Cutis verticis gyrata in a patient with acromegaly: an unusual case and review of literature.

Acromegaly is a rare systemic syndrome induced by the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor type one (IGF1). It is responsible for changes in the skeletal and soft tissue systems and it almost always occurs because of a pituitary adenoma. Amongst the skin complications related to acromegaly, cutis verticis gyrate (CVG) is occasionally found. It is a skin condition characterized by excessive growth of the skin of the scalp, resulting in furrows and folds. Only a few cases of this uncommon association have been reported in the literature. The present clinical case illustrates typical CVG associated with acromegaly. Imaging revealed a pituitary macroadenoma lesion and hormonal evaluation revealed elevated IGF1 and hypopituitarism. The patient underwent a transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary adenoma and the histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The diagnosis of CVG is clinical, so radiologic assessments are generally not necessary. The management of acromegaly associated with CVG depends on controlling the serum levels of GH and IGF1. In some cases, specific injections or surgery can be used to minimize CVG.

Aortic root dilation in acromegaly.

Previous studies have linked persistent elevations in growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to cardiac abnormalities including aortic root dilation. Guidelines in the management of this dilation below the size recommended for surgery have not been well defined but follow-up and intervention when appropriate could be life-saving. We report the case of a man in his 60s who had been living with undiagnosed acromegaly for many years. His initial assessment through point-of-care ultrasound raised concerns about potential cardiac enlargement, prompting further investigation with a formal echocardiogram, which revealed a significant aortic root dilation measuring 4.5 cm. Subsequent blood tests confirmed elevated levels of IGF-1. Brain MRI showed a focal lesion in the pituitary gland, which was surgically resected, confirming the diagnosis of a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma. One year after surgery, a repeat CT angiogram of the chest demonstrated a stable size of the aortic root aneurysm.

The impact of exercise on growth factors in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Aging results in many changes in health status, body composition, muscle strength, and, ultimately, functional capacity. These changes coincide with significant alterations in the endocrine system, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), and may be associated with many symptoms of aging. The objectives of this study is to investigate the potential influence of different types of exercise, such as resistance training and aerobic training, on IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched up to November 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of the studies. The random-effects model, weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the overall effect. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-squared and I2 tests. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included in the present systematic review and 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results from 16 studies (21 trials) with 1170 participants examining the impact of exercise on IGF-1 concentration showed a significant increase in IGF-1, and the pooled results among six studies (trials) showed a significant decrease in IGFBP-3 concentration (730 participants). In addition, resistance training and aerobic training had a significant effect on increasing IGF-1 concentration post-exercise compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: Based on this meta-analysis, Women who have completed menopause and followed an exercise routine showed changes in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels that can indirectly be associated with risk of chronic age-related conditions.

Peripheral Biomarkers of Anorexia Nervosa: A Meta-Analysis.

The pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN) has been hypothesized to involve several biological systems. However, reliable biomarkers for AN have yet to be established. This study was aimed to identify statistically significant and clinically meaningful peripheral biomarkers associated with AN. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies published in English from inception until 30 June 2022. We conducted two-level random-effects meta-analyses to examine the difference between AN and comparison groups across 52 distinct biomarkers and found that acylated ghrelin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks (CTX), cholesterol, cortisol, des-acyl ghrelin, ghrelin, growth hormone (GH), obestatin, and soluble leptin receptor levels were significantly higher in cases of AN compared with those in non-AN controls. Conversely, C-reactive protein (CRP), CD3 positive, CD8, creatinine, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), leptin, luteinizing hormone, lymphocyte, and prolactin levels were significantly lower in AN compared with those in non-AN controls. Our findings indicate that peripheral biomarkers may be linked to the pathophysiology of AN, such as processes of adaptation to starvation. Scientific investigation into peripheral biomarkers may ultimately yield breakthroughs in personalized clinical care for AN.

