Correlation of Salivary Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I With the Middle Phalanx of the Third Finger (MP3) Skeletal Maturation Stages Across Pubertal Transitions: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Authors

Neharika Awod, Archana Jatania, Manish S Dagdiya, Amit Akolkar, Shakeb Ahemad, Mandar Pathak, Akash Niras, Shruti Tayade

Published in

Cureus. Volume 18. Issue 8. Pages e113871. Epub Aug 03, 2026.

Abstract

Accurate assessment of skeletal maturity is fundamental for planning growth-dependent orthodontic treatments. Although radiographic methods, such as the middle phalanx of the third finger (MP3) skeletal maturation staging, are widely accepted, biological markers have emerged as promising adjuncts for evaluating growth potential. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a key mediator of growth hormone activity, reflects skeletal growth and may provide additional information on pubertal maturation. This study aimed to evaluate salivary IGF-I levels in individuals at different stages of growth and determine their correlation with the MP3 skeletal maturation stages.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 healthy participants aged 7-23 years. Salivary IGF-I concentration was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while skeletal maturity was assessed using the Hägg and Taranger MP3 method from digital radiographs of the MP3. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test, chi-square test, and correlation analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Salivary IGF-I levels differed significantly among the growth groups (p < 0.001). The mean salivary IGF-I concentration increased markedly from the pre-pubertal group (24.99 ± 4.45 ng/mL) to the pubertal group (66.78 ± 7.21 ng/mL). It remained comparable in the post-pubertal group (64.90 ± 3.25 ng/mL). Post hoc analysis demonstrated significantly higher salivary IGF-I levels in the pubertal and post-pubertal groups compared with the pre-pubertal group (both p < 0.001). In contrast, no significant difference was observed between the pubertal and post-pubertal groups (p = 0.322). MP3 skeletal maturation stages showed significant progression across the growth groups (p < 0.001). Overall, salivary IGF-I levels demonstrated a significant positive correlation with MP3 skeletal maturation stage (ρ = 0.611, p < 0.001) and chronological age (r = 0.758, p < 0.001).
Salivary IGF-I levels increase significantly during puberty and exhibit a strong positive correlation with MP3 skeletal maturation stages. A combined assessment of salivary IGF-I and MP3 staging may provide a reliable approach for evaluating skeletal maturity and optimizing the timing of growth-modification procedures in orthodontic practice.

PMID:
42689151
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 03 Sep 2026.

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