Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in multiple sclerosis: relation to cognitive impairment and fatigue

Abstract

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) disease. Changes in insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) input to the brain can affect survival of myelin and CNS cells. The study aims to investigate the relation of serum IGF-1 levels with cognitive impairment and fatigue in MS patients.MethodsThis study was conducted on 46 MS patients and 46 healthy controls. All participants were subjected to clinical assessment, serum IGF-1 levels, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS), and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale.ResultsThere was no significant difference between patients and controls regarding serum IGF-1 levels (P = 0.19). However, low serum levels of IGF-1 have significantly greater odds for fatigue (P = 0.002) and cognitive impairment (P < 0.001). Also, serum IGF-1 levels have a significant negative correlation with MFIS (r = − 0.701 and P < 0.001) and a significant positive correlation with MoCA scale (r = + 0.84 and P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results, specifically that low levels of serum IGF-1 was associated with cognitive impairment and fatigue in MS, suggest that IGF-I may be involved in the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits and fatigue in MS disease.

Reduced Fragmentation of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 as a Potential Mechanism for Decreased Ratio of IGF-II to IGFBPs in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Response to Repeated Intrathecal Administration of Triamcinolone Acetonide in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

“…Our results on the concentrations of IGFs and IGFBPs in serum generally correspond to previous findings in MS patients (20,21). Compared to other studies in MS patients (22)(23)(24), but also to published reference concentrations (25), we found higher IGF-I concentrations in the serum of our patients. The reason for this could be related to differences in severity and stage of the disease, therapeutic interventions, different age, and gender distributions, and, last but not least, to different analytical techniques.…”

“…A previous study showed that after aerobic training, the serum concentrations of IGF-I in MS patients are significantly correlated with muscle strength (left and righthand strength, quadriceps strength) and walking speed (19). Low levels of IGF-I in the circulation were further associated with fatigue and cognitive impairment in MS patients (24). The positive effects of repeated TCA injections on serum concentrations of IGF-I and on the ratio of IGF-I to IGFBPs in serum from MS patients may thus have relevance for physical and cognitive functions.…”

Jinmaitong, a Traditional Chinese Compound Prescription, Ameliorates the Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Rats by Increasing Sciatic Nerve IGF-1 and IGF-1R Expression

“…IGF-1 not only plays an important role in the development of T2DM (Rajpathak et al, 2009), but also is a pluripotent growth factor with multiple functions in the peripheral and central nervous system. It supports neuronal survival and axon growth, and also acts on myelinating Schwann cells and oligodendroglia, which is an important stimulus for myelin membrane formation (Liang et al, 2007; Nageeb et al, 2018). Rauskolb found the expression of IGF-1 and its corresponding receptor IGF-1R are dysregulated in patients with diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.…”

Effect of Whole-Body Cryotherapy on Iron Status and Biomarkers of Neuroplasticity in Multiple Sclerosis Women

“…IGF-I likely play a fundamental role in the myelination process. Low serum IGF-1 levels correlated with cognitive impairment and fatigue in MS patients [ 39 ]. In our study, we did not observe any differences in baseline IGF-1 levels or changes following whole body cryotherapy ( Table 2 ).…”