A Mediation Analysis of Obesity and Adiponectin Association with Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk: A Nested Cohort Study in the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study II (IBIS-II) Prevention Trial.

Obesity is a risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer (BC), and evidence suggests a role for adiponectin in the relationship between obesity and BC. We investigated whether adiponectin or other biomarkers mediate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on postmenopausal BC risk in a cohort study nested in the IBIS-II Prevention Trial. We measured adiponectin, leptin, IGF-I, IGFBP-1, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, glycemia, insulin, HOMA-IR index, and SHBG in baseline and 12-month serum samples from 123 cases and 302 matched controls in the placebo arm of the IBIS-II Prevention trial. We conducted the main mediation analysis considering baseline BMI as an exposure and the 12-month adiponectin increase as a mediator after adjustment for the Tyrer-Cuzick score and the lipid-lowering medications/supplements use. In the multivariable Cox model, both the 12-month adiponectin increase (HR, 0.60; 95%CI, 0.36-1.00) and BMI were associated with BC risk (HR, 1.05; 95%CI, 1.00-1.09), with a 40% reduction in women with a 12-month increase in adiponectin. A significantly higher cumulative hazard of BC events was observed in obese women (BMI > 30) with decreased adiponectin (p = 0.0087). No mediating effect of the adiponectin increase on the total effect of BMI on BC risk was observed (natural indirect effect: HR, 1.00; 95%CI, 0.98-1.02). Raising adiponectin levels might be an attractive target for postmenopausal BC prevention.

A New Method for Growth Factor Enrichment from Dairy Products by Electrodialysis with Filtration Membranes: The Major Impact of Raw Product Pretreatment.

This study is focused on fractionation of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and transforming growth factor-ß2 (TGF-ß2) using a new electro-based membrane process calledelectrodialysis with filtration membranes (EDFM). Before EDFM, different pretreatments were tested, and four pH conditions (4.25, 3.85, 3.45, and 3.05) were used during EDFM. It was demonstrated that a 1:1 dilution of defatted colostrum with deionized water to decrease mineral content followed by the preconcentration of GFs by UF is necessary and allow for these compounds to migrate to the recovery compartment during EDFM. MS analyses confirmed the migration, in low quantity, of only α-lactalbumin (α-la) and ß-lactoglobulin (ß-lg) from serocolostrum to the recovery compartment during EDFM. Consequently, the ratio of GFs to total protein in recovery compartment compared to that of feed serocolostrum solution was 60× higher at pH value 3.05, the optimal pH favoring the migration of IGF-I and TGF-ß2. Finally, these optimal conditions were tested on acid whey to also demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed process on one of the main by-products of the cheese industry; the ratio of GFs to total protein was 2.7× higher in recovery compartment than in feed acid whey solution, and only α-la migrated. The technology of GF enrichment for different dairy solutions by combining ultrafiltration and electrodialysis technologies was proposed for the first time.

