Hepatokines: unveiling the molecular and cellular mechanisms connecting hepatic tissue to insulin resistance and inflammation

Insulin resistance arising from Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) stands as a prevalent global ailment, a manifestation within societies stemming from individuals' suboptimal dietary habits and lifestyles. This form of insulin resistance emerges as a pivotal factor in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Emerging evidence underscores the significant role of hepatokines, as hepatic-secreted hormone-like entities, in the genesis of insulin resistance and eventual onset of type 2 diabetes. Hepatokines exert influence over extrahepatic metabolism regulation. Their principal functions encompass impacting adipocytes, pancreatic cells, muscles, and the brain, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping body metabolism through signaling to target tissues. This review explores the most important hepatokines, each with distinct influences. Our review shows that Fetuin-A promotes lipid-induced insulin resistance by acting as an endogenous ligand for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4). FGF21 reduces inflammation in diabetes by blocking the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in adipocytes and adipose tissue, while also improving glucose metabolism. ANGPTL6 enhances AMPK and insulin signaling in muscle, and suppresses gluconeogenesis. Follistatin can influence insulin resistance and inflammation by interacting with members of the TGF-β family. Adropin show a positive correlation with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1), a key regulator of gluconeogenesis. This article delves into hepatokines' impact on NAFLD, inflammation, and T2DM, with a specific focus on insulin resistance. The aim is to comprehend the influence of these recently identified hormones on disease development and their underlying physiological and pathological mechanisms.

Endocrine and cellular physiology and pathology of the insulin-like growth factor acid-labile subunit

The acid-labile subunit (ALS) of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein (IGFBP) complex, encoded in humans by IGFALS, has a vital role in regulating the endocrine transport and bioavailability of IGF-1 and IGF-2. Accordingly, ALS has a considerable influence on postnatal growth and metabolism. ALS is a leucine-rich glycoprotein that forms high-affinity ternary complexes with IGFBP-3 or IGFBP-5 when they are occupied by either IGF-1 or IGF-2. These complexes constitute a stable reservoir of circulating IGFs, blocking the potentially hypoglycaemic activity of unbound IGFs. ALS is primarily synthesized by hepatocytes and its expression is lower in non-hepatic tissues. ALS synthesis is strongly induced by growth hormone and suppressed by IL-1β, thus potentially serving as a marker of growth hormone secretion and/or activity and of inflammation. IGFALS mutations in humans and Igfals deletion in mice cause modest growth retardation and pubertal delay, accompanied by decreased osteogenesis and enhanced adipogenesis. In hepatocellular carcinoma, IGFALS is described as a tumour suppressor; however, its contribution to other cancers is not well delineated. This Review addresses the endocrine physiology and pathology of ALS, discusses the latest cell and proteomic studies that suggest emerging cellular roles for ALS and outlines its involvement in other disease states.

Bioinformatics Study on Mechanism of Postnatal Development of Craniofacial Bone

OBJECTIVE

The postnatal development of craniofacial bone plays a crucial role in shaping the overall structure and functionality of the skull and face. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of this intricate process is essential for both clinical and research purposes. In this study, the authors conducted a bioinformatics analysis using the Gene Expression Omnibus database to investigate the molecular pathways and regulatory networks involved in the postnatal development of craniofacial bone.

METHODS

In this study, the online Gene Expression Omnibus microarray expression profiling data set GSE27976 was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in different age groups. Protein-Protein Interaction network analyses, functional enrichment, and hub genes analysis were performed. The differences in immune infiltration and microenvironment among different types of cells were also analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 523 DEGs, including 287 upregulated and 236 downregulated genes, were identified. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in multiple signaling pathways, such as skeletal system morphogenesis, osteoblast differentiation, and stem cell differentiation. Immune infiltration and microenvironment characteristics analysis showed that there were significant differences in fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cell, osteoblast, stroma score, and microenvironment score between the two groups. Five hub genes, including IGF1, IL1B, ICAM1, MMP2 , and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, were filled out.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study showed a significant shift in gene expression towards osteogenesis during the first 12 months after birth. These findings emphasize the critical role of the postnatal period in craniofacial bone development and provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this process.

Anti-PEc: Development of a novel monoclonal antibody against prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

The Ec peptide (PEc) that defines the IGF-1Ec isoform, is associated with prostate cancer progression by inducing proliferation, metastases, and tumour repair. On these grounds, an anti-PEc monoclonal antibody (MAb) was developed. Our objective is to examine the effects of this antibody on prostate cancer and its possible side effects.

METHODS

The effects of the obtained MAb were examined in cancer and non-cancerous cell lines (unmodified and modified either to overexpress or silence PEc) and in tumours in SCID mice injected with unmodified prostate cancer cells. The investigation was obtained with respect to cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, toxicity to tumours, effects on the cell cycle, immune response activation, effects on mesenchymal stem cell mobilisation leading to tumour repair, tissue distribution, and toxicity to mice.

RESULTS

Anti-PEc MAb treatment led to a significant decrease in cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion compared to the untreated cell lines (p < 0.0005 in every case). Mechanistically, these effects were associated with the downregulation of pERK1/2 and vimentin and the upregulation of E-Cadherin. In vivo, anti-PEc MAb treatment was associated with a significant decrease in tumour size and metastases rate (p < 0.0005 in every case) by reversing the tumours mesenchymal phenotype. It also inhibited host stem cell mobilisation towards the tumour, leading to apoptosis. Anti-PEc MAb assessment in respect to distribution and toxicity, indicated its tumour specificity and lack of toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that the therapeutic targeting of PEc with the anti-PEc MAb may have considerable clinical benefit for prostate cancer patients.

Muscle-bone cross-talk through the FNIP1-TFEB-IGF2 axis is associated with bone metabolism in human and mouse

Clinical evidence indicates a close association between muscle dysfunction and bone loss; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that muscle dysfunction-related bone loss in humans with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy is associated with decreased expression of folliculin-interacting protein 1 (FNIP1) in muscle tissue. Supporting this finding, murine gain- and loss-of-function genetic models demonstrated that muscle-specific ablation of FNIP1 caused decreased bone mass, increased osteoclastic activity, and mechanical impairment that could be rescued by myofiber-specific expression of FNIP1. Myofiber-specific FNIP1 deficiency stimulated expression of nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB, thereby activating transcription of insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) at a conserved promoter-binding site and subsequent IGF2 secretion. Muscle-derived IGF2 stimulated osteoclastogenesis through IGF2 receptor signaling. AAV9-mediated overexpression of IGF2 was sufficient to decrease bone volume and impair bone mechanical properties in mice. Further, we found that serum IGF2 concentration was negatively correlated with bone health in humans in the context of osteoporosis. Our findings elucidate a muscle-bone cross-talk mechanism bridging the gap between muscle dysfunction and bone loss. This cross-talk represents a potential target to treat musculoskeletal diseases and osteoporosis.

Ablation of specific insulin-like growth factor I forms reveals the importance of cleavage for regenerative capacity and glycosylation for skeletal muscle storage

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) facilitates mitotic and anabolic actions in all tissues. In skeletal muscle, IGF-I can promote growth and resolution of damage by promoting satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, suppressing inflammation, and enhancing fiber formation. While the most well-characterized form of IGF-I is the mature protein, alternative splicing and post-translational modification complexity lead to several additional forms of IGF-I. Previous studies showed muscle efficiently stores glycosylated pro-IGF-I. However, non-glycosylated forms display more efficient IGF-I receptor activation in vitro, suggesting that the removal of the glycosylated C terminus is a necessary step to enable increased activity. We employed CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to ablate IGF-I glycosylation sites (2ND) or its cleavage site (3RA) in mice to determine the necessity of glycosylation or cleavage for IGF-I function in postnatal growth and during muscle regeneration. 3RA mice had the highest circulating and muscle IGF-I content, whereas 2ND mice had the lowest levels compared to wild-type mice. After weaning, 4-week-old 2ND mice exhibited higher body and skeletal muscle mass than other strains. However, by 16 weeks of age, muscle and body size differences disappeared. Even though 3RA mice had more IGF-I stored in muscle in homeostatic conditions, regeneration was delayed after cardiotoxin-induced injury, with prolonged necrosis most evident at 5 days post injury (dpi). In contrast, 2ND displayed improved regeneration with reduced necrosis, and greater fiber size and muscle mass at 11 and 21 dpi. Overall, these results demonstrate that while IGF-I glycosylation may be important for storage, cleavage is needed to enable IGF-I to be used for efficient activity in postnatal growth and following acute injury.

Gut development following insulin-like growth factor-1 supplementation to preterm pigs

BACKGROUND

Reduced insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels may contribute to impaired organ development in preterm infants. Using preterm pigs as a model, we hypothesized that IGF-1 supplementation improves health and gut development during the first three weeks of life.

