Diagnostic value of fasting insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in girls with central precocious puberty

Hong-ru Zhang; Ya Xiao; Shu-qin Jiang; Jun Sun; Wen-hui Shi; Jin-bo Li; Wei Wang

doi:10.1515/jpem-2024-0479

Article

Diagnostic value of fasting insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in girls with central precocious puberty

Hong-ru Zhang , Ya Xiao , Shu-qin Jiang , Jun Sun , Wen-hui Shi , Jin-bo Li and Wei Wang

Published/Copyright: January 23, 2025

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From the journal Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Volume 38 Issue 3

Abstract

Objectives

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) provocation test is crucial for diagnosing central precocious puberty (CPP). However, due to its invasion and high cost, it is essential to find a simpler biomarker. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of fasting insulin (FINS) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) as potential biomarkers for diagnosing girls with CPP and to analyze their effects on puberty development.

Methods

From May 2023 to June 2024, we retrospectively analyzed 145 girls in the growth clinic of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, including 80 CPP girls as the case group and 65 normal growth and development girls as the control group. Collect their growth and development parameters and blood samples. The levels of FINS, IGF-1, and sex hormones were detected and compared between the two groups.

Results

Compared with the control group, girls in the CPP group showed higher levels of FINS, IGF-1, and IGF-1 standard deviation score (IGF-1 SDS) (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of CPP increased with the increase of FINS, IGF-1, and IGF-1SDS levels [OR=1.141, 95 % CI=(1.029–1.265), p<0.05; OR=1.062, 95 % CI=(1.011–1.116), p<0.05; OR=1.610, 95 % CI=(1.029–2.520), p<0.05]. The areas under the curve of FINS, IGF-1, IGF-1SDS, and their combination in the diagnosis of CPP were 0.759, 0.716, 0.707, and 0.777, respectively.

Conclusions

Elevated FINS and IGF-1 levels in girls with CPP indicate their potential as effective biomarkers for early screening and diagnosis of CPP.

Keywords: central precocious puberty; hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis; insulin; insulin-like growth factor-1

Corresponding author: Wei Wang, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, E-mail: weiwang1692023@163.com

Acknowledgments

We would like to give our sincere gratitude to the reviewers for their constructive comments.

Research ethics: This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University with the ethics approval number 2024-125-01, and informed consent is exempted.
Informed consent: This study applied for an exemption from informed consent and was approved by the Ethics Committee.
Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
Conflict of interest: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.
Research funding: None declared.
Data availability: The data supporting the results of this study can be obtained from the author, but the availability of these data is limited.

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Received: 2024-10-05

Accepted: 2025-01-09

Published Online: 2025-01-23

Published in Print: 2025-03-26

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https://doi.org/10.1515/jpem-2024-0479

Keywords for this article

central precocious puberty; hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis; insulin; insulin-like growth factor-1