PLASMA SOMATOMEDIN C/INSULINLIKE GROWTH FACTOR I IN THE LIVER DISEASES

Abstract

Plasma somatomedin C/insulinlike growth factor I (Sm-C/IGF I) was estimated by radioimmunoassay in 9 patients with chronic hepatitis, 17 with liver cirrhosis, 3 with acute hepatitis and 7 control subjects.
In the patients with chronic liver diseases a negative correlation was found between plasma Sm-C/IGF I levels and ICG R₁₅ values, and then there was a positive correlation between plasma Sm-C/IGF I levels and serum ChE activity, albumin and HPT values.
In the patients with acute hepatitis plasma Sm-C/IGF I levels decreased during acute illness and returned to normal with recovery. No correlation was found between plasma Sm-C/IGF I levels and serum GH values in the patients either chronic liver diseases or acute hepatitis.
These findings suggest that plasma Sm-C/IGF I levels are reduced in proportion to the degree of hepatic damage and that they are not dependent on serum GH values.