All issues > Volume 43(7); 2000

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 2000;43(7):967-973. Published online July 15, 2000.

Insulin-like Growth Factor(IGF)-I and IGF-Binding Protein-3 in Relation to Hemoglobin Concentration in Healthy Infants

Yoon Ki YK Kang¹, Dae-Yeol DY Lee²

¹Department of P ediatrics, Chonbuk National University, M edical School, Chonbuk, Korea.
²Department of P ediatrics, Institute for M edical Science, Chonbuk National University, M edical School, Chonbuk, Korea

Abstract

Purpose
: Insulin-like growth factor(IGF-I) and IGF binding protein(IGFBP)-3 is thought to play an important role in fetal erythropoiesis. The objective of this study was to establish a relation between IGF-I, free IGF-I, IGFBP-1, and -3 with hemoglobin level in healthy term, 3-month, and 12-month old infants.
Methods
: Healthy term infants(n=20) were enrolled at birth, as well as 3 months(n=30) and 12 months(n=30) of age. The serum IGF-I concentrations were measured by a specific radioimmunoassay( RIA), and the serum levels of free IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and -3 were measured by specific immunoradiometric assay(IRMA) kit.
Results
: The mean level of hemoglobin was 15.6¡¾1.4g/dL, IGF-I was 14.5¡¾7.0ng/mL and IGFBP-3 was 1205.2¡¾292.1ng/mL at birth. Serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and hemoglobin concentrations were correlated positively at birth(P < 0.01), and a positive correlation was observed between hemoglobin and free IGF-I(P < 0.05). The mean level of hemoglobin was 10.7¡¾0.8g/dL, IGF-I was 27.3¡¾11.1 ng/mL and IGFBP-3 was 1674.1¡¾399.1ng/mL at three months of age. No correlation was observed between hemoglobin and IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and free IGF-I. The mean level of hemoglobin was 10.6¡¾0.8g/dL, IGF-I was 45.5¡¾13.9ng/mL and IGFBP-3 was 2124.5¡¾401.8ng/mL at 12 months of age.
Conclusion
: Our results show that blood hemoglobin is positively correlated to serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations, indirectly indicating the involvement of mediators of growth hormone on the regulation of physiologic hemoglobin concentration at birth.

Keywords :Insulin-like growth factor(IGF)-I, IGF binding protein-3, Hemoglobin