METHODS

First, clinical and organ endpoints were compared between artificially-reared, cesarean-delivered preterm pigs and vaginally-delivered, sow-reared term pigs at 5, 9 and 19 days. Next, preterm pigs were treated with recombinant human IGF-1 for 19 days (2.25 mg/kg/day, systemically).

RESULTS

Relative to term pigs, preterm pigs had lower body weight, fat, bone contents, relative weights of liver and spleen and a longer and thinner intestine at 19 days. Preterm birth reduced intestinal villi heights and peptidase activities, but only at 5 and 9 days. In preterm pigs, IGF-1 reduced mortality primarily occurring from gastrointestinal complications and with a tendency towards salvaging smaller pigs. IGF-1 supplementation also increased spleen and kidney weights, small intestine length and maltase to lactase activity, reflecting gut maturation.

CONCLUSION

Preterm birth affects body composition and gut maturation in the first 1-2 weeks, but differences are marginal thereafter. Supplemental IGF-1 may improve gut health in pigs and infants in the first few weeks after preterm birth.

IMPACT

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) supplementation may improve gut health and development in prematurity, but whether the effects are sustained beyond the immediate postnatal period is unclear. In preterm pigs, the prematurity effects on IGF-1 and gut health deficiencies are most pronounced during the first week of life and diminishes thereafter. In preterm pigs, IGF-1 supplementation beyond the first week of life reduced mortality. The present study provides evidence of a sustained effect of IGF-1 supplementation on the gastrointestinal tract after the immediate postnatal period.

Microbiota metabolites in bone: Shaping health and Confronting disease

The intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and bone health has become increasingly recognized as a fundamental determinant of skeletal well-being. Microbiota-derived metabolites play a crucial role in dynamic interaction, specifically in bone homeostasis. In this sense, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, indirectly promote bone formation by regulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been found to increase the expression of osteoblast genes, such as Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), thus enhancing osteogenic differentiation and bone quality through BMP/SMADs and Wnt signaling pathways. Remarkably, in the context of bone infections, the role of microbiota metabolites in immune modulation and host defense mechanisms potentially affects susceptibility to infections such as osteomyelitis. Furthermore, ongoing research elucidates the precise mechanisms through which microbiota-derived metabolites influence bone cells, such as osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Understanding the multifaceted influence of microbiota metabolites on bone, from regulating homeostasis to modulating susceptibility to infections, has the potential to revolutionize our approach to bone health and disease management. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of this evolving field, providing a holistic perspective on the impact of microbiota metabolites on bone health and diseases.

Longitudinal changes in bone mineral density may be associated with long-term survival in patients with cirrhosis: A proof of concept of study

INTRODUCTION

The impact of longitudinal changes in different body components measured via body composition analysis (BCA) on liver-related outcomes in patients with cirrhosis is poorly understood. We evaluated the prognostic relevance of longitudinal changes in body composition over one year in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

This was a follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial evaluating changes in bone density measured via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) upon vitamin D supplementation. Patients with available anthropometric indices, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), bone-density at lumbar spine (LD) and left femur-neck (FD) (assessed by T score) at two time points one year apart were assessed for outcomes. The prognostic relevance of change in parameters such as ΔFM, ΔFFM, ΔLD and ΔFD over one year was assessed and compared with baseline model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score.

RESULTS

Patients with cirrhosis (n=112) (mean age 41.8±12 years, 58.5% males) were followed up for median duration of 5.7 years interquartile range [IQR 3.5-5.7], with five-year survival rate of 77%. On serial BCA, ΔLD (p=0.029) and ΔFD (p=0.003) emerged as significant predictors of survival, whereas ΔFM (p=0.479), ΔFFM (p=0.245) and ΔBMI (p=0.949) were not. The area under curve of ΔLD and MELD score for predicting survival was 0.636 (0.5-0.773) and 0.664 (0.555-0.773), respectively. ΔFD<0.1 over one year had sensitivity and specificity of 70.4% and 56.5% to predict poor survival. The combination of ΔFD, MELD and ascites predicted five-year survival with an optimism-corrected c-statistic of 0.785.

CONCLUSION

Among body composition parameters, changes in bone mineral density correlate best with survival and have prognostic relevance similar to that of ascites and MELD score.

Compensatory growth and recovery of cartilage cytoarchitecture after transient cell death in fetal mouse limbs

A major question in developmental and regenerative biology is how organ size and architecture are controlled by progenitor cells. While limb bones exhibit catch-up growth (recovery of a normal growth trajectory after transient developmental perturbation), it is unclear how this emerges from the behaviour of chondroprogenitors, the cells sustaining the cartilage anlagen that are progressively replaced by bone. Here we show that transient sparse cell death in the mouse fetal cartilage is repaired postnatally, via a two-step process. During injury, progression of chondroprogenitors towards more differentiated states is delayed, leading to altered cartilage cytoarchitecture and impaired bone growth. Then, once cell death is over, chondroprogenitor differentiation is accelerated and cartilage structure recovered, including partial rescue of bone growth. At the molecular level, ectopic activation of mTORC1 correlates with, and is necessary for, part of the recovery, revealing a specific candidate to be explored during normal growth and in future therapies.

Fat as a Friend or Foe of the Bone

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The objective of this review is to summarize the literature on the prevalence and diagnosis of obesity and its metabolic profile, including bone metabolism, focusing on the main inflammatory and turnover bone mediators that better characterize metabolically healthy obesity phenotype, and to summarize the therapeutic interventions for obesity with their effects on bone health.

RECENT FINDINGS

Osteoporosis and fracture risk not only increase with age and menopause but also with metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. Thus, patients with high BMI may have a higher bone fragility and fracture risk. However, some obese individuals with healthy metabolic profiles seem to be less at risk of bone fracture. Obesity has become an alarming disease with growing prevalence and multiple metabolic comorbidities, resulting in a significant burden on healthcare and increased mortality. The imbalance between increased food ingestion and decreased energy expenditure leads to pathological adipose tissue distribution and function, with increased secretion of proinflammatory markers and harmful consequences for body tissues, including bone tissue. However, some obese individuals seem to have a healthy metabolic profile and may not develop cardiometabolic disease during their lives. This healthy metabolic profile also benefits bone turnover and is associated with lower fracture risk.

Alteration in the gut microbiome is associated with changes in bone metabolism after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), the most common bariatric surgical procedure, leads to durable weight loss and improves obesity-related comorbidities. However, it induces abnormalities in bone metabolism. One unexplored potential contributor is the gut microbiome, which influences bone metabolism and is altered after surgery. We characterized the relationship between the gut microbiome and skeletal health in severe obesity and after LSG. In a prospective cohort study, 23 adults with severe obesity underwent skeletal health assessment and stool collection preoperatively and 6 mo after LSG. Gut microbial diversity and composition were characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were measured with LC-MS/MS. Spearman's correlations and PERMANOVA analyses were applied to assess relationships between the gut microbiome and bone health measures including serum bone turnover markers (C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen [CTx] and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide [P1NP]), areal BMD, intestinal calcium absorption, and calciotropic hormones. Six months after LSG, CTx and P1NP increased (by median 188% and 61%, P < .01) and femoral neck BMD decreased (mean -3.3%, P < .01). Concurrently, there was a decrease in relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes. Although there were no change in overall microbial diversity or fecal SCFA concentrations after LSG, those with greater within-subject change in gut community microbial composition (β-diversity) postoperatively had greater increases in P1NP level (ρ = 0.48, P = .02) and greater bone loss at the femoral neck (ρ = -0.43, P = .04). In addition, within-participant shifts in microbial richness/evenness (α-diversity) were associated with changes in IGF-1 levels (ρ = 0.56, P < .01). The lower the postoperative fecal butyrate concentration, the lower the IGF-1 level (ρ = 0.43, P = .04). Meanwhile, the larger the decrease in butyrate concentration, the higher the postoperative CTx (ρ = -0.43, P = .04). These findings suggest that LSG-induced gut microbiome alteration may influence skeletal outcomes postoperatively, and microbial influences on butyrate formation and IGF-1 are possible mechanisms.

Higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 in cord blood associate with risk of asthma at age 3

RATIONALE

Experimental studies and epidemiological data in adults suggest that somatomedin-C (insulin-like growth factor-1, IGF-1) may play a role in asthma by modulating airway inflammation, bronchial hyperreactivity, and airway smooth muscle hyperplasia. However, its role in children with asthma is not well understood.

