Could serum IGF-1 and IGF-2 serve as potential biomarkers in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease? A correlation with disease stages

Abstract

Introduction

Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease (IPD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor, rigidity, akinesia, and postural instability. Dysfunction in lysosomal autophagy, involving proteins like IGF-1(insulin like growth factor) and IGF-2, contributes to neuroinflammation and neuronal death. Reliable biomarkers for IPD diagnosis and monitoring remain elusive. This study investigates serum IGF-1 and IGF-2 levels to evaluate their biomarker potential.

Methods

Eighty-four individuals (43 IPD patients, 41 controls) aged 18–79 were included. Diagnoses followed the UK Brain Bank Criteria; disease severity was assessed with Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) and UPDRS scales. Serum IGF-1 and IGF-2 levels were measured using ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v30.0. Normality was assessed via the Shapiro-Wilk test. Based on data distribution, Independent Samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlation, and ROC analysis were applied. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Serum IGF-2 levels were significantly higher in patients compared to controls (p = 0.006), while IGF-1 levels showed no significant difference. Both IGF-1 and IGF-2 levels displayed negatively correlated with disease duration (p = 0.044 and p = 0.008). Although IGF-1 and IGF-2 levels appeared elevated at H&Y stage 2, the differences were not statistically significant. No significant associations were observed between IGF levels and UPDRS scores or medication use.

Conclusion

Elevated serum IGF-2 levels indicate its potential as a biomarker for IPD. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of IGF-1 and IGF-2 in IPD pathophysiology, suggesting that further multicenter studies are needed to clarify their diagnostic and therapeutic potential.