IGF-1 and IGF-2 as Molecules Linked to Causes and Consequences of Obesity from Fetal Life to Adulthood: A Systematic Review.

This study examines the impact of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) on various aspects of children's health-from the realms of growth and puberty to the nuanced characteristics of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, liver pathology, carcinogenic potential, and cardiovascular disorders. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, with a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method employing specific keywords related to child health, obesity, and insulin-like growth factors. This study reveals associations between insulin-like growth factor 1 and birth weight, early growth, and adiposity. Moreover, insulin-like growth factors play a pivotal role in regulating bone development and height during childhood, with potential implications for puberty onset. This research uncovers insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin-like growth factor 2 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it also highlights the association between insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and cancer. Additionally, this research explores the impact of insulin-like growth factors on cardiovascular health, noting their role in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Insulin-like growth factors play vital roles in human physiology, influencing growth and development from fetal stages to adulthood. The impact of maternal obesity on children's IGF levels is complex, influencing growth and carrying potential metabolic consequences. Imbalances in IGF levels are linked to a range of health conditions (e.g., insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes), prompting researchers to seek novel therapies and preventive strategies, offering challenges and opportunities in healthcare.

Case Report: Adrenocortical carcinoma in children-symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Adrenocortical carcinomas are extremely rare in the paediatric population. Most of them are hormone-secretive lesions; therefore, they should be taken into consideration in a child with signs of precocious puberty and/or Cushing's syndrome symptoms. Nonetheless, differentiation from benign adrenal tumours is necessary. We report a rare case of adrenocortical carcinoma in a girl and a literature review using the PubMed database. A four-year-old girl presented with rapidly progressing precocious puberty and signs of Cushing's syndrome. Imaging of the abdomen revealed a large heterogeneous solid mass. Histopathologic evaluation confirmed adrenocortical carcinoma with high mitotic activity, atypical mitoses, pleomorphism, necrosis, and vascular invasion. After tumourectomy, a decrease of previously elevated hormonal blood parameters was observed. Genetic tests confirmed Li Fraumeni syndrome. Adrenocortical carcinoma should be suspected in children with premature pubarche and signs of Cushing's syndrome. Diagnosis must be based on clinical presentation, hormonal tests, imaging, and histopathological evaluation. Complete surgical resection of the tumour is the gold standard. Oncological treatment in children is not yet well-studied and should be individually considered, especially in advanced, inoperable carcinomas with metastases. Genetic investigations are useful for determining the prognosis in patients and their siblings.

Prevalence of Dry Eye Symptoms and Associated Risk Factors among University Students in Poland.

Aim: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the prevalence and risk factors of dry eye symptoms (DES) among university students in Poland. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study survey was conducted among 312 Polish university students. The questionnaire consisted of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the 5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) and questions regarding medical history and risk factors. Results: According to the OSDI, more than half of respondents (57.1%) have symptoms of ocular surface disease. Time spent using electronic devices is correlated with scores gathered in both OSDI and DEQ-5 (p < 0.001). There is a statistically significant dependence between psychotropics (p = 0.002), glucocorticosteroids usage (p = 0.026), the presence of depression (p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.01) or allergy (p = 0.008) and dry eye symptoms proved in both questionnaires. Respondents with refractive errors and those living in metropolitan areas have a statistically higher symptom intensity(p < 0.022). Stress felt by students is associated with higher DES risk. No correlation between DES and smoking habits was observed. The history of SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with the severity of DES (p = 0.036). Conclusion: Pathogenesis of DES is multifactorial and its severity depends on several factors, both genetic and environmental. Its prevalence among the young population is underestimated. Determining risk factors will enable the implementation of appropriate prophylaxis and early diagnosis.