Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis

Using radioimmunoassay we measured serum levels of insulin- like growth factor ( IGF)- 1 and IGF binding protein ( IGFBP)- 3 in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis ( MS) and a benign course ( Expanded Disability Status Scale ( EDSS) less than or equal to 3 despite > 10 years disease duration), relapsing MS with cumulative disability leading to an EDSS score > 4 within 10 years of disease duration, primary progressive MS and healthy controls. We found no differences in IGF- 1 and IGFBP- 3 serum levels, and the IGF- 1/ IGFBP- 3 ratio between the four groups. However, there was a significant correlation ( P = 0.005) between IGFBP- 3 serum levels and both the progression index of disability and the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score in patients with primary progressive MS

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-I-6 expression in activated microglia

In the CNS insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) enhances survival of neurons, promotes myelin synthesis and acts as a mitogen for microglia. The effects of IGF-1 are regulated by a family of 6 IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). We investigated mRNA expression patterns of IGFBPs in primary rat microglia under basal conditions and after activation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Under basal conditions, microglia expressed IGFBP-2 to -6, whereas, IGFBP-1 could not be detected. Following 2 h treatment with LPS mRNA levels for IGFBP-4 and -6 displayed a down regulation, and IGFBP-5 became undetectable. Levels of IGFBP-2 and -3 remained unaltered. Expression patterns of IGFBPs might play an important role in regulating the autocrine/paracrine IGF-1 actions on microglia under inflammatory conditions

Involvement of morbilliviruses in the pathogenesis of demyelinating disease

Two members of the morbillivirus genus of the family Paramyxoviridae, canine distemper virus (CDV) and measles virus (MV), are well-known for their ability to cause a chronic demyelinating disease of the CNS in their natural hosts, dogs and humans, respectively. Both viruses have been studied for their potential involvement in the neuropathogenesis of the human demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Recently, three new members of the morbillivirus genus, phocine distemper virus (PDV), porpoise morbillivirus (PMV) and dolphin morbillivirus (DMV), have been discovered. These viruses have also been shown to induce multifocal demyelinating disease in infected animals. This review focuses on morbillivirus-induced neuropathologies with emphasis on aetiopathogenesis of CNS demyelination. The possible involvement of a morbillivirus in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis is discussed. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd