Background
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The biological activity of IGF-1 is influenced by IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). We hypothesized that IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels may be associated with the metabolic syndrome which is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: We assessed the circulating levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in 12,415 individuals (men 6,626, women 5,789), aged 18∼81 years, who visited a hospital for regular health examination. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the definition of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Panel III (NCEP-ATP III). Results: The IGF-1 concentrations were positively correlated with the waist circumference and systolic blood pressure. The IGFBP-3 concentrations were positively correlated with the waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and triglyceride, and negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol. The subjects in the lowest IGF-1 quartile had a significantly higher adjusted odds ratio (OR) of the metabolic syndrome compared with the highest IGF-1 quartile group (adjusted for age, smoking, alcohol intake, and physical activity). Conversely, the subjects in the highest IGFBP-3 quartile group had a significantly higher adjusted OR of the metabolic syndrome compared with the lowest IGFBP-3 quartile group. Conclusion: The subjects with low IGF-1 level or high IGFBP-3 level showed increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome is recognized as a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that low IGF-1 or high IGFBP-3 can be considered to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. (J Korean Acad Fam Med 2007;28:124-133)

Background
: This prospective study was performed to evaluate factors influencing weight changes pregnancy period and postpartum period.

Methods : A total of 195 women followed by prenatal care of the department of OBGY at Ajou University hospital. Suwon, Korea, between march, 1998 and march, 2000. Parity, activity, alcohol, smoking, age of menarche, and age of first and last pregnancy were recorded for prenatal information. Anthropometric measurements was checked at regular visits until 6 weeks after delivery and by telephone call at 6 months and 1 year postpartum.
Rerults : Mean age was 30.1 years old and mean body mass index was 21.1 ㎏/㎡, Mean total weight gain during pregnancy was 13.6±4.63 ㎏ and wide range was at third trimester. It shows that weight reduced gradually until 6 months postpartum but increased after that time. 1 year postpartum weight gain had high correlation(R=0.999, p<0.01) with 6 months postpartum weight gain. Total pregnancy weight gain, weight retention on 6 week postpartum were not significantly correlated with 1 year postpartum Weight gain. OR for becoming overweight on 1 year postpartum(≥5.2 ㎏) with excessive rate of gain on 6 months postpartum(≥2.9 ㎏) was 5.41(95% CI 2.20-13.31) adjusted by multiple logistic regression analysis (age, activity level, parity). OR for becoming overweight on 1 year postpartum with excessive rate of Total pregnancy weight gain(≥13.6 ㎏ was 4.4895% CI 1.84-10.89) by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion : 1 year postpartum weight gain had the correlation with only 6 months postpartum weight gain.

Background
: As the extension of the average life and the developing of the medical technology, there are great interests in the problems of elderly, especially for the early detection of the diseases in the elders. Many elders experience biochemical and physical changes through many causes. Elderly women who have the menopause and who have many physical changes through natural aging process need more medical attention. This study looked more closely to the diseases that contain elderly women. It also showed close attention through the result from data of health examination.

Methods : This study was held in the Specialized Women's Clinic which is located in Seoul. This study was conducted from July, 1991 through June, 1992. There were 1,013 females subjects participated in this study. The result was compared and discussed between the age above 65 and the age under 65.

Results : 1. The age difference of subjects was between 24 and 75. Among them, there were 276 subjects who are above 65. This number was more than the average of our women population. 2.The levels of systolic, diastolic blood pressure and glycosuria were significantly higher than that of controls(P<0.05 & P<0.01) The incidence of anemia and abnormal liver enzyme levels rates were significantly lower than that of controls(P<0.05). 3. The prevalence of UGI abnormalities, abnormal pelvic exams. were significantly higher than that of controls(P<0.05). The obesity rate was significantly lower than that of control group(P<0.001).

Conclusion : There were significant differences between the elderly women who were above 65(experimental group) and control group. The result showed that elderly women needed their detailed medical history, complete physical examination, biochemical laboratory tests, ultrasonogram and bone densitometry. With these examinations, we can promote health of elderly women by early detection diseases.