Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis

Using radioimmunoassay we measured serum levels of insulin- like growth factor ( IGF)- 1 and IGF binding protein ( IGFBP)- 3 in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis ( MS) and a benign course ( Expanded Disability Status Scale ( EDSS) less than or equal to 3 despite > 10 years disease duration), relapsing MS with cumulative disability leading to an EDSS score > 4 within 10 years of disease duration, primary progressive MS and healthy controls. We found no differences in IGF- 1 and IGFBP- 3 serum levels, and the IGF- 1/ IGFBP- 3 ratio between the four groups. However, there was a significant correlation ( P = 0.005) between IGFBP- 3 serum levels and both the progression index of disability and the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score in patients with primary progressive MS.