Low IGFBP2 Levels and Health Risks.

Hey there! We have yet to ever address a lab test called IGFBP-2? It's a protein that hangs out in our blood. Research is uncovering that when there's less of this protein, people tend to carry more fat and face and are at risk for issues like insulin resistance, higher blood fat levels, and even fatty liver disease—Most people think this is only something seen in overweight people.

This latest study decided to take a closer look. They were curious if having less IGFBP-2 might be linked to the very early stages of these health problems. So they pulled together 333 adults who seemed perfectly healthy and didn't show any signs of being sick. They made sure to exclude anyone with extreme obesity, heart disease, high blood fat levels, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

The scientists rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They checked the participants' blood sugar and blood fat levels. They even gave them a test to see how well their bodies handle sugar. Plus, they did special scans to see how much fat was chilling in their livers and around their organs. And, of course, they measured the IGFBP-2 in their blood.

Turns out, those with lower levels of IGFBP-2 had more body fat, a tougher time with insulin, higher blood fat levels, and lower levels of the good kind of cholesterol. The kicker? They also had more fat in their livers. This was true for both the men and women, and age or the amount of fat around their organs didn't change anything.

So, here's the takeaway: Even if you look and feel healthy, having less IGFBP-2 might still be linked to some sneaky health risks and more fat in the liver. Interestingly, this little protein didn't seem to affect the usual differences we see between men and women in these health risks and liver fat. The scientists are scratching their heads a bit and say we need more studies to really understand this link between IGFBP-2 and liver fat. 

Rouzier, C., et. al.  2023.  American Journal of Physiology:  Endocrinology and Metabolism.  Associations of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) with metabolic profile and hepatic fat deposition in asymptomatic men and women. Published Online:07 JUN 2023

So, it seems as though this might be a great test for people who are convinced they are healthy and not in harm’s way to alert them that early intervention may be helpful! 

Jason & Rita.