METHODS

We established a birth cohort with 339 Chilean pregnant mothers enrolled at the time of delivery from December 2014 to January 2016. We obtained cord blood at birth and followed the offspring every 6 months until 30 months of age, recording data on atopy, wheezing, and other respiratory illnesses. We measured IGF-1 in cord blood and determined the Asthma Predictive Index (API) at 30 months. The cohort was divided according to the API.

RESULTS

Complete data were available for 307/339 (91%) dyads, including 44 preschoolers with API+ and 263 with API-. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups, but mothers of API+ children had a higher prevalence of obesity, previous use of oral contraceptives, and higher education than those of API- children. API+ children had higher birth weight and significantly higher IGF-1 in cord blood (37.4 ± 13.2 in API+ vs. 30.5 ± 13.0 ng/ml in API-, p = .01). In the multivariable analysis, IGF-1 in cord blood remained independently associated with a higher risk of asthma (adjusted OR for API+ per ng/ml higher IGF-1 = 1.03 [1.0-1.06], p = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher insulin-like growth factor-1 in cord blood is associated with asthma risk in the preschool years.

The nonlinear association between triglyceride glucose-body mass index and femoral neck BMD in nondiabetic elderly men: NHANES 2005-March 2020

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) has been considered a surrogate marker for assessing insulin resistance. We aimed to correlate the TyG-BMI, triglyceride glucose combined with body mass index, with femoral neck bone mineral density (FN BMD) in non-diabetic elderly men.

METHODS

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database, totally, 1182 eligible men aged ≥ 50 years without diabetes were included in the current study. Smoothed curves were obtained by a two-piecewise linear regression model and the threshold effects were explored by using a smoothing function.

RESULTS

TyG-BMI was positive related with and FN BMD with or without adjustment for confounders. However, no typical dose-dependent positive association between TyG-BMI and FN BMD was observed across the TyG-BMI tertiles, indicating a non-linear association. Further analysis by the weighted two-piecewise linear regression model and recursive algorithm suggested that per SD increase in TyG-BMI increased FN BMD by 0.266 gm/cm2 when TyG-BMI lower than 168.20. However, when TyG-BMI is higher than 168.20, FN BMD only increased 0.046 gm/cm2 for per SD increase of TyG-BMI after fully adjustment (OR = 11.258, 95%CI: 6.034, 16.481). Moreover, subgroup analyses showed that higher TyG-BMI levels were related to elevated FN BMD in all groups, suggesting the consistency of the positive association within these stratas.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that TyG-BMI is positively associated with FN BMD in a nonlinear fashion among elderly men without diabetes, which may be a reliable marker for the early identification of individuals with lower FN BMD.

Human breastmilk-derived Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CCFM1269 regulates bone formation by the GH/IGF axis through PI3K/AKT pathway

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis is a prevalent member of the gut microbiota of breastfed infants. In this study, the effects of human breastmilk-derived B.longum subsp. infantis CCFM1269 on bone formation in developing BALB/c mice were investigated. Newborn female and male mice were assigned to control group (administered saline), CCFM11269 group (administered B. longum subsp. infantis CCFM1269, 1 × 109 CFU/mouse/day) and I5TI group (administered B. longum subsp. infantis I5TI, 1 × 109 CFU/mouse/day) from 1-week-old to 3-, 4- and 5-week old. B. longum subsp. infantis I5TI served as a negative control in this study. The results demonstrated that B. longum subsp. infantis CCFM1269 promoted bone formation in growing mice by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota and metabolites. The expression of genes and proteins in the PI3K/AKT pathway was stimulated by B. longum subsp. infantis CCFM1269 through the GH/IGF-1 axis in growing mice. This finding suggests B. longum subsp. infantis CCFM1269 may be useful for modulating bone metabolism during growth.

Mechanism of action of gut microbiota and probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on skeletal remodeling in mice

INTRODUCTION

Gut microbiota (GM) is the collection of small organisms such as bacteria, fungi, bacteriophages and protozoans living in the intestine in symbiotics relation within their host. GM regulates host metabolism by various mechanisms.

METHODS

This review aims to consolidate current information for physicians on the effect of GM on bone health. For this, an online search of the literature was conducted using the keywords gut microbiota, bone mass, osteoporosis, Lactobacillus and sex steroid.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

There is a considerable degree of variation in bone mineral density (BMD) within populations, and it is estimated that a significant component of BMD variability is due to genetics. However, the remaining causes of bone mass variance within populations remain largely unknown. A well-recognized cause of phenotypic variation in bone mass is the composition of the microbiome. Studies have shown that germ-free (GF) mice have higher bone mass compared to conventionally raised (CR) mice. Furthermore, GM dysbiosis, also called dysbacteriosis, is defined as any alteration in the composition of the microbial community that has been colonized in the host intestine and associated with the development of bone diseases. For instance, postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) and diabetes. GM can be modulated by several factors such as genetics, age, drugs, food habits and probiotics. Probiotics are defined as viable bacteria that confer health benefits by modulating GM when administered in adequate quantity. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is a great example of such a probiotic. LGG has been shown to regulate bone mass in healthy mice as well as ovariectomized (OVX) mice via two different mechanisms. This review will focus on the literature regarding the mechanism by which GM and probiotic LGG regulate bone mass in healthy mice as well as in OVX mice, a model of PMO.

Pituitary crosstalk with bone, adipose tissue and brain

Traditional textbook physiology has ascribed unitary functions to hormones from the anterior and posterior pituitary gland, mainly in the regulation of effector hormone secretion from endocrine organs. However, the evolutionary biology of pituitary hormones and their receptors provides evidence for a broad range of functions in vertebrate physiology. Over the past decade, we and others have discovered that thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin act directly on somatic organs, including bone, adipose tissue and liver. New evidence also indicates that pituitary hormone receptors are expressed in brain regions, nuclei and subnuclei. These studies have prompted us to attribute the pathophysiology of certain human diseases, including osteoporosis, obesity and neurodegeneration, at least in part, to changes in pituitary hormone levels. This new information has identified actionable therapeutic targets for drug discovery.

The Effects of Natural Product-Derived Extracts for Longitudinal Bone Growth: An Overview of In Vivo Experiments

Approximately 80% of children with short stature are classified as having Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS). While growth hormone (GH) treatment received FDA approval in the United States in 2003, its long-term impact on final height remains debated. Other treatments, like aromatase inhibitors, metformin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), have been explored, but there is no established standard treatment for ISS. In South Korea and other Asian countries, East Asian Traditional Medicine (EATM) is sometimes employed by parents to potentially enhance their children's height growth, often involving herbal medicines. One such product, Astragalus membranaceus extract mixture HT042, claims to promote height growth in children and has gained approval from the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Research suggests that HT042 supplementation can increase height growth in children without skeletal maturation, possibly by elevating serum IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 levels. Preclinical studies also indicate the potential benefits of natural products, including of EATM therapies for ISS. The purpose of this review is to offer an overview of bone growth factors related to ISS and to investigate the potential of natural products, including herbal preparations, as alternative treatments for managing ISS symptoms, based on their known efficacy in in vivo studies.

Dysregulation of insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling in postnatal bone elongation

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a critical modulator of cell growth and survival, making it a central part of maintaining essentially every biological system in the body. Knowledge of the intricate mechanisms involved in activating IGF-1 signaling is not only key to understanding basic processes of growth and development, but also for addressing diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. This brief review explores how dysregulation of normal IGF-1 signaling can impact growth by examining its role in postnatal bone elongation. IGF-1 actions are dysregulated in autoimmune diseases, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and chronic kidney disease, which results in growth stunting. Conversely, childhood obesity results in growth acceleration, premature growth cessation, and ultimately, diminished bone quality, while systemic IGF-1 levels remain normal. Understanding the role of IGF-1 signaling in normal and dysregulated growth can add to other studies that address how this system regulates chronic diseases.

Impact of buffered sodium butyrate as a partial or total dietary alternative to lincomycin on performance, IGF-1 and TLR4 genes expression, serum indices, intestinal histomorphometry, Clostridia, and litter hygiene of broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

Sodium butyrate (SB) is a short-chain fatty acid and a safe antibiotic alternative. During 35 days, this study compared the impact of coated SB (Butirex C4) and lincomycin (Lincomix) on broiler growth, gut health, and litter hygiene in 1200 one-day-old Ross-308 broiler chicks that were randomly assigned into 5-dietary groups with 5-replications each. Groups divided as follows: T1: Basal diet (control), T2: Basal diet with buffered SB (1 kg/ton starter feed, 0.5 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds), T3: Basal diet with 100 g/ton lincomycin, T4: Basal diet with buffered SB (0.5 kg/ton starter feed, 0.25 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds) + 50 g/ton lincomycin, and T5: Basal diet with buffered SB (1 kg/ton starter feed, 0.5 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds) + 50 g/ton lincomycin. Birds were housed in a semi-closed deep litter house, where feed and water were available ad libitum. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests.

