Serum NGF Levels Research Articles

Comparisons of nonpharmaceutical analgesia and pharmaceutical analgesia on the labor analgesia effect of parturient women.

We aimed to compare the labor analgesia effects of nonpharmaceutical analgesia and pharmaceutical analgesia on parturient women. One hundred and four parturient women with spontaneous births were selected and randomly divided into pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical analgesia groups. Before and after analgesia, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), parturient satisfaction with analgesia, serum pain stress factors (substance P [SP], neuropeptide Y [NPY], nerve growth factor [NGF], and prostaglandin E2 [PGE2]), duration of labor, vaginal bleeding at 2 h postpartum, postpartum urinary retention and dysuria incidence, Apgar score of 1 min and 5 min after birth, and neonatal cord blood gas analysis (pH, partial pressure of oxygen [PO2 ], partial pressure of carbon dioxide [PCO2 ], and lactate [Lac]) were compared in the two groups. VAS scores were lower and the analgesia satisfaction was higher in the pharmaceutical analgesia group than in the nonpharmaceutical analgesia group (all p < .05). Serum levels of SP, NPY, NGF, and PGE2 in the pharmaceutical analgesia group were lower than those in the nonpharmaceutical analgesia group (all p < .05). The first and second stages of labor were longer and the bleeding volume at 2 h postpartum was greater in the pharmaceutical analgesia group than those in the nonpharmaceutical analgesia group (all p < .05). Reduced Lac and PCO2 levels and increased PO2 level were found in the pharmaceutical analgesia group in comparison to the nonpharmaceutical analgesia group (all p < .05). This study demonstrates that the analgesic effect and neonatal condition of the pharmaceutical analgesia are better than the nonpharmaceutical analgesia, but the labor duration and postpartum bleeding volume of the pharmaceutical analgesia are greater than those of the nonpharmaceutical analgesia.

The Relationship of Endocan to Disease Severity in Psoriasis: Effect of Endocan on VGEF, CXCL12 and NGF Levels

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic disease accompanied by angiogenesis and inflammation, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Its pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. Endocan, VEGF, CXCL12, and NGF are molecules involved in inflammation and angiogenesis. There is a restricted size of studies investigating the relationship of these molecules with psoriasis. The study aims to determine the levels of endocan, VGEF, CXCL12, and NGF in psoriasis patients, identify the relationship of these parameters with illness intensity and define the correlation between serum endocan level and VGEF, CXCL12, and NGF. Materials and Methods: In this study, endocan, VGEF, CXCL12, and NGF levels were determined in the serum of 100 healthy persons and 94 psoriasis patients using the ELISA method and compared with the control group. Illness violence was grouped with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI); Endocan, VGEF, CXCL12, and NGF levels were compared according to disease severity. Correlation analysis was performed between endocan and VGEF, CXCL12, and NGF in psoriasis. Results: Endocan, VGEF, CXCL12, and NGF levels were high in psoriasis. It was determined that as the severity of the disease increased, the serum levels of these parameters increased. A moderate positive correlation was found between Endocan and CXCL12 and NGF. Conclusion: Serum Endocan and NGF levels increase with disease severity; Endocan and NGF can be used as target molecules in psoriasis treatment.

Inhibition of MicroRNA-182/183 Cluster Ameliorates Schizophrenia by Activating the Axon Guidance Pathway and Upregulating DCC

