Insulin-like growth factor 1, its binding protein 3, and sex hormones in girls during puberty.

: The aim of the study was to estimate relationships between serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), its binding protein (IGFBP-3), estradiol and testosterone in girls during puberty, taking into consideration gonadotropins level and nutritional status. Eighty-six girls aged 9.8-14.7 were examined. The girls were divided into three groups according to the pubertal stage. Body height, weight and thicknesses of skin folds were measured. Biochemical parameters were assessed using RIA method. It has been found that all investigated parameters are growing with pubertal development. There are significant positive correlations between IGF-1 and testosterone, IGF-1 and estradiol serum concentrations as well as between IGF-1 serum concentration, BMI and sum of skin folds thicknesses. It has been also proved that there are positive correlations between IGFBP-3 and estradiol serum concentration as well as between IGFBP-3 and age, body height and body weight in girls during puberty.