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.

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.