The role of retinoids in the induction of nerve growth factor: a potential treatment for diabetic neuropathy

Abstract

Despite the ability to facilitate primary prevention of diabetic neuropathy with tight glucose control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, neuropathy remains the most common complication experienced by patients with diabetes. 1 Vinik A. Nevoret M. Caselini C. Parson H. Diabetic neuropathy. Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2013; 42: 747-787 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (170) Google Scholar Diabetic neuropathy also causes up to 75% of nontraumatic amputations. 1 Vinik A. Nevoret M. Caselini C. Parson H. Diabetic neuropathy. Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2013; 42: 747-787 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (170) Google Scholar Once symptoms occur, treatments are primarily for symptomatic relief and do not impact the underlying pathophysiology of the condition. In addition to oxidative stress, decrease in nitric oxide, decrease in prostaglandin production, and an increase in endothelin, a deficiency of growth factors may leave nerves susceptible to damage and death. 1 Vinik A. Nevoret M. Caselini C. Parson H. Diabetic neuropathy. Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2013; 42: 747-787 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (170) Google Scholar One of these deficient growth factors is thought to be nerve growth factor (NGF). 1 Vinik A. Nevoret M. Caselini C. Parson H. Diabetic neuropathy. Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2013; 42: 747-787 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (170) Google Scholar , 2 Binan L. Ajji A. DeCrescenzo G. Jolicoeur M. Approaches for neural tissue regeneration. Stem Cell Rev Rep. 2014; 10: 44-59 Crossref PubMed Scopus (41) Google Scholar , 3 Aloe L. Rocco M. Bianchi P. Manni L. Nerve growth factor: from the early discoveries to the potential clinical use. J Transl Med. 2012; 10: 239-254 Crossref PubMed Scopus (274) Google Scholar Vitamin A increases nerve growth factor and retinoic acid receptor beta and improves diabetic neuropathy in ratsTranslational ResearchVol. 164Issue 3PreviewAll-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) promotes the endogenous expression of both nerve growth factor (NGF) and retinoic acid receptor beta (RAR-β). We have previously shown that the administration of ATRA partly reverts the damage induced by diabetic neuropathy (DN). In this investigation, we evaluated the effects of vitamin A, a commercial, inexpensive compound of retinoic acid, on the therapy of DN. A total of 70 rats were randomized into 4 groups. Group A was the control, and groups B, C, and D received a total dose of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin intraperitoneally. Full-Text PDF