*4.2.3 Insulin-like growth factor-1*

IGF-1 belongs to the family of insulin-related peptides, and it is the mediator of the anabolic and mitogenic activity of the growth hormone [135]. Aside from this, IGF-1 acts as a strong antioxidant [136] and pro-survival [137] factor in the CNS since it diminishes caspase-9 and elevates Bcl2 [138]. Experimental studies have shown that IGF-1 reduces edema and the upregulation of iNOS after SCI [139]. In the same way, it has been suggested that IGF-1 and erythropoietin protect against ischemic SCI in rabbits [140]. Therefore, the beneficial properties of IGF-1 make this molecule an interesting neuroprotective strategy in the acute phase of SCI.
