Mean serum IGF-1 was lower in subjects with lobular inflammation (112±47 vs. 136±57 ng/ml, P=0.01), hepatocyte ballooning (115±48 vs. 135±57 ng/ml, P=0.05), higher fibrosis stage (stage 2-4 vs. 0-1; 96±40 vs. 125±51 ng/ml, P=0.005), and NASH (109±45 vs. 136±57 ng/ml, P=0.002).
Hepatic IGF-1 expression levels reflecting GH action were significantly lower and fasting glucose concentrations higher in patients with NASH than in patients with simple steatosis.
Compared to the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) group, the level of IGF-1 was significantly higher in the Non- or probable-NASH group (SMD: 1.42, 95% CI: 0.25-2.58, P = 0.02).