Serum Nerve Growth Factor Levels Research Articles

Impact of transcranial electrical stimulation on serum neurotrophic factors and language function in patients with speech disorders.

Speech disorders have a substantial impact on communication abilities and quality of life. Traditional treatments such as speech and psychological therapies frequently demonstrate limited effectiveness and patient compliance. Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) has emerged as a promising non-invasive treatment to improve neurological functions. However, its effectiveness in enhancing language functions and serum neurofactor levels in individuals with speech disorders requires further investigation. To investigate the impact of TES in conjunction with standard therapies on serum neurotrophic factor levels and language function in patients with speech disorders. In a controlled study spanning from March 2019 to November 2021, 81 patients with speech disorders were divided into a control group (n = 40) receiving standard speech stimulation and psychological intervention, and an observation group (n = 41) receiving additional TES. The study assessed serum levels of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF), as well as evaluations of motor function, language function, and development quotient scores. After 3 wk of intervention, the observation group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of CNTF, GDNF, BDNF, and NGF compared to the control group. Moreover, improvements were noted in motor function, cognitive function, language skills, physical abilities, and overall development quotient scores. It is worth mentioning that the observation group also displayed superior performance in language-specific tasks such as writing, reading comprehension, retelling, and fluency. This retrospective study concluded that TES combined with traditional speech and psychotherapy can effectively increase the levels of neurokines in the blood and enhance language function in patients with speech disorders. These results provide a promising avenue for integrating TES into standard treatment methods for speech disorders.

Effect of flipped venous catheter combined with spinal cord electrical stimulation on functional recovery in patients with sciatic nerve injury.

This study aimed to explore the effect of flipped venous catheters combined with spinal cord electrical stimulation on functional recovery in patients with sciatic nerve injury. 160 patients with hip dislocation and sciatic nerve injury were divided into conventional release and flipped catheter + electrical stimulation groups according to the treatment methods (n=80). Motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) and lower limb motor function were compared. