Insulin, insulin-like growth factors and incretins: neural homeostatic regulators and treatment opportunities.
Mood disorders may be conceptualized as progressive neurodegenerative disorders associated with cognitive decline. Novel treatments capable of preserving and/or enhancing cognitive function represent an area of priority for research in the future. Insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and incretins may play a critical role in both physiological and pathophysiological processes of the CNS. An emerging paradigm regarding the pathophysiology of mood disorders posits that alterations in biological networks that mediate stress compromise optimal neuronal and glial function. A growing body of evidence indicates that central administration of insulin may enhance cognitive function in both healthy and cognitively impaired individuals. The neuroactive peptides, insulin, IGF-1 and incretins, or agents that facilitate their central effects (e.g. insulin-sensitizing agents), may constitute novel and possibly disease-modifying neurocognitive treatments.
McIntyre
Roger S
RS
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. roger.mcintyre@uhn.on.ca
Vagic
Dragana
D
Swartz
Shari A
SA
Soczynska
Joanna K
JK
Woldeyohannes
Hanna O
HO
Voruganti
Lakshmi P
LP
Konarski
Jakub Z
JZ
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D054795:Incretins / Q000502:physiology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000502:physiology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
D054795:Incretins; D007328:Insulin; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I