RESULTS

Combined dietary supplementation with SB and lincomycin (T4 and T5) significantly enhanced body weights, weight gains, feed conversion ratio, and profitability index. Also, carcasses in T4 and T5 exhibited the highest dressing, breast, thigh, and liver yields. T5 revealed the best blood biochemical indices, while T3 showed significantly elevated liver and kidney function indices. T4 and T5 exhibited the highest expression levels of IGF-1 and TLR4 genes, the greatest villi length of the intestinal mucosa, and the lowest levels of litter moisture and nitrogen. Clostridia perfringens type A alpha-toxin gene was confirmed in birds' caeca, with the lowest clostridial counts defined in T4.

CONCLUSIONS

Replacing half the dose of lincomycin (50 g/ton) with 0.5 or 1 kg/ton coated SB as a dietary supplement mixture showed the most efficient privileges concerning birds' performance and health.

The metabolic effects of resumption of a high fat diet after weight loss are sex dependent in mice

Dietary restriction is a frequent strategy for weight loss, but adherence is difficult and returning to poor dietary habits can result in more weight gain than that previously lost. How weight loss due to unrestricted intake of a healthy diet affects the response to resumption of poor dietary habits is less studied. Moreover, whether this response differs between the sexes and if the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, sex dependent and involved in metabolic control, participates is unknown. Mice received rodent chow (6% Kcal from fat) or a high-fat diet (HFD, 62% Kcal from fat) for 4 months, chow for 3 months plus 1 month of HFD, or HFD for 2 months, chow for 1 month then HFD for 1 month. Males and females gained weight on HFD and lost weight when returned to chow at different rates (p < 0.001), but weight gain after resumption of HFD intake was not affected by previous weight loss in either sex. Glucose metabolism was more affected by HFD, as well as the re-exposure to HFD after weight loss, in males. This was associated with increases in hypothalamic mRNA levels of IGF2 (p < 0.01) and IGF binding protein (IGFBP) 2 (p < 0.05), factors involved in glucose metabolism, again only in males. Likewise, IGF2 increased IGFBP2 mRNA levels only in hypothalamic astrocytes from males (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the metabolic responses to dietary changes were less severe and more delayed in females and the IGF system might be involved in some of the sex specific observations.

Changes in Multiple microRNA Levels with Antidepressant Treatment Are Associated with Remission and Interact with Key Pathways: A Comprehensive microRNA Analysis

Individual treatment outcomes to antidepressants varies widely, yet the determinants to this difference remain elusive. MicroRNA (miRNA) gene expression regulation in major depressive disorder (MDD) has attracted interest as a biomarker. This 4-week randomized controlled trial examined changes in the plasma miRNAs that correlated with the treatment outcomes of mirtazapine (MIR) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) monotherapy. Pre- and post- treatment, we comprehensively analyzed the miRNA levels in MDD patients, and identified the gene pathways linked to these miRNAs in 46 patients. Overall, 141 miRNA levels significantly demonstrated correlations with treatment remission after 4 weeks of MIR, with miR-1237-5p showing the most robust and significant correlation after Bonferroni correction. These 141 miRNAs displayed a negative correlation with remission, indicating a decreasing trend. These miRNAs were associated with 15 pathways, including TGF-β and MAPK. Through database searches, the genes targeted by these miRNAs with the identified pathways were compared, and it was found that MAPK1, IGF1, IGF1R, and BRAF matched. Alterations in specific miRNAs levels before and after MIR treatment correlated with remission. The miRNAs mentioned in this study have not been previously reported. No other studies have investigated treatment with MIR. The identified miRNAs also correlated with depression-related genes and pathways.

Compensatory Growth Is Accompanied by Changes in Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 but Not Markers of Cellular Aging in a Long-Lived Seabird

AbstractDeveloping organisms often plastically modify growth in response to environmental circumstances, which may be adaptive but is expected to entail long-term costs. However, the mechanisms that mediate these growth adjustments and any associated costs are less well understood. In vertebrates, one mechanism that may be important in this context is the highly conserved signaling factor insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is frequently positively related to postnatal growth and negatively related to longevity. To test this idea, we exposed captive Franklin's gulls (Leucophaeus pipixcan) to a physiologically relevant nutritional stressor by restricting food availability during postnatal development and examined the effects on growth, IGF-1, and two potential biomarkers of cellular and organismal aging (oxidative stress and telomeres). During food restriction, experimental chicks gained body mass more slowly and had lower IGF-1 levels than controls. Following food restriction, experimental chicks underwent compensatory growth, which was accompanied by an increase in IGF-1 levels. Interestingly, however, there were no significant effects of the experimental treatment or of variation in IGF-1 levels on oxidative stress or telomeres. These findings suggest that IGF-1 is responsive to changes in resource availability but is not associated with increased markers of cellular aging during development in this relatively long-lived species.

Running exercise with and without calcium supplementation from tuna bone reduced bone impairment caused by low calcium intake in young adult rats

Inadequate calcium intake during childhood and adolescence is detrimental to bone metabolism. Here, we postulated that calcium supplement prepared from tuna bone with tuna head oil should benefit for skeletal development than CaCO₃. Forty female 4-week-old rats were divided into calcium-replete diet (0.55% w/w, S1, n = 8) and low-calcium groups (0.15% w/w for 2 weeks; L; n = 32). Then L were subdivided into 4 groups (8/group), i.e., remained on L, L + tuna bone (S2), S2 + tuna head oil + 25(OH)D₃ and S2 + 25(OH)D₃. Bone specimens were collected at week 9. We found that 2 weeks on low calcium diet led to low bone mineral density (BMD), reduced mineral content, and impaired mechanical properties in young growing rats. Intestinal fractional calcium absorption also increased, presumably resulting from higher plasma 1,25(OH)₂D₃ (1.712 ± 0.158 in L vs. 1.214 ± 0.105 nM in S1, P < 0.05). Four-week calcium supplementation from tuna bone further increased calcium absorption efficacy, which later returned to the basal level by week 9. Calcium supplementation successfully restored BMD, bone strength and microstructure. However, 25(OH)D₃ + tuna head oil + tuna bone showed no additive effect. Voluntary running also effectively prevented bone defects. In conclusion, both tuna bone calcium supplementation and exercise are effective interventions for mitigating calcium-deficient bone loss.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1), IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP3) and Growth Response to Daily Zinc Supplementation: A Randomized Trial in Rural Laotian Children

OBJECTIVES

To assess (a) the impact of daily preventive zinc tablets (7 mg; PZ), zinc-containing multiple micronutrient powder (10 mg zinc, and 13 other micronutrients; MNP) or placebo, delivered for 9 months, on Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) and IGF Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP3) among Laotian children 6-23 months, and (b) whether the effects of PZ and MNP on length-for-age z-scores (LAZ) and weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) are modified by baseline IGF1 and IGFBP3.

DESIGN

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (N = 419).

METHODS

Plasma IGF1 and IGFBP3 concentrations at baseline and 36 weeks were analyzed by automated chemiluminescent assay. Anthropometry was assessed at baseline, at 18 and 36 weeks. Intervention effects were estimated using ANCOVA.

RESULTS

At 36 weeks, geometric mean IGF1 (~39.0-39.2 ng/mL; p = 0.99) and IGFBP3 (2038-2076 ng/mL; p = 0.83) did not differ by group. At 18 weeks (but not at 36 weeks), LAZ in the PZ group (-1.45) was higher than the MNP (-1.70) and control (-1.55) groups (p = 0.01) among children in the highest baseline IGF1 tertile (p for interaction = 0.006). At 36 weeks (but not at 18 weeks), WAZ in the PZ group (-1.55) was significantly higher than the MNP (-1.75) and control (-1.65) groups (p = 0.03), among children in the lowest baseline IGFBP3 tertile (p for interactions = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Although IGF1 and IGFBP3 did not respond to PZ and MNP, baseline IGF1 and IGFBP3 significantly modified the impact of PZ on linear and ponderal growth, suggesting that IGF1 bioavailability may drive catch-up growth in zinc-supplemented children.

