Understanding the regulation of NO production by different hormones such as E2, and IGF-1 may provide novel and useful knowledge regarding how endothelial dysfunction (ED) is linked with cardio-metabolic alterations and diseases.
Although no association of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels with angiopoietin-2 or osteopontin was found, an inverse correlation between IGF-1 levels and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor that impairs nitric oxide production and secretion promoting endothelial dysfunction, was found (r=-0.397; P=0.04).
The IGF system is also a mediator of vascular diseases, and its altered balance might contribute to endothelial dysfunction with the development and evolution of diabetic microangiopathy.
In conclusion, the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction in the condition of GH and IGF-1 excess remains a crucial area of investigation to fully dissect the association of acromegaly with cardiovascular disease complications.
Low circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are associated with endothelial dysfunction, subsequently leading to the development of cardiovascular disease.
Selective IGF-1 resistance is a novel mechanism of radiation injury, associated with a vicious cycle amplifying reactive oxygen species-induced damage, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.