The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology

Table of Contents - 2009 - Volume 12, Issue 07  

Rapid Communication

Reduced TNF-α and increased IGF-I levels in the serum of Alzheimer's disease patients treated with the neurotrophic agent Cerebrolysin

X. Anton Alvareza1 c1, Carolina Sampedroa1, Ramon Cacabelosa1, Carlos Linaresa2, Manuel Aleixandrea3, Manuel García-Fantinia4 and Herbert Moesslera5

a1 Department of Neuropharmacology, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Centre, A Coruna, Spain

a2 Clínica de Memoria, Málaga, Spain

a3 Granada University, Granada, Spain

a4 Hospital Universitario de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain

a5 Ebewe Neuro Pharma, Unterach, Austria

Abstract

According to current scientific knowledge, excess tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and low insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are pathogenic-risk factors that constitute therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Changes in serum TNF-α, total and dissociable IGF-I levels were determined by ELISA in 207 AD patients completing a 24-wk, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effects of the neurotrophic compound Cerebrolysin (Cere: 10, 30 or 60 ml for 12 wk). At week 24, Cere reduced TNF-α and enhanced dissociable IGF-I with respect to placebo in a dose-related manner. TNF-α decreased in parallel with behavioural disturbances. Increases in total IGF-I were induced by 60 ml Cere and correlated significantly with improvements in global function, disabilities and behaviour in late-onset AD patients. These results showing for the first time the opposite influence of one anti-dementia treatment on serum TNF-α and IGF-I suggest the contribution of both factors to the clinical effects of Cere, and probably other drugs.

(Received March 11 2009)

(Reviewed April 14 2009)

(Revised April 15 2009)

(Accepted May 11 2009)

(Online publication June 17 2009)

Key Words:

Correspondence:

c1 Address for correspondence: X. Anton Alvarez, M.D., Ph.D., EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Bergondo 15166, A Coruña, Spain. Tel.: +34-981780505 Fax: +34-981780511 Email: xantonal@yahoo.es

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