SIRT2 regulates extracellular vesicle-mediated liver-bone communication

The interplay between liver and bone metabolism remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we uncover a mechanism of liver-bone crosstalk regulated by hepatocyte SIRT2. We demonstrate that hepatocyte SIRT2 expression is increased in aged mice and elderly humans. Liver-specific SIRT2 deficiency inhibits osteoclastogenesis and alleviates bone loss in mouse models of osteoporosis. We identify leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) as a functional cargo in hepatocyte-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). In SIRT2-deficient hepatocytes, LRG1 levels in sEVs are upregulated, leading to increased transfer of LRG1 to bone-marrow-derived monocytes (BMDMs), and in turn, to inhibition of osteoclast differentiation via reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Treatment with sEVs carrying high levels of LRG1 inhibits osteoclast differentiation in human BMDMs and in mice with osteoporosis, resulting in attenuated bone loss in mice. Furthermore, the plasma level of sEVs carrying LRG1 is positively correlated with bone mineral density in humans. Thus, drugs targeting hepatocyte-osteoclast communication may constitute a promising therapeutic strategy for primary osteoporosis.

Proteomics and cytokine analyses distinguish myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome cases from controls

BACKGROUND

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, heterogenous disease characterized by unexplained persistent fatigue and other features including cognitive impairment, myalgias, post-exertional malaise, and immune system dysfunction. Cytokines are present in plasma and encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs), but there have been only a few reports of EV characteristics and cargo in ME/CFS. Several small studies have previously described plasma proteins or protein pathways that are associated with ME/CFS.

METHODS

We prepared extracellular vesicles (EVs) from frozen plasma samples from a cohort of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) cases and controls with prior published plasma cytokine and plasma proteomics data. The cytokine content of the plasma-derived extracellular vesicles was determined by a multiplex assay and differences between patients and controls were assessed. We then performed multi-omic statistical analyses that considered not only this new data, but extensive clinical data describing the health of the subjects.

RESULTS

ME/CFS cases exhibited greater size and concentration of EVs in plasma. Assays of cytokine content in EVs revealed IL2 was significantly higher in cases. We observed numerous correlations among EV cytokines, among plasma cytokines, and among plasma proteins from mass spectrometry proteomics. Significant correlations between clinical data and protein levels suggest roles of particular proteins and pathways in the disease. For example, higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Granulocyte-Monocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (CSF2) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNFα) were correlated with greater physical and fatigue symptoms in ME/CFS cases. Higher serine protease SERPINA5, which is involved in hemostasis, was correlated with higher SF-36 general health scores in ME/CFS. Machine learning classifiers were able to identify a list of 20 proteins that could discriminate between cases and controls, with XGBoost providing the best classification with 86.1% accuracy and a cross-validated AUROC value of 0.947. Random Forest distinguished cases from controls with 79.1% accuracy and an AUROC value of 0.891 using only 7 proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings add to the substantial number of objective differences in biomolecules that have been identified in individuals with ME/CFS. The observed correlations of proteins important in immune responses and hemostasis with clinical data further implicates a disturbance of these functions in ME/CFS.

Local Concentrations of TGF-β1 and IGF-1 Appear Determinant in Regulating Bone Regeneration in Human Postextraction Tooth Sockets

Healing after tooth extraction involves a series of reparative processes affecting both alveolar bone and soft tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether activation of molecular signals during the healing process confers a regenerative advantage to the extraction socket soft tissue (ESsT) at 8 weeks of healing. Compared to subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG), qRT-PCR analyses revealed a dramatic enrichment of the ESsT in osteogenic differentiation markers. However, ESsT and CTG shared characteristics of nonspecialized soft connective tissue by expressing comparable levels of genes encoding abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Genes encoding the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and its receptors were strongly enriched in the CTG, whereas the transcript for the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) showed significantly high and comparable expression in both tissues. Mechanical stimulation, by the means of cyclic strain or matrix stiffness applied to primary ESsT cells (ESsT-C) and CTG fibroblasts (CTG-F) extracted from the tissue samples, revealed that stress-induced TGF-β1 not exceeding 2.3 ng/mL, as measured by ELISA, in combination with IGF-1 up to 2.5 ng/mL was able to induce the osteogenic potential of ESsT-Cs. However, stiff matrices (50 kPa), upregulating the TGF-β1 expression up to 6.6 ng/mL, caused downregulation of osteogenic gene expression in the ESsT-Cs. In CTG-Fs, endogenous or stress-induced TGF-β1 ≥ 4.6 ng/mL was likely responsible for the complete lack of osteogenesis. Treatment of ESsT-Cs with TGF-β1 and IGF-1 proved that, at specific concentrations, the two growth factors exhibited either an inductive-synergistic or a suppressive activity, thus determining the osteogenic and mineralization potential of ESsT-Cs. Taken together, our data strongly warrant the clinical exploration of ESsT as a graft in augmentative procedures during dental implant placement surgeries.

Current risks factors and emerging biomarkers for bone stress injuries in military personnel

INTRODUCTION

Bone stress injuries (BSIs) have plagued the military for over 150 years; they afflict around 5 to 10% of military recruits, more so in women, and continue to place a medical and financial burden on defence. While the tibia generally adapts to the rigours of basic military training, the putative mechanisms for bone maladaptation are still unclear.

METHODS

This paper provides a review of the published literature on current risk factors and emerging biomarkers for BSIs in military personnel; the potential for biochemical markers of bone metabolism to monitor the response to military training; and, the association of novel biochemical 'exerkines' with bone health.

RESULTS

The primary risk factor for BSI in military (and athletic) populations is too much training, too soon. Appropriate physical preparation before training will likely be most protective, but routine biomarkers will not yet identify those at risk. Nutritional interventions will support a bone anabolic response to training, but exposure to stress, sleep loss, and medication is likely harmful to bone. Monitoring physiology using wearables-ovulation, sleep and stress-offer potential to inform prevention strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors for BSIs are well described, but their aetiology is very complex particularly in the multi-stressor military environment. Our understanding of the skeletal responses to military training is improving as technology advances, and potential biomarkers are constantly emerging, but sophisticated and integrated approaches to prevention of BSI are warranted.

Capillary blood as a complementary matrix for doping control purposes. Application to the definition of the individual longitudinal profile of IGF-1

We present a novel procedure to monitor the fluctuations of the levels of IGF-1 in capillary blood in the framework of doping control analysis. Being an endogenous hormone, direct methods are not applicable, so the most effective way to detect the intake of the exogenous hormone would be based on the longitudinal monitoring of the athlete. We have therefore followed the individual variability, in four subjects (two males and two females), of the levels of IGF-1 in capillary blood samples collected three times per day for five days, then once a week for at least two months. Analyses were performed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry following a bottom-up approach. The whole protocol, from the sample collection to the instrumental analysis, was validated according to the World Anti-Doping Agency's guidelines and ISO17025. The analytical protocol showed to be fit for purpose in terms of sensitivity (LOD 25 ng/mL and LOI 35 ng/mL), selectivity (no interferences were detected at the retention time of IGF-1 and the internal standard), and repeatability (CV<10%). The linearity was confirmed in the range of 50-1000 ng/mL (correlation coefficient R² >0.995, with a % relative bias of the experimental concentration of the different calibrators used for the estimation of the linearity lower than 20% for the lowest level and than 15% for the other levels). Stability studies were also performed, also to establish the optimal conditions for transport and storage: samples were stable at 4 °C for up to 72 h and at -20 °C and -80 °C for up to three months. Our preliminary results indicate that, in all subjects, the levels of IGF-1 did not present significant circadian fluctuations and remained stable during the entire period of the study (2-3 months, depending on the subject). The stability over time of IGF-1 levels in capillary blood indicates the possibility of detecting the intake of the non-endogenous hormone based on a longitudinal approach, as it is modeled in the framework of the endocrinological module of the athlete biological passport.

The impact of different calibration matrices on the determination of insulin-like growth factor 1 by high-resolution-LC-MS in acromegalic and growth hormone deficient patients

OBJECTIVES

Calibration is an important source of variability in liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods for insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This study investigated the impact of different calibrator matrices on IGF-1 measurements by LC-MS. Moreover, the comparability of immunoassays and LC-MS was assessed.

DESIGN & METHODS

Calibrators from 12.5 to 2009 ng/ml were prepared by spiking WHO international Standard (ID 02/254 NIBSC, UK) into the following matrices: native human plasma, fresh charcoal-treated human plasma (FCTHP), old charcoal-treated human plasma, deionized water, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and rat plasma (RP). A validated in-house LC-MS method was calibrated repeatedly with these calibrators. Then, serum samples from 197 growth hormone excess and deficiency patients were analysed with each calibration.

RESULTS

The seven calibration curves had different slopes leading to markedly different patient results. The largest differences in IGF-1 concentration from the median (interquartile range) was observed with the calibrator in water and the calibrator in RP (336.4 [279.6-417.0] vs. 112.5 [71.2-171.2], p < 0.001). The smallest difference was observed with calibrators in FCTHP and BSA (141.8 [102.0-198.5] vs. 127.9 [86.9-186.0], p < 0.049). Compared to LC-MS with calibrators in FCTHP, immunoassays showed relevant proportional bias (range: -43% to -68%), constant bias (range: 22.84 to 57.29 ng/ml) and pronounced scatter. Comparing the immunoassays with each other revealed proportional bias of up to 24%.

