Cerebrospinal fluid insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin growth factor binding protein-2 or nitric oxide are not increased in MS or ALS

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, NNx) and IGF-1 in patients with progressive encephalopathy, hypsarrhythmia and optic atrophy syndrome. Material and methods - We examined CSF concentrations of NNx, 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 NNx, 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.