Insulin‑like growth factor 1 promotes neurological functional recovery after spinal cord injury through inhibition of autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

This study investigates how insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) affects recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). It focuses on a process called autophagy, where cells recycle damaged parts. The research suggests that IGF-1 helps in recovery by influencing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which in turn reduces autophagy. This was shown in both lab-grown cells and in rats with SCI. The findings indicate that IGF-1 could be a potential treatment for SCI by protecting nerve cells and improving their function, possibly through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

• 1
  IGF-1 significantly increased cell survival in vitro compared to the control group, suggesting a protective effect on nerve cells.
• 2
  Neurological function was improved in rats with SCI treated with IGF-1 compared to those without treatment, indicating enhanced recovery.
• 3
  IGF-1 inhibited autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a potential mechanism for its neuroprotective effects.