CONCLUSIONS

The calibrator matrix is critical for the measurement of IGF-1 by LC-MS. Regardless of the calibrator matrix, LC-MS shows poor agreement with immunoassays. Also, the agreement between different immunoassays is variable.

The role of insulin-like growth factor-1 in bone remodeling: A review

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 is a polypeptide hormone with vital biological functions in bone cells. The abnormal expression of IGF-1 has a serious effect on bone growth, particularly bone remodeling. Evidence from animal models and human disease suggested that both IGF-1 deficiency and excess cause changes in bone remodeling equilibrium, resulting in profound alterations in bone mass and development. Here, we first introduced the functions and mechanisms of the members of IGFs in bone. Subsequently, the critical role of IGF-1 in the process of bone remodeling were emphasized from the aspects of bone resorption and bone formation respectively. This review explains the mechanism of IGF-1 in maintaining bone mass and bone homeostasis to a certain extent and provides a theoretical basis for further research.

Low-Plasma Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Associates With Increased Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients With Reduced Muscle Strength

OBJECTIVES

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to metabolic and nutritional abnormalities including resistance to insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) action, and reduced muscle mass and strength. Low IGF-1 as well as low hand-grip muscle strength (HGS) are independent predictors of increased mortality in CKD patients.

METHODS

In 685 patients (CKD Stage 3-5, median age 58 years; 62% men), baseline measurements of IGF-1, HGS, subjective global assessment (SGA), lean body mass index (LBMI), and metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers potentially linked to IGF-1 were analyzed in relation to mortality during 5 years of follow-up. We compared survival in 4 groups with high or low (cut-offs defined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis) levels of IGF-1 and HGS.

RESULTS

Patients with low IGF-1 were older; had lower BMI, HGS, and LBMI, were more likely to have diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and malnutrition (SGA >1); and had high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. During 5 years of follow-up, 208 patients died. The mortality rate was highest among patients with Low IGF-1 + Low HGS. In competing-risk regression analysis, Low IGF-1 + Low HGS was independently associated with 2.8 times higher all-cause mortality risk than Low IGF-1 + High HGS, after adjusting for Framingham's CVD risk score, presence of CVD, SGA, dialysis status, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, albumin, LBMI, and sample time in freezer.

CONCLUSION

Low IGF-1 was associated with increased all-cause mortality in patients who also had low HGS but not in those with high HGS, suggesting that the association of IGF-1 with survival in CKD patients depends on nutritional status.

Naringenin protects hepato-renal tissues against antituberculosis drugs induced toxic manifestations by modulating interleukin-6, insulin like growth factor-1, biochemical and ultra-structural integrity

BACKGROUND

The antituberculosis drugs (ATDs), isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol prompt extreme hepatic and renal damage during treatment of tuberculosis. The present study aimed to investigate protective potential of naringenin against ATDs induced hepato-renal injury.

METHODS

Rats were administered with ATDs (pyrazinamide; 210, ethambutol; 170, isoniazid; 85, rifampicin; 65 mg/kg b.wt) orally for 8 weeks (3 days/week) followed by naringenin at three different doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt) conjointly for 8 weeks (3 days/week alternately to ATDs administration) and silymarin (50 mg/kg b.wt) as positive control.

RESULTS

Exposure to ATDs caused significant increase in interleukin-6 (IL-6), triglycerides, cholesterol, bilirubin whereas depletion in insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), albumin and glucose in serum. Endogenous antioxidant enzymes glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) were diminished in liver and kidney tissues with parallel increase in triglycerides, cholesterol, microsomal LPO and aniline hydroxylase (CYP2E1 enzyme). Ultra-structural observations of liver and kidney showed marked deviation in plasma membranes of various cellular and sub-cellular organelles after 8 weeks of exposure to ATDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Conjoint treatment of naringenin counteracted ATDs induced toxic manifestations by regulating IL-6, IGF-1, CYP2E1, biochemical and ultra-structural integrity in a dose dependent manner. Naringenin has excellent potential to protect ATDs induced hepato-renal injury by altering oxidative stress, modulation of antioxidant enzymes, serum cytokines and ultra-structural changes.

MRL/MpJ Mice Resist to Age-Related and Long-Term Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss: Implications for Bone Regeneration and Repair

Osteoporosis and age-related bone loss increase bone fracture risk and impair bone healing. The need for identifying new factors to prevent or treat bone loss is critical. Previously, we reported that young MRL/MpJ mice have superior bone microarchitecture and biomechanical properties as compared to wild-type (WT) mice. In this study, MRL/MpJ mice were tested for resistance to age-related and long-term ovariectomy-induced bone loss to uncover potential beneficial factors for bone regeneration and repair. Bone tissues collected from 14-month-old MRL/MpJ and C57BL/6J (WT) mice were analyzed using micro-CT, histology, and immunohistochemistry, and serum protein markers were characterized using ELISAs or multiplex assays. Furthermore, 4-month-old MRL/MpJ and WT mice were subjected to ovariectomy (OV) or sham surgery and bone loss was monitored continuously using micro-CT at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months (M) after surgery with histology and immunohistochemistry performed at 6 M post-surgery. Sera were collected for biomarker detection using ELISA and multiplex assays at 6 M after surgery. Our results indicated that MRL/MpJ mice maintained better bone microarchitecture and higher bone mass than WT mice during aging and long-term ovariectomy. This resistance of bone loss observed in MRL/MpJ mice correlated with the maintenance of higher OSX⁺ osteoprogenitor cell pools, higher activation of the pSMAD5 signaling pathway, more PCNA⁺ cells, and a lower number of osteoclasts. Systemically, lower serum RANKL and DKK1 with higher serum IGF1 and OPG in MRL/MpJ mice relative to WT mice may also contribute to the maintenance of higher bone microarchitecture during aging and less severe bone loss after long-term ovariectomy. These findings may be used to develop therapeutic approaches to maintain bone mass and improve bone regeneration and repair due to injury, disease, and aging.

Liver-bone crosstalk in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Clinical implications and underlying pathophysiology

Osteoporosis is a common complication of many types of chronic liver diseases (CLDs), such as cholestatic liver disease, viral hepatitis, and alcoholic liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent metabolic liver disease, affecting almost one third of adults around the world, and is emerging as the dominant cause of CLDs. Liver serves as a hub for nutrient and energy metabolism in the body, and its crosstalk with other tissues, such as adipose tissue, heart, and brain, has been well recognized. However, much less is known about the crosstalk that occurs between the liver and bone. Moreover, the mechanisms by which CLDs increase the risk for osteoporosis remain unclear. This review summarizes the latest research on the liver-bone axis and discusses the relationship between NAFLD and osteoporosis. We cover key signaling molecules secreted by liver, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), fetuin-A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and osteopontin (OPN), and their relevance to the homeostasis of bone metabolism. Finally, we consider the disordered liver metabolism that occurs in patients with NAFLD and how this disrupts signaling to the bone, thereby perturbing the balance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts and leading to osteoporosis or hepatic osteodystrophy (HOD).

Crosstalk between bone and other organs

Bone has long been considered as a silent organ that provides a reservoir of calcium and phosphorus, traditionally. Recently, further study of bone has revealed additional functions as an endocrine organ connecting systemic organs of the whole body. Communication between bone and other organs participates in most physiological and pathological events and is responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis. Here, we present an overview of the crosstalk between bone and other organs. Furthermore, we describe the factors mediating the crosstalk and review the mechanisms in the development of potential associated diseases. These connections shed new light on the pathogenesis of systemic diseases and provide novel potential targets for the treatment of systemic diseases.

Engineered Chimeric Peptides with IGF-1 and Titanium-Binding Functions to Enhance Osteogenic Differentiation In Vitro under T2DM Condition

Due to the complexity of the biomolecules and titanium (Ti) combination, it is a challenge to modify the implant surface with biological cytokines. The study proposed a new method for immobilizing cytokines on implant surface to solve the problem of low osseointegration under type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) condition. This new modified protein that connected Ti-binding artificial aptamer minTBP-1 with Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), had a special strong affinity with Ti and a therapeutic effect on diabetic bone loss. According to the copies of minTBP-1, three proteins were prepared, namely minTBP-1-IGF-1, 2minTBP-1-IGF-1 and 3minTBP-1-IGF-1. Compared with the other modified proteins, 3minTBP-1-IGF-1 adsorbed most on the Ti surface. Additionally, this biointerface demonstrated the most uniform state and the strongest hydrophilicity. In vitro results showed that the 3minTBP-1-IGF-1 significantly increased the adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization activity of osteoblasts under T2DM conditions when compared with the control group and the other modified IGF-1s groups. Real-time PCR assay results confirmed that 3minTBP-1-IGF-1 could effectively promote the expression of osteogenic genes, that is, ALP, BMP-2, OCN, OPG, and Runx2. All these data indicated that the 3minTBP-1-IGF-1 had the most efficacious effect in promoting osteoblasts osteogenesis in diabetic conditions, and may be a promising option for further clinical use.