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex disorder caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Mounting evidence suggests the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathology of SZ. Accordingly, the current study set out to investigate the possible implication of the miR-182/183 cluster, as well as its associated mechanism in the progression of SZ. Firstly, rat models of SZ were established by intraperitoneal injection of MK-801. Moreover, rat primary hippocampal neurons were exposed to MK-801 to simulate injury of hippocampal neurons. The expression of miR-182/183 or its putative target gene DCC was manipulated to examine their effects on SZ in vitro and in vivo. It was found that miR-182 and miR-183 were both highly expressed in peripheral blood of SZ patients and hippocampal tissues of SZ rats. In addition, the miR-182/183 cluster could target DDC and downregulate the expression of DDC. On the other hand, inhibition of the miR-182/183 cluster ameliorated SZ, as evidenced by elevated serum levels of NGF and BDNF, along with reductions in spontaneous activity, serum GFAP levels, and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. Additionally, DCC was found to activate the axon guiding pathway and influence synaptic activity in hippocampal neurons. Collectively, our findings highlighted that inhibition of the miR-182/183 cluster could potentially attenuate SZ through DCC-dependent activation of the axon guidance pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of the miR-182/183 cluster may represent a potential target for the SZ treatment.

Markers of Neuroinflammation in the Serum of Prepubertal Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are the manifestation of the damage caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), the extreme FASD manifestation, show both facial dysmorphology and mental retardation. Alcohol consumed during gestational age prejudices brain development by reducing, among others, the synthesis and release of neurotrophic factors and neuroinflammatory markers. Alcohol drinking also induces oxidative stress. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association between neurotrophins, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in 12 prepubertal male and female FASD children diagnosed as FAS or partial FAS (pFAS). Accordingly, we analyzed, in the serum, the level of BDNF and NGF and the oxidative stress, as Free Oxygen Radicals Test (FORT) and Free Oxygen Radicals Defense (FORD). Moreover, serum levels of inflammatory mediators (IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, MCP-1, TGF-β, and TNF-α) involved in neuroinflammatory and oxidative processes have been investigated. We demonstrated low serum levels of NGF and BDNF in pre-pubertal FASD children with respect to healthy controls. These changes were associated with higher serum presence of TNF- α and IL-1α. Quite interestingly, an elevation in the FORD was also found despite normal FORT levels. Moreover, we found a potentiation of IL-1α, IL-2, IL-10, and IL-1α1 in the analyzed female compared to male children. The present investigation shows an imbalance in the peripheral neuroimmune pathways that could be used in children as early biomarkers of the deficits observed in FASD.

Efficacy Analysis of Comprehensive Nursing in the Care of Ovarian Carcinoma Treated with Paclitaxel Combined with Nedaplatin.

Objective To determine the effectiveness of comprehensive nursing in the care of ovarian carcinoma (OC) patients treated with paclitaxel (PTX) plus nedaplatin (NDP). Methods The research population comprised 180 advanced OC patients who received treatment in the Shaanxi Cancer Hospital between November 2018 and November 2021. The enrolled cases were assigned to two groups based on different nursing plans: an observation group (OG) with 100 cases treated with comprehensive nursing and a control group (CG) with 80 cases intervened by conventional nursing. Intergroup comparisons were performed to identify statistical significance in terms of the following parameters: serum NGF, TK1, and CA15-3 levels; VAS, SAS, and SDS scores; nursing compliance; incidence of adverse reactions; and nursing satisfaction. Results Compared with CG, OG showed the following: (1) lower posttreatment NGF, TK1, and CA15-3 levels; (2) lower scores of SAS and SDS; (3) higher nursing compliance; and (4) lower incidence of adverse reactions and higher nursing satisfaction after nursing. Conclusions Comprehensive nursing far outperformed conventional nursing in the care of advanced OC patients treated with PTX plus NDP, which is worth popularizing.

Effects of Propofol Intravenous Anesthesia on Serum NGF, S100B Protein, and Immune Function in Patients with Bladder Cancer after Resection.