Blood Glucose Levels Moderate the Associations Between IGF-1 Levels and Choroidal Metrics in Patients With Diabetes With Acromegaly Without Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: To examine the effects of serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on choroidal structures with different blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) with acromegaly without diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Eighty-eight eyes of 44 patients with acromegaly were divided into a nondiabetic group (23 patients, 46 eyes) and a diabetic group (21 patients, 42 eyes). Forty-four age- and sex-matched healthy controls and 21 patients with type 2 DM without diabetic retinopathy were also included. Linear regression models with a simple slope analysis were used to identify the correlation and interaction between endocrine parameters and choroidal thickness (ChT), total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and choroidal vascular index (CVI). Results: Our study revealed significant increases in the ChT, LA, SA, and TCA in patients with acromegaly compared with healthy controls, with no difference in the CVI. Comparatively, patients with DM with acromegaly had greater ChT than matched patients with type 2 DM, with no significant differences in other choroidal parameters. The enhancement of SA, LA and TCA caused by an acromegalic status disappeared in patients with diabetic status, whereas ChT and CVI were not affected by the interaction. In the diabetic acromegaly, higher IGF-1 (P = 0.006) and GH levels (P = 0.049), longer DM duration (P = 0.007), lower blood glucose (P = 0.001), and the interaction between GH and blood glucose were associated independently with thicker ChT. Higher GH levels (P = 0.016, 0.004 and 0.007), longer DM duration (P = 0.022, 0.013 and 0.013), lower blood glucose (P = 0.034, 0.011 and 0.01), and the interaction of IGF-1 and blood glucose were associated independently with larger SA, LA, and TCA. As blood glucose levels increased, the positive correlation between serum GH level and ChT diminished, and became insignificant when blood glucose was more than 7.35 mM/L. The associations between serum IGF-1 levels and LA, SA, and TCA became increasingly negative, with LA, becoming significantly and negatively associated to the GH levels only when blood glucose levels were more than 8.59 mM/L. Conclusions: Acromegaly-related choroidal enhancements diminish in the presence of DM. In diabetic acromegaly, blood glucose levels are linked negatively with changes in choroidal metrics and their association with GH and IGF-1. Translational Relevance: We revealed the potential beneficial impacts of IGF-1 and GH on structural measures of the choroid in patients with DM at relatively well-controlled blood glucose level, which could provide a potential treatment target for diabetic retinopathy.

Massive stocking of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) fry fattens non-native brown trout (Salmo trutta) in Hokkaido, Japan.

In Japan, stocked chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) fry may have become the perfect prey for non-native brown trout (Salmo trutta), which are popular targets of anglers. If this is the case, fry stocking which is intended to boost commercial fishing may be helping to sustain the populations of an invasive predator. We used dietary and biochemical analyses to examine whether brown trout quickly restore their nutritional status following wintertime declines by preying upon chum salmon fry that are stocked in spring. We targeted six rivers in Hokkaido, Japan, three with fry stocking and three without. Changes in brown trout condition factor, triglyceride contents in muscle and serum, serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1; an indicator of short-term growth), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; an essential fatty acid abundant in fish) content in muscle were examined between before stocking and during the stocking period in the six rivers. Dietary analysis showed that brown trout preyed on fry during the stocking period in all stocked rivers. Their nutritional status tended to be higher during the stocking period than before stocking in stocked rivers, but not in unstocked rivers. These results suggest that the massive stocking of chum salmon fry provides brown trout with the perfect prey to quickly restore their nutritional status and fuel increased growth; this may therefore be a controversial issue among stakeholders.

The MindMoves Trial: Cross-Sectional Analyses of Baseline Vascular Risk and Cognition in Older Women with Cardiovascular Disease.

Background: Vascular diseases, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and stroke, increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. Serum biomarkers, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), may be indicators of cognitive health. Objective: We examined whether vascular risk was associated with levels of cognition and serum biomarkers in older women with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Baseline data from a lifestyle trial in older women (n = 253) with CVD (NCT04556305) were analyzed. Vascular risk scores were calculated for ASCVD (ASCVD risk estimator) and stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc) based on published criteria. Cognition-related serum biomarkers included BDNF, VEGF, and IGF-1. Cognition was based on a battery of neuropsychological tests that assessed episodic memory, semantic memory, working memory, and executive function. A series of separate linear regression models were used to evaluate associations of vascular risk scores with outcomes of cognition and serum biomarkers. All models were adjusted for age, education level, and racial and ethnic background. Results: In separate linear regression models, both ASCVD and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were inversely associated with semantic memory (ß= -0.22, p = 0.007 and ß= -0.15, p = 0.022, respectively), with no significant findings for the other cognitive domains. There were no significant associations between vascular risk scores and serum biomarkers. Conclusions: Future studies should prospectively examine associations between vascular risk and cognition in other populations and additionally consider other serum biomarkers that may be related to vascular risk and cognition.

