IGF-1 and GH alterations in lambs with intestinal inflammation

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) acts on the development of internal organs such as the small intestine and muscle in all animal species. Similar to IGF-1, GH is also essential for growth and is an effective hormone on intestinal development during neonatal period. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of diarrhea on IGF-1 and GH hormones in lambs with intestinal inflammation up to 63 days of age. The study material consisted of 15 healthy and 15 diarrheic lambs. Blood and fecal samples were collected on the first day of life and on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 35th, 49th and 63rd postnatal days consecutively. Diarrhea was observed on 6 animals on the 7th day and 9 animals on 14th day visitation. IGF-1 showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) between diarrheic and healthy animals on all measurement days. A significant association was found between the cut-off values determined after ROC analysis of the 7th day (Sens: 93.33%, Spec: 66.67%, P = 0.004) and 14th day (Sens: 73.33%, Spec: 80%, P = 0.0002) values of IGF-1 and diarrhea. Considering 14th day of IGF-1, a logistic regression analysis was performed, the risk of diarrhea is OR = 7.00 times higher if the concentration of the parameter is above the cut-off value. ROC analysis also showed significant cut-off values for GH on 14th day. In terms of sensitivity, the highest value was IGF-1's 7th day value, therefore it can be preferred for the determination of intestinal inflammation in cases with diarrhea. As a general evaluation, it is seen that the highest performance was given by the 7th day IGF-1 values according to the Youden's J index. In conclusion, elevations in IGF-1 and GH concentrations may be associated with intestinal inflammation. The inducing effect of the inflammatory response on IGF-I and GH may strengthen the relationship between the two parameters.