Malnutrition in children associated with low insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels

Gac Sanit. 2021:35 Suppl 2:S275-S277. doi: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2021.07.019.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare serum levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in children with malnutrition and good nutritional status.

Method: This cross-sectional study included 41 participants consisting of 31 malnourished, 10 well-nourished children aged between 36 and 60 months. Demographic data of participants were obtained utilizing a questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by calculating the Z-score of body weight for age, height for age, and body weight for height indices using the WHO classification. IGFBP-3 levels were determined by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method.

Result: Median serum IGFBP-3 levels in malnourished children were found to be lower i.e. 0.35mcg/mL (minimum-maximum: 0.04-1.52mcg/mL) compared to well-nourished children 1.52ng/mL (minimum-maximum 0.47-3.17mcg/mL).

Conclusion: Serum IGFBP-3 levels can be used as indicators to assess nutritional status.

Keywords: IGFBP-3; Malnutrition; Toddlers aged 36–60 months.

MeSH terms

  • Body Height
  • Child
  • Child Nutrition Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 / blood*
  • Malnutrition* / epidemiology
  • Nutritional Status

Substances

  • IGFBP3 protein, human
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3