A promoter polymorphism of the insulin-like growth factor-I gene is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy.

L eft ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has an important role in the hypertrophic response of the myocardium. A polymorphism in the IGF-I gene promoter region has been identified which influences IGF-I production. Studying this polymorphism in relation to pathology may better reflect the effects of long term IGF-I exposure than studies on serum IGF-I concentrations, which may fluctuate considerably and are profoundly influenced by various factors. We investigated the association between this IGF-I promoter polymorphism and the occurrence of LVH on echocardiogram.