A professor of physiology at Colorado State University has been named Researcher of the Year by the Colorado State University Research Foundation for his work on the regeneration of the nervous system. Douglas Ishii, also a professor in the biochemistry and molecular biology department, received the award Jan. 30 at the Foundation's 15th Researchers' Recognition Dinner, which was held to honor individuals at Colorado State with active technology license agreements or patent applications filed or patents issued in fiscal year 1999-2000.
Natural substances found in the body, IGFs protect and spur the growth of nerves.
IGFs hold promise for treating neurological problems such as stroke and Parkinson's disease, but Ishii's initial and continuing interest is in using them to heal diabetic neuropathy. Characterized by numbness and pain in the hands, feet and legs, the condition affects some 10 percent of the estimated 13 million Americans with diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy can lead to serious complications that include urinary and bowel dysfunction, impotence, dizziness and gangrene. A decade ago, medical practitioners believed diabetic neuropathy came from high levels of blood sugar, but Ishii's research has provided evidence that low levels of IGFs are probably a crucial factor. Looking for the molecular mechanism by which IGF hormones help nerves develop and regenerate, Ishii and his laboratory colleagues have found that, when nerves are damaged, IGFs increase in that area, and, conversely, that using anti-IGF antibodies can decrease the rate of nerve regeneration, slowing down recovery.