Paradoxical effect of dopamine-agonists on IGF-1 in patients with prolactinoma: the role of weight.

PURPOSE: An increase of IGF-1 has been reported during therapy with dopamine agonists (DA) for prolactinomas; in such cases a correct diagnosis is pivotal to avoid an unnecessary reduction or withdrawal of DA, which are needed to maintain normal prolactin levels. This study was aimed to measure IGF-1 levels, at baseline and during follow-up, in a cohort of patients with prolactinoma, treated with cabergoline, stratified by body mass index. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 35 patients (15 F/20 M; age m ± SD, years: 43.4 ± 13.7) with prolactinoma (21 microadenomas and 14 macroadenomas) who were followed-up at the Endocrinology Unit, in Siena, and with available pituitary hormone assessment at baseline and during follow-up (m ± SD, years: 2.74 ± 0.55). RESULTS: IGF-1 increased in the whole cohort, but remaining within normal range, except two patients, in whom acromegaly was ruled out with oral glucose tolerance test. After dividing patients by weight, this trend was confirmed only in subjects with overweight and obesity (OV/OB) (p = 0.04). Interestingly, the reduction of prolactin levels was significantly greater in the OV/OB compared to normal-weight patients (median decrease of 97.5% versus 88.2%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Since DA and normalization of prolactin are known to improve insulin sensitivity, we speculated they have favored the increase of IGF-1 in OV/OB. Our results should be confirmed and the hypothesis proven by further studies.

Bone metabolism factors in predicting the risk of osteoporosis fracture in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis (OS) is a systemic bone disease characterized by low bone mass and bone microstructure damage. This study. METHODS: According to the T value, 88 elderly fracture patients were grouped as the control group (without OS, 43 cases) and observation group (with T value <-2.5, which could be diagnosed as OS, 45 cases). The content of boney containing protein (BGP), total type 1 collagen amino terminal extender peptide (TPINP), ß-Crosslaps (ß-CTX), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and insulin-like growth factors-1 (IGF-1) was compared. Multivariate logistic regression was adopted to analyze the correlation between biochemical indexes and the occurrence of senile OS fracture and the related risk factors. The diagnostic value in the elderly was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: The levels of BGP, TPINP, ß-CTX, PTH and IGF-1 were elevated, and the level of IGF-1 was decreased in the observation group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The elevated content of BGP, TPINP, ß-CTX and PTH, and the decreased expression of IGF-1 were influencing factors for OS fractures in the elderly (P < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity to predict the occurrence of OS fractures in the elderly were 91.70% and 90.50%, respectively. The AUC of combined detection was 0.976 (95% CI: 0.952-1.000), which was memorably higher than single indicator detection (P < 0.05). Among 45 patients, 32 cases had good prognosis and 13 had poor prognosis. In comparison with the good prognosis group, the content of BGP, TPINP, ß-CTX and PTH were sensibly higher, the level of IGF-1 was prominently lower, and the proportion of fracture history was much higher in poor prognosis group (P < 0.05). Fracture history, BGP, TPINP, ß-CTX, PTH and IGF-1 were independent risk factors for poor prognosis of elderly OS fractures (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bone metabolism factors were associated with poor prognosis of OS in the elderly. The combined detection had higher diagnostic value in calculating the risk of OS fracture in the elderly than single indicator detection.

