INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR BINDING PROTEIN-1, NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE, AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH FRUCTOSE CONSUMPTION IN CHILDREN WITH OBESITY

Background: Over consumption of added sugar is associated with obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and insulin resistance (IR). Objective: The objective of the study was to study the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and NAFLD and their relationship with fructose consumption in children with obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in children 6-11 years old with obesity. Anthropometric measurements, fructose consumption, glucose, lipid profile, insulin, and IGFBP-1 levels were evaluated; the homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) was used. NAFLD was evaluated by ultrasound. Results: We studied 83 children with a mean age of 9.2 +/- 1.3 years. About 93% of the girls presented IR and lower levels of IGFBP-1 (p = 0.0001). The group with the lower levels of IGFBP-1 had higher HOMA-IR (p = 0.000002); IGFBP-1 was associated with fructose consumption (r = -0.25; p = 0.03), body mass index (BMI) (r=-0.42; p = 0.02), and HOMA-IR (r=-0.61; p = 0.002). About 81% of the children were classified as having mild or moderate/severe NAFLD, and these groups had higher HOMA-IR (p = 0.036) and fructose consumption (p = 0.0014). Conclusions: The girls had more metabolic alterations. The group with lower levels of IGFBP-1 (hepatic IR) was associated with higher BMI, HOMA-IR, and fructose consumption; the group with higher severity of NAFLD showed higher HOMA-IR and fructose consumption.