Objective To explore the efficacy of intravenous propofol anesthesia on patients with bladder cancer after resection, as well as its effect on cognitive and immune function. Methods Patients with bladder cancer and received resection of bladder cancer at our hospital from May 1, 2019, to November 30, 2021, were retrospectively retrieved and included in this study. The included patients were summarized into group A (isoflurane) and group B (intravenous propofol). The anesthesia intervention effect, serum NGF level, serum S100B protein level, and immune function before surgery, 6 h after surgery, 1 d after surgery, and 3 d after surgery were compared between the two groups. Results Eighty-six patients were retrieved. The anesthesia intervention effective rate of patients in group B was significantly higher than that of patients in group A (P < 0.01). The serum NGF and S100B of patients in both groups were significantly lower on postsurgical day 1, but in the trend to returning to those before intervention level on day 3. There were also fluctuations in immune function represented by changes in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ T cells, which showed return of function by postsurgical day 3. Conclusion The anesthetic effect of intravenous propofol in patients with bladder cancer resection is significantly more satisfactory than isoflurane, with a transient effect on serum NGF and S100B protein levels and patients' immune function, which suggests that intravenous propofol can be widely used for general anesthesia in clinical practice.

Investigation of the association between cardio-metabolic risk factors, neurotrophins and gastric hormones among apparently healthy women: A cross-sectional analysis.

Introduction: Although, some evidence has shown that obestatin, ghrelin, and neurotrophic factors can be involved in the development of cardio-metabolic risk factors, there are some contradictions in this regard. We aimed to investigate the association of serum neurotrophic factors and some gastric hormones with cardio-metabolic risk factors among apparently healthy women. Methods: In the present study, 90 apparently healthy women were recruited by a convenient sampling method from the nutrition counseling clinic in Tabriz, Iran. All participants need dietary counseling for weight loss and were recruited before receiving any dietary interventions. Anthropometric, biochemical, physical activity, and blood pressure (BP) measurements, as well as dietary assessment, were done in all participants. Results: Women who were in the highest tertile of serum obestatin levels (OR=0.118, 95% CI:0.035-0.396) had a significantly lower risk for development of hypertriglyceridemia compared to the reference group (Ptrend < 0.001). Participants in the highest tertile of serum ghrelin had a significant lower risk of hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, low HDL-C, and MetS (Ptrend < 0.05). Women who were in the higher tertile of serum NGF levels had a significantly lower risk for development of hypertriglyceridemia after adjustment for potential confounding variables (OR=0.091, 95% CI: 0.023-0.361 and OR=0.193, 95% CI: 0.057-0.649 respectively). Conclusion: In the current study serum levels of obestatin, NGF, and ghrelin were associated with some cardio-metabolic risk factors such as hypertriglyceridemia and MetS. It seems that these factors are associated with metabolic regulation. However, further studies are needed to substantiate this claim.

The association of a body shape index and visceral adiposity index with neurotrophic, hormonal and metabolic factors among apparently healthy women: a cross-sectional analysis.

A body shape index (ABSI) and visceral; adiposity index (VAI) can reflect some cardio-metabolic risk factors in the population. To the best of our knowledge, there are no previous studies conducted on the assessment of the association between neurotrophic factors, Ghrelin and Obestatin with ABSI and VAI. We aimed to investigate this association among apparently healthy women. Ninety apparently healthy women were recruited in the present study. All participants were in need of dietary intervention for weight loss and participated in the study before receiving any intervention. Dietary, anthropometric, physical activity, stress level and biochemical assessments, as well as blood pressure measurements were done for all participants. Women in the highest tertile of ABSI had significantly lower SBP compared to the lowest ABSI tertile. Women who were in the highest tertile of VAI had significantly lower serum Obestatin levels compared to the first and second tertiles in both crude and adjusted comparisons. Serum NGF, Obestatin and Ghrelin levels were significantly lower in the highest tertile of VAI compared to the lowest tertile in both crude and adjusted comparisons. HOMA-IR, serum insulin, LDL-C, TG and TC were significantly higher in the highest tertile of VAI compared to the lowest tertile. QUICKI in the highest tertiles were significantly lower than the first tertile in adjusted model. This evidence can be useful for researchers in applying appropriate anthropometric indices regarding different populations with multifactorial metabolic complications. The current findings need approving by prospective population study and also clinical trial researches.

