IGF-1 and IGF-1BP3 in gastric adenocarcinoma. Preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a mitogenic and anti-apoptotic factor, mainly produced by the liver, which regulates cell proliferation. Most serum IGF-1s are bound with IGF-1BP3. Plasma IGF-1 values are positively related to cancer risk (breast, colon, and lung cancer) and seem to have a prognostic significance in prostatic cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between IGF-1, IGF-1BP3 and gastric cancer.


METHODS
IGF-1 and IGF-1BP3 serum levels were measured in 26 consecutive patients (M/F = 15/11, mean age 65 yrs) with histologically proven gastric adenocarcinoma from January 1999 to December 2000. Blood samples were collected at baseline, before surgery with radical intent (total and subtotal gastrectomies + D2 lymphadenectomy), and then at 14th and 50th postoperative days. These values were compared to a control group of healthy people.


RESULTS
At baseline was observed a significant increase of IGF-1 serum levels in cancer patients versus control group (p < 0.001). All gastric cancer patients showed IGF-1 over normal limits. After surgery there was a significant decrease of IGF-1 levels (14th day vs. baseline, p = 0.001) that was still present in late postoperative period (50th day). At baseline IGF-1 values were not related to tumor extension or nodal involvement status. Otherwise in postoperative period IGF-1 significantly decreased in earlier stages (N0; T < or = 2) but not in more advanced ones (N+; T > 2). At baseline, IGF-1BP3 values were increased compared to control group but did not significantly decrease after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
IGF-1 values in gastric cancer patients are increased compared to control group, without stratification for stage and nodal status. Moreover radical surgery, with complete tumor ablation, induces a significant decrease in IGF-1 levels, without reach normal limits. Besides at baseline abnormally higher IGF-1BP3 values were observed, suggesting an alteration in IGF-1 and IGF-1BP3 system.
Franciosi
Claudio M
CM
1st Department of General Surgery (Chirurgia I), San Gerardo Hospital, II University of Milan Bicocca, Via Donizetti 106, 20052 Monza, Italy.
Piacentini
Maria G
MG
Conti
Matteo
M
Romano
Fabrizio
F
Musco
Flavia
F
Caprotti
Roberto
R
Rovelli
Franco
F
Uggeri
Franco
F
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy; D006801:Humans; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / Q000097:blood*; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*
D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I