Low serum insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 is associated with an unfavourable cardiovascular risk profile in elderly men

Serum insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) is regulated by insulin and has been suggested to be a marker of the insulin resistance syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum IGFBP-1 is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Serum insulin-like growth factor-I and IGFBP-3 were also determined. 331 men aged 70-89 years were examined from the Finnish cohort of the Seven Countries Study. Serum IGFBP-1 concentrations were measured by immunofluorometric assay, and the results were analysed with respect to markers of cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, and insulin secretion that were determined by using the homeostasis model assessment. Fasting serum IGFBP-1 correlated inversely with fasting serum insulin, serum insulin 2 h after oral glucose challenge test, body mass index, and serum triglycerides, and it correlated positively with age and serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. After adjustment for age, fasting serum IGFBP-1 correlated positively with HDL cholesterol and inversely with fasting serum insulin and triglycerides. Serum IGFBP-1 correlated positively with insulin sensitivity and negatively with beta-cell function. In conclusion, low serum IGFBP-1 levels in elderly men are associated with a number of cardiovascular risk factors.