SOMATOMEDIN C (IGF-1) IN BRAIN TRAUMA: POTENTIAL EFFECT ON NEUROPROTECTION

Abstract

In recent years, through experimental studies, the effects of various neurotransmitters, as well as proteins, enzymes, and hormones involved in the inflammatory response during and after traumatic brain injury, have been investigated in depth, finding a substance called insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-1), this protein, has shown to be important in processes of neuroprotection, synaptogenesis, myelination, and prevention of apoptosis, among others. This article aims to clarify the role of Somatomedin C or type I insulin-like factor and its potential neuromodulatory function after head trauma. Factors such as age, sex, physical activity, diet, and the influence of other hormones have been related to the brain's levels and functioning of somatomedin C. IGF-1 receptors are found in higher concentration in some specific regions of the nervous system where neuronal tissue is more susceptible and have binding proteins that regulate the degradation of this substance, which in inflammatory conditions such as brain trauma has been shown to promote angiogenesis and attenuate the production of proinflammatory cytokines.