Effect of nape cluster acupuncture on swallowing function and respiratory function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia

To observe the effect of nape cluster acupuncture on swallowing function and respiratory function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia, and to explore its relationship to cerebral arterial flow and neurotrophic factors. A total of 120 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 60 patients in each one. The conventional swallowing rehabilitation therapy and respiratory function training were adopted in the control group. On the basis of treatment in the control group, nape cluster acupuncture was applied at Fengchi (GB 20), Tianzhu (BL 10), Wangu (GB 12), Lianquan (CV 23), Panglianquan (Extra), once a day; pricking blood was applied at Jinjin (EX-HN 12) and Yuye (EX-HN 13), once every 2 days. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. The therapeutic efficacy was compared between the two groups, and the swallowing function (scores of Kubota water swallowing test, standardized swallowing assessment [SSA] and video fluoroscopic swallowing study [VFSS]), the respiratory function indexes (forced vital capacity [FVC], maximal voluntary ventilation [MVV] and maximal expiratory time), the bilateral cerebral arterial hemodynamics parameters (systolic peak velocity [Vs], mean flow velocity [Vm] and vascular resistance index [RI]) and the serology indexes (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], nerve growth factor [NGF] and insulin-like growth factors-1 [IGF-1]) before and after treatment were observed in the both groups. The total effective rate was 80.0% (48/60) in the observation group, which was superior to 60.0% (36/60) in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of Kubota water swallowing test and SSA in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05), the VFSS score, FVC, MVV and maximal expiratory time were higher than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the Vs and Vm of bilateral cerebral artery and serum levels of BDNF, NGF and IGF-1 in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05), the RI of bilateral cerebral artery was lower than the control group (P<0.05). On the basis of the conventional rehabilitation training, nape cluster acupuncture can effectively improve the swallowing function and respiratory function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia, its mechanism may be related to the improvement of cerebral hemodynamics and the regulation of neurotrophic factors.

BDNF, GDNF, NGF and Klotho levels and neurocognitive functions in acute term of schizophrenia

BackgroundKlotho and its relationship with neurotrophic factors and cognition in schizophrenia has not yet been investigated. In this study, the hypothesis that the blood serum levels of BDNF, GDNF, NGF and Klotho in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls would be related to cognitive functions was investigated.MethodsIn this study, two groups were assessed: schizophrenia patients (case group) who were hospitalised in the Psychiatry Clinic of Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital and healthy volunteers (control group). The patients were evaluated on the 1st and 20th days of their hospitalisation with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the General Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI). For cognitive assessment, both groups were evaluated with the Wechsler Memory Scale-Visual Production Subtest (Wechsler Memory Scale III-Visual Reproduction Subtest) and the Stroop test.ResultsBDNF, GDNF, NGF and Klotho levels were lower in schizophrenia patients than in healthy controls. In the schizophrenia patients, on the 20th day of treatment, there was a statistically significant increase in BDNF compared to the 1st day of treatment. BDNF, GDNF and Klotho showed positive correlations with some cognitive functions in the healthy controls. BDNF, GDNF, NGF and Klotho levels were intercorrelated and predictive of each other in both groups.ConclusionThis study suggests a relationship between cognitive functions, neurotrophic factors and Klotho. Most of the results are the first of their kind in the extant literature, while other results are either similar to or divergent from those generated in previous studies. Therefore, new, enhanced studies are needed to clarify the role of Klotho and neurotrophic factors in schizophrenia.

Short Communication: Interaction of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Healthy Individuals.

NGF and VEGF are known to be involved in different psychiatric diseases. In order to verify hints from basic research that both neurotrophines interact with each other, serum levels of NGF and VEGF were measured in a cohort of 33 healthy individuals and correlated. NGF level was 126.30 pg/mL (±155.43), and VEGF level was 57.28 pg/mL (±44.48). Both factors were significantly correlated, confirming their interaction and legitimising the usage of their respective ratio (0.8 (±0.42)) as a less varying additional marker in prospective studies.

