A Study of Relation between Plasma Level of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis and its related diseases are major causes of mortality in many countries. Our knowledge of its background is of much importance. In recent years, researches have been preformed on relation between atherosclerosis and IGF-I plasma levels and different results obtained. We decided to do this research, as few studies have been done in this field in our country. Altogether One hundred and seven patients who were candidates for the coronary angiography were chosen for study. Blood samples were taken for measuring IGF-I, FBS, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL in plasma. Blood pressures of patients were recorded, and their BMIs accounted. It was also written in questionnaire if they had history of cigarette smoking. IGF-I plasma levels increased in relation to intensity of coronary artery stenosis; correlation coefficient between stenoses and IGF-I plasma levels was as follows: R= 0.204 p= 0.04. This suggested significant and meaningful relation between these variables. IGF-I plasma levels also showed mild increase in relation to number of diseased coronary arteries. By using the analysis of spierman correlation coefficient, Rho= 0.189 and p= 0.058 were accounted. We concluded that IGF-I plasma levels were in direct and meaningful relation to stenosis values of coronary arteries, and in mild relation to number of diseased coronary arteries. These findings can explain the role of IGF-1 in process of atherosclerosis.