The pathogenic role of growth hormone deficiency has been demonstrated
by a correlation analysis in several studies, suggesting a relationship
between IGF-1 and CIMT [3,6,41]. In the current study population,
an inverse correlation was observed between IGF-1 and TC, LDL cholesterol,
Ai, and CIMT, although neither the TC nor the LDL cholesterol level
appeared to be correlated with CIMT. The direct or indirect effects of
growth hormone and the IGF-1 axis on vascular endothelial cells are
not yet fully understood.