Plasma proteome profiling combined with clinical and genetic features reveals the pathophysiological characteristics of β-thalassemia

The phenotype of β-thalassemia underlies multigene interactions, making clinical stratification complicated. An increasing number of genetic modifiers affecting the disease severity have been identified, but are still unable to meet the demand of precision diagnosis. Here, we systematically conducted a comparative plasma proteomic profiling on patients with β-thalassemia and healthy controls. Among 246 dysregulated proteins, 13 core protein signatures with excellent biomarker potential are proposed. The combination of proteome and patients' clinical data revealed patients with codons 41/42 -TTCT mutations have an elevated risk of higher iron burden, dysplasia, and osteoporosis than patients with other genotypes. Notably, 85 proteins correlating to fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) were identified, among which the abundance of 27 proteins may affect the transfusion burden in patients with β-thalassemia. The current study thus provides protein signatures as potential diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic clues for β-thalassemia.

•

246 dysregulated proteins are detected in plasma of patients with β-thalassemia

•

13 potential biomarkers and 27 proteins related to disease progression are found

•

Variations in plasma proteome reveal the disease pathophysiological characteristics

•

Codons 41/42 -TTCT carriers have higher ferritin levels compared to non-carriers

Adult-Attained Height and Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Cohort Study, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The influence of anthropometric characteristics on colorectal neoplasia biology is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if adult-attained height is independently associated with the risk of colorectal cancer or adenoma.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to August 2020 for studies on the association between adult-attained height and colorectal cancer or adenoma. The original data from the Johns Hopkins (Baltimore, MD) Colon Biofilm study was also included. The overall HR/OR of colorectal cancer/adenoma with increased height was estimated using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We included 47 observational studies involving 280,644 colorectal cancer and 14,139 colorectal adenoma cases. Thirty-three studies reported data for colorectal cancer incidence per 10-cm increase in height; 19 yielded an HR of 1.14 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-1.17; P < 0.001), and 14 engendered an OR of 1.09 (95% CI, 1.05-1.13; P < 0.001). Twenty-six studies compared colorectal cancer incidence between individuals within the highest versus the lowest height percentile; 19 indicated an HR of 1.24 (95% CI, 1.19-1.30; P < 0.001), and seven resulting in an OR of 1.07 (95% CI, 0.92-1.25; P = 0.39). Four studies reported data for assessing colorectal adenoma incidence per 10-cm increase in height, showing an overall OR of 1.06 (95% CI, 1.00-1.12; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater adult attained height is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma.

IMPACT

Height should be considered as a risk factor for colorectal cancer screening.

Myostatin/Activin Receptor Ligands in Muscle and the Development Status of Attenuating Drugs

Muscle wasting disease indications are among the most debilitating and often deadly noncommunicable disease states. As a comorbidity, muscle wasting is associated with different neuromuscular diseases and myopathies, cancer, heart failure, chronic pulmonary and renal diseases, peripheral neuropathies, inflammatory disorders, and, of course, musculoskeletal injuries. Current treatment strategies are relatively ineffective and can at best only limit the rate of muscle degeneration. This includes nutritional supplementation and appetite stimulants as well as immunosuppressants capable of exacerbating muscle loss. Arguably, the most promising treatments in development attempt to disrupt myostatin and activin receptor signaling because these circulating factors are potent inhibitors of muscle growth and regulators of muscle progenitor cell differentiation. Indeed, several studies demonstrated the clinical potential of "inhibiting the inhibitors," increasing muscle cell protein synthesis, decreasing degradation, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, and preserving muscle function. Such changes can prevent muscle wasting in various disease animal models yet many drugs targeting this pathway failed during clinical trials, some from serious treatment-related adverse events and off-target interactions. More often, however, failures resulted from the inability to improve muscle function despite preserving muscle mass. Drugs still in development include antibodies and gene therapeutics, all with different targets and thus, safety, efficacy, and proposed use profiles. Each is unique in design and, if successful, could revolutionize the treatment of both acute and chronic muscle wasting. They could also be used in combination with other developing therapeutics for related muscle pathologies or even metabolic diseases.

Natural and human-driven selection of a single non-coding body size variant in ancient and modern canids

Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are the most variable-sized mammalian species on Earth, displaying a 40-fold size difference between breeds.¹ Although dogs of variable size are found in the archeological record,^2-4 the most dramatic shifts in body size are the result of selection over the last two centuries, as dog breeders selected and propagated phenotypic extremes within closed breeding populations.⁵ Analyses of over 200 domestic breeds have identified approximately 20 body size genes regulating insulin processing, fatty acid metabolism, TGFβ signaling, and skeletal formation.^6-10 Of these, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) predominates, controlling approximately 15% of body size variation between breeds.⁸ The identification of a functional mutation associated with IGF1 has thus far proven elusive.^6,10,11 Here, to identify and elucidate the role of an ancestral IGF1 allele in the propagation of modern canids, we analyzed 1,431 genome sequences from 13 species, including both ancient and modern canids, thus allowing us to define the evolutionary history of both ancestral and derived alleles at this locus. We identified a single variant in an antisense long non-coding RNA (IGF1-AS) that interacts with the IGF1 gene, creating a duplex. While the derived mutation predominates in both modern gray wolves and large domestic breeds, the ancestral allele, which predisposes to small size, was common in small-sized breeds and smaller wild canids. Our analyses demonstrate that this major regulator of canid body size nearly vanished in Pleistocene wolves, before its recent resurgence resulting from human-imposed selection for small-sized breed dogs.

Overexpression of IGF-1 During Early Development Expands the Number of Mammary Stem Cells and Primes them for Transformation

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) has been implicated in breast cancer due to its mitogenic and anti-apoptotic effects. Despite substantial research on the role of IGF-1 in tumor progression, the relationship of IGF-1 to tissue stem cells, particularly in mammary tissue, and the resulting tumor susceptibility has not been elucidated. Previous studies with the BK5.IGF-1 transgenic (Tg) mouse model reveals that IGF-1 does not act as a classical, post-carcinogen tumor promoter in the mammary gland. Pre-pubertal Tg mammary glands display increased numbers and enlarged sizes of terminal end buds, a niche for mammary stem cells (MaSCs). Here we show that MaSCs from both wild type (WT) and Tg mice expressed IGF-1R and that overexpression of Tg IGF-1 increased numbers of MaSCs by undergoing symmetric division, resulting in an expansion of the MaSC and luminal progenitor (LP) compartments in pre-pubertal female mice. This expansion was maintained post-pubertally and validated by mammosphere assays in vitro and transplantation assays in vivo. The addition of recombinant IGF-1 promoted, and IGF-1R downstream inhibitors decreased mammosphere formation. Single-cell transcriptomic profiles generated from two related platforms reveal that IGF-1 stimulated quiescent MaSCs to enter the cell cycle and increased their expression of genes involved in proliferation, plasticity, tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. This study identifies a novel, pro-tumorigenic mechanism, where IGF-1 increases the number of transformation-susceptible carcinogen targets during the early stages of mammary tissue development, and “primes” their gene expression profiles for transformation.

Regulation of Cytokines and Dihydrotestosterone Production in Human Hair Follicle Papilla Cells by Supercritical Extraction-Residues Extract of Ulmus davidiana

This study was conducted to examine the anti-hair loss mechanism of the supercritical fluid extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana by the regulation of cytokine production and hormone function in human dermal follicle papilla cells (HDFPCs). To investigate the modulatory effects on H₂O₂-induced cytokines, we measured transforming growth factor-beta and insulin-like growth factor 1 secreted from HDFPCs. To investigate the regulatory effects of supercritical extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana on dihydrotestosterone hormone production, cells were co-incubated with high concentrations of testosterone. The supercritical extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana significantly inhibited the secretion of transforming growth factor-beta but rescued insulin-like growth factor 1 in a dose-dependent manner. The supercritical extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana markedly reduced dihydrotestosterone production. These results suggest that the supercritical fluid extract residues of Ulmus davidiana and their functional molecules are candidates for preventing human hair loss.