Circulating free insulin-like growth factor-I and prostate cancer: a case-control study nested in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Circulating total insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is an established risk factor for prostate cancer. However, only a small proportion of circulating IGF-I is free or readily dissociable from IGF-binding proteins (its bioavailable form), and few studies have investigated the association of circulating free IGF-I with prostate cancer risk. METHODS: We analyzed data from 767 prostate cancer cases and 767 matched controls nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort, with an average of 14-years (interquartile range = 2.9) follow-up. Matching variables were study center, length of follow-up, age, and time of day and fasting duration at blood collection. Circulating free IGF-I concentration was measured in serum samples collected at recruitment visit (mean age 55 years old; standard deviation = 7.1) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Conditional logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations of free IGF-I with risk of prostate cancer overall and subdivided by time to diagnosis (≤ 14 and > 14 years), and tumor characteristics. RESULTS: Circulating free IGF-I concentrations (in fourths and as a continuous variable) were not associated with prostate cancer risk overall (odds ratio [OR] = 1.00 per 0.1 nmol/L increment, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.02) or by time to diagnosis, or with prostate cancer subtypes, including tumor stage and histological grade. CONCLUSIONS: Estimated circulating free IGF-I was not associated with prostate cancer risk. Further research may consider other assay methods that estimate bioavailable IGF-I to provide more insight into the well-substantiated association between circulating total IGF-I and subsequent prostate cancer risk.

Association between metabolic parameters and embryo production in superovulated dairy cattle.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between metabolic parameters and the number of embryos produced in superovulated cows with high genetic characteristics in milk yield. Eighteen Holstein donors were treated with classic superovulation protocols, AI and flushing. During superovulation, decreasing doses of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) were administered at 12-h intervals for 4 days. Plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), glucose (GLU), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and total protein (TP) levels were determined by using an autoanalyzer. The mixed model analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. As a result, plasma IGF1, BHB and BUN had significant interactions with both groups and days (p < .05). Additionally, plasma TP-days interactions were significant (p < .05). Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between the number of embryos and plasma BHB levels (p < .05). In conclusion, under appropriate environmental conditions, metabolic profile control of donors can contribute to the embryo production process and to the studies on the metabolic infrastructure.

IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 as Possible Predictors of Response to Lifestyle Intervention-Results from Randomized Controlled Trials.

Lifestyle interventions can prevent type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, some individuals do not experience anticipated improvements despite weight loss. Biomarkers to identify such individuals at early stages are lacking. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF- 1) and Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1(IGFBP-1) were shown to predict T2DM onset in prediabetes. We assessed whether these markers also predict the success of lifestyle interventions, thereby possibly guiding personalized strategies. We analyzed the fasting serum levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-1, and Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2) in relation to changes in metabolic and anthropometric parameters, including intrahepatic lipids (IHLs) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in 345 participants with a high risk for prediabetes (54% female; aged 36-80 years). Participants were enrolled in three randomized dietary intervention trials and assessed both at baseline and one year post-intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 28), and significance was set at p < 0.05. Within the 1-year intervention, overall significant improvements were observed. Stratifying individuals by baseline IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 percentiles revealed significant differences: higher IGF-1 levels were associated with more favorable changes compared to lower levels, especially in VAT and IHL. Lower baseline IGFBP-1 levels were associated with greater improvements, especially in IHL and 2 h glucose. Higher bioactive IGF-1 levels might predict better metabolic outcomes following lifestyle interventions in prediabetes, potentially serving as biomarkers for personalized interventions.

IGF-I assay methods and biologic variability: evaluation of acromegaly treatment response.

Serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) is the primary biochemical measure of disease activity in patients with acromegaly, and the 2014 Endocrine Society guidelines recommended normal age-adjusted serum IGF-I as the biochemical target of treatment. However, quantification and interpretation of IGF-I levels are subject to limitations that may affect therapeutic decisions. Techniques for measuring IGF-I have evolved greatly over the past 40 years and continue to do so. Results can vary substantially for different assays, procedures, and laboratories. For any assay, the interpretation of IGF-I values requires robust reference ranges. Using currently available large normative databases, the upper limit of normal (ULN) for IGF-I in middle-aged and elderly individuals is lower than historical reference ranges. Thus, the goal of achieving IGF-I < 1× ULN is more demanding than in the past, and some patients with acromegaly who were classified as "normal" (IGF-I < 1× ULN) in previous studies would be reclassified as above the ULN based on newer normative data. In addition, substantial intra-individual, week-to-week variation in serum IGF-I levels (unrelated to assay performance) has been observed. With changes over time in the measurement of IGF-I and the advent of updated reference ranges derived from large normative databases, it is difficult to justify rigid adherence to the goal of maintaining IGF-I below the ULN for all patients with acromegaly. Instead, symptoms, comorbidities, and quality of life should be considered, along with growth hormone and IGF-I levels, when evaluating the need for further treatment.

