Relationship between insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II), IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2), leptin and  anthropometric parameters (height, body mass index) during antileukaemic treatment in children

Krawczuk-Rybak M, Muszyńska-Rosłan K, Kitszel A, Sawicka-Żukowska M, Woczyski S

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to estimate the anthropometric parameters and their relationship to serum levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2 and leptin before and during intensive antineoplastic treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children.
Material and methods: In 46 children in median age 6.6 years (range from 1.6 to 16) we evaluated at the time of diagnosis, after protocol I and after intensive treatment, height, body mass index (BMI) and IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2 and leptin. 
Results: Height SDS lowered in successive points of analysis whereas BMI SDS rose after protocol II. IGF-I SDS was low and similar at each point, IGF-II SDS and IGFBP-3 SDS values augmented progressively and IGFBP-2 SDS was significantly elevated before treatment and lowered (but not normalized) during the therapy. Leptin SDS was elevated, especially after protocol I. 
Conclusion: leukaemia and its treatment affect directly growth factors, its binding proteins and leptin production leading to growth retardation and overweight.

Key words: 	growth, body mass index, growth factors, leptin, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, children.