Vitamin D Status Is Negatively Related to Insulin Resistance and Bone Turnover in Chinese Non-Osteoporosis Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cross-Section Research

Background and Objectives

Vitamin D status is closely related to blood glucose and bone metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Vitamin D affects bone density and bone metabolism, leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis. Insulin resistance increases the risk of osteoporosis in patients with T2DM. Our previous studies have shown a negative correlation between insulin resistance and 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between vitamin D status and insulin resistance and bone metabolism in patients with T2DM.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective cross-section research was carried out among 109 non-osteoporosis patients with T2DM. Their fasting blood glucose (FBG), 25(OH)D, fasting blood insulin (FINS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine (SCr), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), body mass index (BMI), glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), homeostatic model estimates of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and calcium-phosphorus product were measured routinely.

Results

Both in men and women, 25(OH)D was negatively correlated with BALP (β = −0. 369, p ≤ 0.001)and HOMA-IR (β = −0.349, p ≤ 0.001), and positively associated with IGF-1(β = 0.672, p ≤ 0.05). There was a negative correlation between HOMA-IR and IGF-1 (β = −0.464, p ≤ 0.001), and a positive correlation between HOMA-IR and BALP (β = 0.344, p ≤ 0.05), adjusted by confounding factors.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that 25(OH)D concentrations are negatively correlated with insulin resistance and bone turnover. Insulin resistance increases with the decrease of 25(OH)D concentration, which can enhance bone turnover, and increases the risk of osteoporosis in non-osteoporosis patients with T2DM. This is the first study to clarify the relationship between serum vitamin D status, insulin resistance, and bone metabolism in non-osteoporosis patients with T2DM in China.

Dairy as a Source of Iodine and Protein in the UK: Implications for Human Health Across the Life Course, and Future Policy and Research

This narrative review summarizes key concepts in dairy nutrition for supporting human health throughout the life course. Milk and dairy products have been a staple component of our diet for thousands of years and provide a wide range of important nutrients that are otherwise difficult to obtain from dairy-free diets. In this review, we provide a broad perspective on the nutritional roles of iodine and dairy protein in supporting human health during pregnancy and early life, childhood and adolescence, mid- and later-life. New methodologies to identify biomarkers of dairy intake via high-throughput mass spectrometry are discussed, and new concepts such as the role of the food matrix in dairy nutrition are introduced. Finally, future policy and research related to the consumption of dairy and non-dairy alternatives for health are discussed with a view to improving nutritional status across the lifespan.

GIP and GLP-2 together improve bone turnover in humans supporting GIPR-GLP-2R co-agonists as future osteoporosis treatment

The intestinal hormones glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) are key regulators of postprandial bone turnover in humans. We hypothesized that GIP and GLP-2 co-administration would provide stronger effect on bone turnover than administration of the hormones separately, and tested this using subcutaneous injections of GIP and GLP-2 alone or in combination in humans. Guided by these findings, we designed series of GIPR-GLP-2R co-agonists as template for new osteoporosis treatment. The clinical experiment was a randomized cross-over design including 10 healthy men administered subcutaneous injections of GIP and GLP-2 alone or in combination. The GIPR-GLP-2R co-agonists were characterized in terms of binding and activation profiles on human and rodent GIP and GLP-2 receptors, and their pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles were improved by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 protection and site-directed lipidation. Co-administration of GIP and GLP-2 in humans resulted in an additive reduction in bone resorption superior to each hormone individually. The GIPR-GLP-2R co-agonists, designed by combining regions of importance for cognate receptor activation, obtained similar efficacies as the two native hormones and nanomolar potencies on both human receptors. The PK-improved co-agonists maintained receptor activity along with their prolonged half-lives. Finally, we found that the GIPR-GLP-2R co-agonists optimized toward the human receptors for bone remodeling are not feasible for use in rodent models. The successful development of potent and efficacious GIPR-GLP-2R co-agonists, combined with the improved effect on bone metabolism in humans by co-administration, support these co-agonists as a future osteoporosis treatment.

Dissociation of Bone Resorption and Formation in Spaceflight and Simulated Microgravity: Potential Role of Myokines and Osteokines?

The dissociation of bone formation and resorption is an important physiological process during spaceflight. It also occurs during local skeletal unloading or immobilization, such as in people with neuromuscular disorders or those who are on bed rest. Under these conditions, the physiological systems of the human body are perturbed down to the cellular level. Through the absence of mechanical stimuli, the musculoskeletal system and, predominantly, the postural skeletal muscles are largely affected. Despite in-flight exercise countermeasures, muscle wasting and bone loss occur, which are associated with spaceflight duration. Nevertheless, countermeasures can be effective, especially by preventing muscle wasting to rescue both postural and dynamic as well as muscle performance. Thus far, it is largely unknown how changes in bone microarchitecture evolve over the long term in the absence of a gravity vector and whether bone loss incurred in space or following the return to the Earth fully recovers or partly persists. In this review, we highlight the different mechanisms and factors that regulate the humoral crosstalk between the muscle and the bone. Further we focus on the interplay between currently known myokines and osteokines and their mutual regulation.

Macrophage-Specific IGF-1 Overexpression Reduces CXCL12 Chemokine Levels and Suppresses Atherosclerotic Burden in Apoe-Deficient Mice

OBJECTIVE

IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) exerts pleiotropic effects including promotion of cellular growth, differentiation, survival, and anabolism. We have shown that systemic IGF-1 administration reduced atherosclerosis in Apoe^-/- (apolipoprotein E deficient) mice, and this effect was associated with a reduction in lesional macrophages and a decreased number of foam cells in the plaque. Almost all cell types secrete IGF-1, but the effect of macrophage-derived IGF-1 on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is poorly understood. We hypothesized that macrophage-derived IGF-1 will reduce atherosclerosis. Approach and Results: We created macrophage-specific IGF-1 overexpressing mice on an Apoe^-/- background. Macrophage-specific IGF-1 overexpression reduced plaque macrophages, foam cells, and atherosclerotic burden and promoted features of stable atherosclerotic plaque. Macrophage-specific IGF1 mice had a reduction in monocyte infiltration into plaque, decreased expression of CXCL12 (CXC chemokine ligand 12), and upregulation of ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter 1), a cholesterol efflux regulator, in atherosclerotic plaque and in peritoneal macrophages. IGF-1 prevented oxidized lipid-induced CXCL12 upregulation and foam cell formation in cultured THP-1 macrophages and increased lipid efflux. We also found an increase in cholesterol efflux in macrophage-specific IGF1-derived peritoneal macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

Macrophage IGF-1 overexpression reduced atherosclerotic burden and increased features of plaque stability, likely via a reduction in CXCL12-mediated monocyte recruitment and an increase in ABCA1-dependent macrophage lipid efflux.

The relationship between polymorphism of insulin-like growth factor I gene and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in Uygur population, Xinjiang, China

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) susceptibility varies among different populations and is affected by gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 gene, which has many SNP loci, is involved in T2DM pathogenesis. However, the relationship of IGF-1 gene polymorphism with T2DM in Uyghur population is less studied.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between T2DM susceptibility and polymorphism of IGF-1 gene in Uyghur population of Xinjiang, China.

Methods

This study enrolled 220 cases (122 males (55.46%) and 98 females (44.54%); mean age of 53.40 ± 10.94 years) of T2DM patients (T2DM group) and 229 (124 males (54.15%) and 105 females (45.85%); mean age of 51.64 ± 10.48 years) healthy controls (control group). Biochemical indexes were determined. IGF-1 gene polymorphism was analyzed by SNP genotyping.

Results

The levels of TG, HDL, LDL, BUN, and Cr were statistically significant between the T2DM group and the control group. In terms of IGF-1 polymorphism, T2DM group had higher frequency of AA genotype (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.19–4.84) and allele A (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.17–2.06) of rs35767 loci, suggesting that rs35767 is related to the occurrence of T2DM. A total of 5 gene interaction models was obtained through analyzing the interaction of 5 SNP loci with the GMDR method. Among them, the two-factor model that included rs35767 locus and rs5742694 locus had statistical difference with a large cross-validation consistency (10/10). The combination of GG/CC, GA/AA, AA/AA, and AA/AC genotype was in high-risk group, whereas the combination of GG/AA, GG/AC, GA/AC and GA/CC genotype was in the low-risk group. The risk of T2DM in the high-risk group was 2.165 times than that of the low-risk group (OR = 2.165, 95% CI = 1.478–3.171).

Conclusion

TG, HDL, LDL, BUN, and Cr are influencing factors of T2DM in Uyghur population. The rs35767 locus of IGF-1 gene may be associated with T2DM in Uyghur population. The high-risk group composing of rs35767 locus and rs5742694 locus has a higher risk of T2DM.