ECE2008 Poster Presentations Growth factors (15 abstracts)
1Department of Endocrinology, Herlev Hospital University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; 2Department of Cardiology, Gentofte Hospital University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; 3Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, Frederiksberg Hospital University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Background: The growth hormone system (growth hormone, GH and insulin-like-growth-factor I, IGF-I) might be implicated in congestive heart failure (CHF). In experimental models IGF-I increases cardiac contractility and reduces apoptosis of myocytes exposed to ischemic injury. In clinical studies GH-therapy has been used in CHF. One previous population based investigation showed that low levels of IGF-I was associated with an increased incidence of CHF. The result of this investigation was limited by lack of echocardiographic examination at baseline and the established riskmarker B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was not taken into consideration.
Objective: To examine the relationship between levels of IGF-I and the risk of development of CHF.
Method: A population based prospective study of 584 individuals (age 5089 years) without a history of CHF and with normal systolic function at baseline assessed by echocardiography (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%). Development of CHF was ascertained after 5-years follow-up.
Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used for the risk calculations. Results are given by P values and hazard ratio, HR (95% confidence limits) per 1 standard deviation increase in logarithmically transformed IGF-I level.
Results: Nineteen patients developed CHF (3.3%). They had significantly higher baseline levels of age-adjusted IGF-I levels compared to the rest of the population, 89 vs 72 ng/ml, P=0.01 (IGF-I adjusted to a 70-year old individual).
Age-adjusted IGF-I was associated to increased risk of development of CHF, HR=1.64 (1.152.35), P=0.007. A multivariable model adjusted for age, levels of N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), the presence of hypertension, atrial fibrillation and diabetes did not attenuate the association, HR=1.67 (1.162.40), P=0.006.
Conclusions: In a large middle-aged and elderly normal population high level of IGF-I was an independent riskfactor for development of CHF. The result was unexpected and in contrast to a previous reported protective role of IGF-I.