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Nerve Growth Factor: A Focus on Neuroscience and Therapy

2015; Bentham Science Publishers; Volume: 13; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2174/1570159x13666150403231920

1875-6190

Luigi Aloe, M. Di Rocco, Bijorn Omar Balzamino, Alessandra Micera,

Neurological Disorders and Treatments

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the firstly discovered and best characterized neurotrophic factor, known to play a critical protective role in the development and survival of sympathetic, sensory and forebrain cholinergic neurons. NGF promotes neuritis outgrowth both in vivo and in vitro and nerve cell recovery after ischemic, surgical or chemical injuries. Recently, the therapeutic property of NGF has been demonstrated on human cutaneous and corneal ulcers, pressure ulcer, glaucoma, maculopathy and retinitis pigmentosa. NGF eye drops administration is well tolerated, with no detectable clinical evidence of systemic or local adverse effects. The aim of this review is to summarize these biological properties and the potential clinical development of NGF. Keywords: Clinical trials, NGF, NGF-healing action, treatment, NGF receptors, visual system.