Neurological diseases, prevention

IGF I has recently been the focus of considerable interest due to its actions on motor neurons. It can prevent normal motor neuron cell death during development, reduce the loss of these cells following nerve injury and enhance axonal regeneration. In the adult, injection of IGF I results in sprouting of motor neuron terminals and increases the size of the neuromuscular junction. These and other studies suggest potential therapeutic applications of IGF I in several neurological diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and peripheral neuropathies. 

Excessive iron in specific tissue sites is associated with development of infection, neoplasia, cardiomyopathy, arthropathy, and a variety of endocrine and neurological diseases. Chelators, which remove excess iron, while not depriving cells of the essential iron needed for normal metabolism and prevent iron from participating in the generation of harmful free radicals, are potential drugs. We mention a few examples only. 

In addition to the attempts described below to interfere with the onset or progression of neurological disease, it is also important to carry out endocrine testing on all biochemically identified males to assess their adrenocortical axis. In particular, all patients who have adrenal insufficiency require adrenal hormone replacement to prevent life-threatening complications of insufficiency. 

The brain barrier systems, i.e., the blood—brain and blood—cerebrospinal fluid barriers, ensure that there are adequate supplies of zinc, copper, and iron available for brain function and prevention of neurological diseases. Too much or too little will be detrimental to brain function. Specific transporters present on the BBB will ensure the passage of each of these metals across this barrier. 

These valuable properties of polyphenols are attracting a great deal of attention due to increasing evidence suggesting that they may prevent different chronic affections such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurological diseases [5]. 

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