148 Inmunolocalization of β-Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in Male Reproductive Tract and NGF Levels in Serum and Seminal Plasma at Puberty and Adulthood in Rabbit

β-Nerve growth factor (β-NGF) is a neurotrophin with different roles in reproduction that could be regulated by sexual hormone concentrations. The objective of the present study was to characterise β-NGF in the accessory glands and epididymis of male rabbit and to determine whether its expression differentially changed near puberty (week 22) and adulthood (week 37) according to serum testosterone levels and NGF levels in both serum and seminal plasma (SP). Semen and blood were collected every week from 6 males during 3 months and analysed at 3 time points (weeks 22, 30, and 37) by ELISA. The SP was separated from sperm cells by centrifugation (3,000 × g for 15 min at 4°C) and stored at –20°C; blood was collected in EDTA tubes, centrifuged 15 min at 700 × g at 4°C and stored at –20°C too. Reproductive tissues (prostate, bulbouretral gland, and caput and cauda of epididymis) were collected at the beginning (week 22; n = 4) and at the end (week 37; n = 4) of the experiment. For tissue recovery, males were killed and glands and epididymis were dissected, fixed in modified Bouin’s fluid, and mounted in paraffin. The ELISA for β-NGF (abx259154, Rabbit NGF ELISA kit, Abbexa, Cambridge, UK) and testosterone (DE1559, Demeditec Diagnostics, Kiel, Germany) were performed following the kit protocols. For immunohistochemistry (IHC), goat polyclonal anti-NGF antibody was used in a dilution 1:100 (N8773, Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA). The avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) method was performed with the Vectastain ABC kit (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, CA, USA) and then slides were contrasted with hematoxylin. Results of serum testosterone levels revealed a significant decrease (P &lt; 0.05) at week 37 (0.57 ± 0.18 ng mL−1) from week 30 (4.68 ± 0.86 ng mL−1) and week 22 (3.38 ± 0.99 ng mL−1). However, β-NGF levels at week 37 in serum (299.32 ± 60.22 pg mL−1) and in SP (947.29 ± 249.45 pg mL−1) also decreased but there were no significant differences. Also, we found no correlation between β-NGF in serum and SP and testosterone levels. β-Nerve growth factor was immunolocated in prostate of both ages where epithelial cells were highly stained. At 22 weeks old, stain was located mostly in the apical zone of the cytoplasm, whereas at 37 weeks old, the protein was localised in the entire cytoplasm of the cell. Furthermore, the interstitial tissue in adult males had a moderate stain in contrast with younger males, which did not show signal in that tissue. The content in the prostate lumen was stained too. Bulbourethral glands had a low signal in interstitial tissue that seems to be greater at week 37. Caput and cauda of epididymis of both ages were not stained. These results suggest that β-NGF has different immunolocation in the rabbit male accessory glands depending on the age of animal that could be related to changes in serum testosterone levels. However, these differences were not correlated with β-NGF levels neither in blood serum nor in SP. Research funded by AGL2015-65572-C2-2-R Grant and Predoctoral Contract UCM-Santander.

Brief psychoeducation for bipolar disorder: Evaluation of trophic factors serum levels in young adults

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of psychoeducation in serum levels of BDNF, NGF and GDNF in young adults presenting bipolar disorder (BD). This is a randomized clinical trial including 39 young adults (18–29 years) diagnosed with BD through the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-CV). Participants were randomized in two treatment groups: usual treatment (medication) and combined intervention (medication plus psychoeducation). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and severity of manic and hypomanic symptoms was evaluated through the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). The serum levels of trophic factors were measured with an ELISA kit. In both intervention groups, there was an improvement in depressive symptoms significantly between baseline and post-intervention. In the combined intervention, GDNF serum levels increased significantly from baseline to post-intervention. However, there were no differences in BDNF and NGF serum levels. In the usual treatment group, no changes were observed in serum levels of GDNF, BDNF, and NGF the post-intervention in individuals. Our data suggests that only combined intervention was effective in improving depressive symptoms and increasing GDNF levels in a sample of young adults with bipolar disorder.

