Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:32
Studying the Hypothalamic Insulin Signal to Peripheral Glucose Intolerance with a Continuous Drug Infusion System into the Mouse Brain
Published on: January 4, 2018
Multiple system atrophy is associated with changes in peripheral insulin-like growth factor system.
Maria Teresa Pellecchia1, Rosario Pivonello, Katia Longo
1Department of Neurological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
Summary
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) patients show altered insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and insulin levels. This suggests the IGF system may attempt to support degenerating neurons in MSA.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic disorders
Background:
- Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) possess neurotrophic properties.
- The IGF system may be dysregulated in neurodegenerative conditions.
- Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder with unknown etiological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in patients with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
- To evaluate the correlation between the IGF system and clinical manifestations in MSA patients.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, insulin, IGF-binding protein 1 (BP1), and IGF-binding protein 3 (BP3) were quantified.
- 25 probable MSA patients and 25 healthy controls were analyzed.
- Clinical status was assessed using the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) and Hoehn and Yahr scale.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher serum IGF-I levels were observed in MSA patients compared to controls (p = 0.001).
- Insulin levels were also significantly elevated in MSA patients versus controls (p = 0.048).
- No significant differences in IGF-II, IGF-BP1, or IGF-BP3 levels were found between groups.
Conclusions:
- The IGF system is demonstrably altered in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
- Elevated IGF-I and insulin may represent a compensatory response to neuronal degeneration in MSA.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of the IGF system in MSA pathogenesis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
01:11Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
01:19Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...