BIG BABIES AND INFANT LEUKEMIA - A ROLE FOR INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH-FACTOR-I

Several epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that high birthweight is associated with an increased risk of infant leukemia; however, the reason for this relationship is unclear, Biologic data demonstrate tha t birthweight is correlated positively with circulating levels of insu lin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is important in blood formatio n and regulation and has been shown to stimulate the growth of both my eloid and lymphoid cells in culture. Since infants who develop leukemi a are likely to have had at least one transforming event occur in uter o, we hypothesize that high levels of IGF-1 may both produce a larger baby and contribute to leukemogenesis.