부산대학교 도서관

ABSTRACT: Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) have diverse functions in skeletal muscles by acting through multiple signaling pathways, including growth regulation and differentiation, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. IGFs have anti-inflammatory effects and also play roles in nociceptive pathways, determining pain sensitivity, in addition to their protective role against ischemic injury in both the nervous system and skeletal muscle. In skeletal muscle, IGFs maintain homeostasis, playing key roles in maintenance, accelerating muscle regeneration and repair processes. As part of their maintenance role, increased levels of IGFs may be required for the repair mechanisms following exercise. Although the role of IGFs in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is not completely understood, there is evidence from a recent study that IGF-2 levels in patients with MPS are lower than those of healthy individuals, and are associated with increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Importantly, higher IGF-2 levels are associated with increased pain severity in MPS patients. This may suggest that too low or high IGF levels may contribute to musculoskeletal disorder process, while a mid-range levels may optimize healing without contributing to pain hypersensitivity. Future studies are required to address the mechanisms of IGF-2 in MPS and the optimal level as a therapeutic agent.