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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Cerebrospinal fluid insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin growth factor binding protein-2 or nitric oxide are not
T Pirttilä1, S Vanhatalo, U Turpeinen
1Department of Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland. tuula.pirttila@kuh.fi
Objectives:
Many studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) and growth factors including insulin growth factors (IGFs) may be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neurodegenerative diseases. Our previous studies suggested a relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NO metabolites (nitrates and nitrites, NN(x)) and IGF-1 in patients with progressive encephalopathy, hypsarrhythmia and optic atrophy syndrome.
Material And Methods:
We examined CSF concentrations of NN(x), IGF-1 and IGF binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) in 25 controls, 14 patients with MS and 14 patients with amyotrophic lateralis sclerosis (ALS).
Results:
There were no significant differences in CSF levels of NN(x), IGF-1 or IGFBP-2 between the groups. CSF IGFBP-2 concentrations correlated significantly with age in controls, which may reflect age-related changes in the blood-brain barrier function.
Conclusion:
Upregulation of the production of NO and IGF-1 in the brain or spinal cord does not influence CSF levels of these molecules in MS or ALS.
