan were determined. Correlation coefficients were calculated by partial correlation analysis. BMI and plasma insulin showed positive associations with circulating IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was correlated with IGF-1. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was inversely associated with IGF-1. Blood pressure, total cholesterol, ... The role of growth hormone–insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 axis in cardiovascular disease is controversial. We have found that IGF-1 and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 were associated with carotid intima-media thickness independent of age, body mass index, blood pressure, and insulin in 330 apparently healthy Japanese men. Circulating IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 may be stimulators of atherosclerosis.