IGF1

IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) is a hormone, a chemical messenger in the bloodstream controlling the actions of certain cells or organs. IGF-1 manages the effects of growth hormone (GH) in the body. Together, IGF-1 and GH promote normal growth of bones and tissues. GH levels in the blood change throughout the day, depending on diet and activity levels, while IGF-1 levels are more stable, therefore a reliable way to track GH is by measuring the level of IGF-1 in the blood. Levels of IGF-1 and GH change throughout an individual’s lifetime. Besides growth, GH also helps control metabolism, which is the process of generating energy from food. Some conditions, such as pituitary tumors, can cause the body to produce too much or too little GH. Our model finds associations with lower IGF-1 levels and poorer metabolic and kidney health, in addition mortality outcomes, aligning with some findings in scientific literature. [68] [69] [70]

[68]Aguirre GA, De Ita JR, de la Garza RG, Castilla-Cortazar I. Insulin-like growth factor-1 deficiency and metabolic syndrome. J Transl Med. 2016;14:3. doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0762-z

[69]Sun J, Axelsson J, Machowska A, et al. Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Risk in Patients with Advanced CKD. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol CJASN. 2016;11(7):1163-1172. doi:10.2215/CJN.10441015

[70]Castro-Diehl C, Ehrbar R, Obas V, Oh A, Vasan RS, Xanthakis V. Biomarkers representing key aging-related biological pathways are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and all-cause mortality: The Framingham Study. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(5):e0251308. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0251308