Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (Jun 2021)

Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Peripheral Nerve Injury

  • Benjamin R. Slavin,
  • Benjamin R. Slavin,
  • Karim A. Sarhane,
  • Nicholas von Guionneau,
  • Phillip J. Hanwright,
  • Chenhu Qiu,
  • Chenhu Qiu,
  • Hai-Quan Mao,
  • Hai-Quan Mao,
  • Hai-Quan Mao,
  • Hai-Quan Mao,
  • Ahmet Höke,
  • Ahmet Höke,
  • Sami H. Tuffaha

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2021.695850
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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Patients who sustain peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are often left with debilitating sensory and motor loss. Presently, there is a lack of clinically available therapeutics that can be given as an adjunct to surgical repair to enhance the regenerative process. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) represents a promising therapeutic target to meet this need, given its well-described trophic and anti-apoptotic effects on neurons, Schwann cells (SCs), and myocytes. Here, we review the literature regarding the therapeutic potential of IGF-1 in PNI. We appraised the literature for the various approaches of IGF-1 administration with the aim of identifying which are the most promising in offering a pathway toward clinical application. We also sought to determine the optimal reported dosage ranges for the various delivery approaches that have been investigated.

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