Effect of Exercise Intensity on Neurotrophic Factors and Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Induced by Oxidative-Nitrosative Stress in Male College Students.

We investigated the effects of aerobic exercise intensity on oxidative-nitrosative stress, neurotrophic factor expression, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Fifteen healthy men performed treadmill running under low-intensity (LI), moderate-intensity (MI), and high-intensity (HI) conditions. Blood samples were collected immediately before exercise (IBE), immediately after exercise (IAE), and 60 min after exercise (60MAE) to examine oxidative-nitrosative stress (reactive oxygen species [ROS]; nitric oxide [NO]), neurotrophic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]; nerve growth factor [NGF]), and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability (S-100β; neuron-specific enolase). ROS concentration significantly increased IAE and following HI (4.9 ± 1.7 mM) compared with that after LI (2.8 ± 1.4 mM) exercise (p < .05). At 60MAE, ROS concentration was higher following HI (2.5 ± 1.2 mM) than after LI (1.5 ± 0.5 mM) and MI (1.4 ± 0.3 mM) conditions (p < .05). Plasma NO IAE increased significantly after MI and HI exercise (p < .05). Serum BDNF, NGF, and S-100b levels were significantly higher IAE following MI and HI exercise (p < .05). BDNF and S-100b were higher IAE following MI (29.6 ± 3.4 ng/mL and 87.1 ± 22.8 ng/L, respectively) and HI (31.4 ± 3.8 ng/mL and 100.6 ± 21.2 ng/L, respectively) than following LI (26.5 ± 3.0 ng/mL and 64.8 ± 19.2 ng/L, respectively) exercise (p < .05). 60MAE, S-100b was higher following HI (71.1 ± 14.5 ng/L) than LI (56.2 ± 14.7 ng/L) exercise (p < .05). NSE levels were not significantly different among all intensity conditions and time points (p > .05). Moderate- and/or high-intensity exercise may induce higher oxidative-nitrosative stress than may low-intensity exercise, which can increase peripheral neurotrophic factor levels by increasing BBB permeability.

Effects of aerobic exercise training and cranial electrotherapy stimulation on the stress-related hormone, the neurotrophic factor, and mood states in obese middle-aged women: a pilot clinical trial

Abstract Introduction. Obesity, a global pandemic, has been reported as a potential cause of various diseases, including high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Objective. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the effects of eight weeks of regular aerobic exercise and cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) on the stress-related hormone, the neurotrophic factor, and mood states in obese women. Method. The subjects for this study were 36 obese middle-aged Korean women. Subjects were randomly divided into a control group (CON, n = 12), an aerobic exercise group (EX, n = 12), and an aerobic exercise and CES group (EX + CES, n = 12). CES was conducted with a micro current cranial electrotherapy stimulator for 20 minutes at 100 μA and 0.5 Hz. Aerobic exercise consisted of treadmill running for 40 minutes at 70% of the subjects’ heart rate reserve (HRR). Mood state was measured by the profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire, and blood collection was performed to examine levels of stress-related hormones (cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH]) and neurotrophic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] and nerve growth factor [NGF]) before and after each intervention. Results. Plasma cortisol levels, as well as scores for Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, and Fatigue-Inertia were significantly decreased after intervention when compared with pre-intervention measurements in the EX and EX+CES groups (p &lt; .05). Serum BDNF levels, serum NGF levels, and Vigor-Activity scores were significantly increased after intervention when compared with pre-intervention measurements in the EX and EX+CES groups (p &lt; .05). However, there was no significant difference in these findings between the EX and EX+CES groups (p &gt; .05). Discussion and conclusion. These results suggest that aerobic exercise training could improve the mood state of obese middle-aged women through a decrease in serum cortisol and an increase in serum BDNF and NGF.