Genetic variants of LEAP2 are associated with anthropometric traits and circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration: A UK Biobank study.

AIM: To test the hypothesis that liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) genetic variants might influence the susceptibility to human obesity. METHODS: Using data from the UK Biobank, we identified independent LEAP2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and examined their associations with obesity traits and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration. These associations were evaluated for both individual SNPs and after combining them into a genetic risk score (GRSLEAP2) using linear and logistic regression models. Sex-stratified analyses were also conducted. RESULTS: Five SNPs showed positive associations with obesity-related traits. rs57880964 was associated with body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI (WHRadjBMI), in the total population and among women. Four independent SNPs were positively associated with higher serum IGF-1 concentrations in both men and women. GRSLEAP2 was associated with BMI and WHRadjBMI only in women and with serum IGF-1 concentration in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal sex-specific associations between key LEAP2 gene variants and several obesity traits, while also indicating a strong independent association of LEAP2 variants with serum IGF-1 concentration.

Evaluation of hormones as candidate early biomarkers of Holstein bull performance around the first semen collection at artificial insemination centres.

Artificial insemination (AI) centres select bulls as calves according to their genetic breeding values and raise them until the first semen collection; yet, a high dropout rate of reared bulls is a problem for AI centres. Potential hormonal indicators of bull sexual maturation (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, oestradiol, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)) were observed and evaluated in relation to the performance parameters to perhaps identify candidate biomarkers allowing an early selection of bulls as suitable sires. Blood samples from 102 German Holstein calves at 4 ± 1, 8 ± 1 and 12 ± 2 months of age from six AI centres were analysed using validated immunoassays for cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, oestradiol and IGF-1. Semen analyses included native and thawed diluted semen. Bulls were classified at the first semen collection into groups with good versus poor performance (GP vs. LP). After 2 years, the subsequent differentiation was done in high (HPP), medium (MPP) and low performance persistency (LPP). Age at first semen collection was an important factor for sperm quality. Cortisol concentrations decreased with age, but the cortisol/DHEA ratio decreased with age only in GP bulls (p < .05). Oestradiol and testosterone concentrations both correlated with libido behaviour (p < .05). Testosterone and IGF-1 concentrations were higher at the time of first semen collection in GP bulls and increased with age (p < .05). In conclusion, testosterone and IGF-1 concentrations at first semen collection are associated with performance at first semen collection and future performance persistency, and might be useful early biomarkers for consistent sperm producing bulls on AI centres.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 and sex hormones for assessment of anthropometric and pubertal growth of Egyptian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (single center study).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the anthropometric measures and pubertal growth of children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to detect risk determinants affecting these measures and their link to glycemic control. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred children and adolescents were assessed using anthropometric measurements. Those with short stature were further evaluated using insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), bone age, and thyroid profile, while those with delayed puberty were evaluated using sex hormones and pituitary gonadotropins assay. RESULTS: We found that 12.5% of our patients were short (height SDS < -2) and IGF-1 was less than -2 SD in 72% of them. Patients with short stature had earlier age of onset of diabetes, longer duration of diabetes, higher HbA1C and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio compared to those with normal stature (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients with delayed puberty had higher HbA1c and dyslipidemia compared to those with normal puberty (p < 0.05). The regression analysis revealed that factors associated with short stature were; age at diagnosis, HbA1C > 8.2, and albumin/creatinine ratio > 8 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with uncontrolled T1DM are at risk of short stature and delayed puberty. Diabetes duration and control seem to be independent risk factors for short stature.