Insulin-like growth factors and liver cancer risk in male smokers

Abstract

Background:The liver is the primary source of circulating insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, yet the relation between IGFs and liver cancer is uncertain.Methods:In a case-cohort study within a cohort of 29 133 male smokers we examined associations of serum IGF-I and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 with liver cancer (50 cases).Results:Nonlinear associations between liver cancer and IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were observed (P0.04 and P0.01, respectively), strongest association at lowest levels (odds ratio (OR)0.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)0.1-0.7 for 80 vs 30 ng ml 1 of IGF-I; OR0.2, 95% CI0.1-0.6 for 1400 vs 700 ng ml 1 of IGFBP-3).Conclusions:Low IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels in male smokers are associated with increased risk of liver cancer. © 2010 Cancer Research UK. All rights reserved.