Decreased Neurotrophic Support is Associated with Cognitive Decline in Non-Demented Subjects.

There is evidence of decreased neurotrophic support in Alzheimer's disease (AD), including its prodromal stages, but it is not clear whether this abnormality represents a marker of this process. To determine serum concentrations of a panel of neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF, and GDNF) in a cross-section of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD compared to cognitively healthy controls, and to evaluate whether abnormal levels of these factors at baseline predict the transition from MCI to dementia. A total of 134 older adults were enrolled in this study. Twenty-six patients with mild to moderate AD, 62 with MCI, and 46 cognitively healthy older adults (controls) were subjected to a clinical evaluation including several cognitive tests. Peripheral blood was drawn and serum levels of BDNF, NGF, and GDNF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. APOE genotyping was performed by PCR assays. Serum concentrations of BDNF, NGF, and GDNF were significantly reduced in cognitively impaired subjects (i.e., MCI and AD) as compared to controls, although only the former two remained statistically different after controlling for age, gender, and cognitive performance (p = 0.05 and p = 0.01, respectively). Lower BDNF and NGF levels were also observed in the sub-sample of MCI patients who progressed to dementia upon follow-up (p = 0.02 and p = 0.002, respectively). Abnormalities in neurotrophic systems are observed at early stages of AD and may represent a marker of cognitive deterioration.

Increased Serum Neurotrophin Levels Related to Alcohol Use Disorder in a Young Population Sample

The diagnosis of alcohol use disorder is based on clinical signs and on the measurement of biological markers. However, these markers are neither sufficiently sensitive, nor specific enough, for determining the effects of alcohol abuse on the central nervous system. Serum neurotrophins are important regulators of neural survival, development, function, and plasticity and have been found to be reduced in alcohol use disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the alterations in serum neurotrophin levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], glial-derived neurotrophic factor [GDNF], and nerve growth factor [NGF]) in alcohol use disorder in a young population, and thus possibly representing the early stages of the illness. This is a cross-sectional study, nested in a population-based study of people aged 18 to 35, involving 795 participants. The participants responded to the CAGE questionnaire, and a CAGE score of ≥2 was considered to be a positive screen for the abuse/dependence or moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. Serum BDNF, GDNF, and NGF levels were measured by ELISA. In the CAGE≥2 group, GDNF (p≤0.001) and NGF (p≤0.001) serum levels were significantly increased, and the BDNF elevation was near a statistical significance (p=0.068) when compared to the CAGE<2 group. A significantly positive correlation was observed only in the CAGE≥2 group for BDNF/GDNF (r=0.37, p<0.001) and GDNF/NGF (r=0.84, p<0.001) levels. The correlation between the NGF and BDNF levels was significantly positive in both groups (r=0.28, p<0.001 for the CAGE<2 group, and r=0.30, p=0.008 for the CAGE≥2 group). These results suggest that elevated neurotrophins are candidate markers for the early stages of alcohol misuse.

Anti-nerve growth factor antibody reduces airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of asthma by down-regulating the level of autophagy in lungs

