somatomedin-b and Alcoholism

The levels of insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) and somatomedin B in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were investigated in alcoholic patients for 4 weeks after alcohol intake stopped. Throughout the observation period, CSF levels of IGF-2 were significantly decreased compared to those of healthy controls, whereas CSF levels of somatomedin B increased significantly 8 days after alcohol withdrawal and remained elevated throughout the observation period. CSF levels of IGF-2 were significantly correlated to measurements of ventricular enlargement on computed tomography. Somatomedin B levels were significantly correlated to clinical variables such as pulse, temperature, and agitation. No increase in the serum levels of somatomedin B were observed, but an increase in serum IGF levels was found in the patient group.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Cerebral Ventricles; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; Male; Middle Aged; Radioimmunoassay; Radioligand Assay; Somatomedins; Tomography, X-Ray Computed