Production of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins during the development of hepatic fibrosis due to chronic hepatitis C

Abstract Introduction and Aims Insulin-like growth factor 1 is modulated by the insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) that are synthesized in the liver. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentrations of IGFBPs 1–7 in patients with chronic hepatitis C and study their association with fibrosis stage. Patients and methods A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted that included patients with chronic hepatitis C. The stages of fibrosis were determined through FibroTest and FibroScan and the patients were compared with a control group. Serum levels of IGFBPs 1–7 were quantified through multiple suspension arrays. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation, and ROC curves were used for the statistical analysis. Results Upon comparing the patients and controls, the highest concentrations were found in IGFBPs 1, 2, 4, and 7 (p = 0.02, 0.002, 0.008, and Conclusion IGFBPs play a relevant role in the fibrotic process in liver damage. IGFBP-7, in particular, differentiates fibrosis stages, making it a potential serum biomarker.