Alteration of Serum IgF-1 and its binding proteins - 1 and - 3 in patients with chronic liver disease and their role in the prognostic scoring methods

ABSTRACT

The liver is the major source of circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 IGF-1] and at least two of the major binding proteins [IGFPPs] IGFBP-1 and -3, that modulate its bioavailability and activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether circulating levels of these parameters could be used for the assessment of hepatic function, reserve and in predicting the prognosis in patients with chronic liver disease [CLD]. The study included 35 patients with chronic liver disease [CLD] who were classified according to Child Pugh score [CPs] into grades A, B and C, in addition to 15 age- and sex-matched normal individuals served as controls. In conclusion, there were significant changes in the levels of circulating IGF-1 and its binding proteins [IGFBP-1 and -3] in CLD. They were closely correlated with the deterioration of liver function. Hence, they could be used as markers for the assessment of the degree of the severity of liver disease. IGFBP-3 can be used to assess the synthetic capacity of hepatocytes and seems to be a sensitive prognostic marker in CLD