Insulin-like growth factor-1 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systemic review and meta-analysis

Aim The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly increasing worldwide. A number of researchers have studied the relationship between Insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and NAFLD. However, the results are controversial. This meta-analysis, aimed to systemically evaluate the correlation between IGF-1 and NAFLD. Methods We searched for four online databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and CNKI up to Feb 2018. We then applied a random-effects model to evaluate the overall effect sizes by calculating Standard mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Twelve articles were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that the level of IGF-1 in the control group was significantly higher than that in the NAFLD group. (SMD: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.54–1.46, P