The relationship between cortisol and IGF-I influences metabolic alteration in pediatric overweight and obesity

Abstract

Background/objective Data on metabolic impairments in Cushing’s syndrome and GH deficiency all suggest that the relationship between cortisol and GH/IGF-I axis in obesity may have a role in the related diseases. However, studies focusing only on one of these hormones are often controversial in paediatrics. We aimed to explore the simultaneous relationship between cortisol and IGF-I with the metabolic alterations in paediatric obesity. Subjects/methods Retrospective cross-sectional study in a tertiary care center. We recruited 876 (441 males and 435 females) overweight and obese children and adolescents. A complete clinical and biochemical evaluation including OGTT was performed. Cortisol and IGF-I SDS were divided in quartiles and then crossed to explore the reciprocal influence of high/high, low/low, and high/low levels of each one on the metabolic alterations of obesity. Results Subjects in the higher quartiles of IGF-I-SDS and cortisol had an increased risk of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, high levels of triglycerides, and reduced HDL cholesterol. Diversely, lower IGF-I-SDS quartiles were associated with higher blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and reduced insulin sensitivity levels with the rise of cortisol quartiles. Conclusions We observed that apart from glucose metabolism that is associated with low IGF-I and high cortisol levels, the other parameters known to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk were related to high levels of both IGF-I and cortisol, even if within normal range. Cortisol and IGF-I play a complex role in the comorbidities of obesity, and the evaluation of both variables could clarify some of the discordant results.

Lipid metabolism contribute to the pathogenesis of IgA Vasculitis

“…In our research, TG was increased in IgAV and continued to rise after threaten. That could be because of the effects of glucocorticoids [ 58 ].…”

Altered GH-IGF-1 Axis in Severe Obese Subjects is Reversed after Bariatric Surgery-Induced Weight Loss and Related with Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation

“…Obese and overweight children and adolescents in the higher quartiles of IGF-1 had an increased risk of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, high levels of triglycerides, and reduced HDL cholesterol. Conversely, lower IGF-1 quartiles were associated with higher blood glucose and insulin resistance [ 58 ]. These data reinforce the view that IGF-1 plays a complex role in the comorbidities of obesity [ 58 ].…”

“…Conversely, lower IGF-1 quartiles were associated with higher blood glucose and insulin resistance [ 58 ]. These data reinforce the view that IGF-1 plays a complex role in the comorbidities of obesity [ 58 ]. It has been found that an altered somatotropic axis is associated with a worse cardio metabolic profile in obese patients [ 59 ] and that the Mediterranean diet and protein intake was associated with a better GH status [ 20 ].…”

Relationship of Serum Total Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 with Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Glucose Tolerance in Korean Children and Adolescents

“…Yuen et al [ 36 , 37 ] found that serum GH concentration and its direct effects on insulin suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis are reduced by IGF-I; IGF-I also indirectly enhances hepatic insulin action by increasing fatty acid uptake in muscles. Further, Ricotti et al [ 38 ] reported the relationship between decreased serum IGF-I and high blood glucose level, insulin, and insulin resistance. In a murine model, IGF-I may play an important role in improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity [ 39 ].…”