To study the effects of anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) antibody on the level of autophagy in lung tissue antigen presenting cells in a mouse model of asthma. The 24 BALB/c mice aged 6 weeks were divided into control group (PBS sensitization, PBS challenge) , asthma group [ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization, OVA challenge] and anti-NGF group (OVA sensitization, OVA challenge) using the random number table, 8 mice in each group. Sensitization was carried out by intraperitoneal injection method while challenge by aerosol inhalation. The anti-NGF group received intraperitoneal injection of anti-NGF antibody for intervention 30 min before the atomization, while the control group and asthma group received intraperitoneal injection of PBS 30 min before the atomization. The lung tissue and serum were harvested 24 h after the last sensitization. Immunoelectron microscopy was used to observe the level of autophagy in mouse airway dendritic cells. Western blot assay was used to detect the autophagy marker molecule MHP1 LC3-II level in lung tissue. ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of IL-4, INF-γ and NGF. Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression levels of costimulatory molecules CD₈₀, CD₈₆ and CD₄₀, and the major histocompatibility complex class II molecule (MHC-II) on dendritic cells of lung tissue. The level of autophagy in lung tissue was lower in anti-NGF group (0.28 ± 0.07) than in asthma group (0.46 ± 0.10) but higher than in control group (0.17 ± 0.08) (F = 15.571, P < 0.05) ; and Pairwise comparison showed that all the intergroup differences were statistically significant (all P values<0.05) . The serum NGF concentration was lower in anti-NGF group [(0.65 ± 0.04) µg/L] than in asthma group [(0.75 ± 0.10) µg/L] but still higher than the control group [(0.52 ± 0.05) µg/L] (F = 61.972, P < 0.05); and Pairwise comparison showed that all the intergroup differences were statistically significant (all P values<0.05) . Both the costimulatory molecules CD₈₀, CD₈₆ and CD₄₀ and the MHC-II on antigen presenting cells of lung tissue were significantly lower in anti-NGF group than in asthma group. Anti-NGF group had lower serum IL-4 but higher IFN-γ level than asthma group. Anti-NGF antibody attenuates Th2-dominant airway inflammation in this mouse model of asthma by down-regulating the level of autophagy in lung tissue to inhibit the antigen-presenting cell functions.

Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor in treatment resistant major depression.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of electroconvulsive treatment on serum BDNF and NGF levels in patients with treatment-resistant major depression. Thirty patients with treatment-resistant major depression and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. The patients' serum BDNF and NGF levels were measured three times; before treatment (T0), when the clinical response occurred (T1) and at the end of treatment (T2). The reduction detected in the HAM-D scores with ECT during the T0-T1, T1-T2 and T0-T2 periods was found to be statistically significant. In the patient group, increase in the mean BDNF levels after ECT treatment was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Significant increases in serum BDNF levels with ECT were lower than in the control group, and the serum NGF levels did not increase significantly. There was no relationship between the severity of the depression and serum BDNF and NGF levels (p>0.05). This study evaluated the role of neurotrophic factors in the etiopathogenesis of major depression. Future studies should investigate the relationship between neurotrophic factors with neuroendocrine and genetic processes to elucidate the psychobiology and treatment of mental disorders.

Serum NGF, BDNF and IL-6 levels in postpartum mothers as predictors of infant development: the influence of affective disorders.

BackgroundEarly adverse experiences are associated with increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, although little is known about the neurobiological mediators involved. The mechanisms by which early environmental influences may mediate vulnerability in the development of offspring await further investigation. The present study correlated the NGF, BDNF, IL-6 and cortisol levels of mothers with postpartum affective disorders (PPAD) with infant development.MethodsA longitudinal study was performed with 152 pregnant women and their infants. Between 60 and 120 days after delivery, women were interviewed and provided biological samples for biochemical analysis, and the infants were examined for neurobiological-motor development.ResultsOverall, the mothers' history of affective disorders, PPAD and anxiety disorder were associated with infant motor development. Using an adjusted linear regression analysis, PPAD (p = 0.049), maternal anxiety disorder (p = 0.043), NGF level (p = 0.034) and infant cortisol level (p = 0.013) were associated with infant motor development. Using a factorial analysis of primary components, two components were retained. The psychological factor was characterized by a positive loading of a history of affective disorder, PPAD and anxiety disorder. For the biological factor, infant cortisol adhered negatively with infant motor development, but NGF was positively associated. The psychological factor had a negative association, but the biological factor had a positive association with infant motor development.ConclusionsThere are few studies that have focused on the relationship of biomarkers and infant neurodevelopment. Our study points that psychological and biological factors are associated with infant motor development, however the causal relationship between these factors is still to be defined.