Research Progress on Neuroprotection of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 towards Glutamate-Induced Neurotoxicity

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its binding proteins and receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), proposing IGF-1-induced neurotrophic actions in normal growth, development, and maintenance. However, while there is convincing evidence that the IGF-1 system has specific endocrine roles in the CNS, the concept is emerging that IGF-I might be also important in disorders such as ischemic stroke, brain trauma, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, etc., by inducing neuroprotective effects towards glutamate-mediated excitotoxic signaling pathways. Research in rodent models has demonstrated rescue of pathophysiological and behavioral abnormalities when IGF-1 was administered by different routes, and several clinical studies have shown safety and promise of efficacy in neurological disorders of the CNS. Focusing on the relationship between IGF-1-induced neuroprotection and glutamate-induced excitatory neurotoxicity, this review addresses the research progress in the field, intending to provide a rationale for using IGF-I clinically to confer neuroprotective therapy towards neurological diseases with glutamate excitotoxicity as a common pathological pathway.

Automated summary

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its binding proteins and receptors are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), playing a neurotrophic role in normal growth and development. Recent research suggests that IGF-1 may also have neuroprotective effects in neurological disorders such as stroke, brain trauma, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy, by modulating glutamate-mediated excitotoxic signaling pathways. Animal studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the potential therapeutic value of IGF-1 in CNS diseases. This review focuses on the relationship between IGF-1-induced neuroprotection and glutamate-induced excitatory neurotoxicity, providing a basis for the clinical application of IGF-I as a neuroprotective therapy for neurological diseases associated with glutamate excitotoxicity.