IGF-I, IGF-I-binding proteins and GH-binding protein in malnourished elderly patients with inflammation receiving refeeding therapy

Abstract

Efficient refeeding therapy was associated with a significant increase in IGF-I plasma levels. In patients with severe and persistent inflammation, high levels of proteolysis of IGFBP-3 may have contributed to the low plasma IGF-I levels, persistence of hypercatabolism and lack of improvement in nutritional status.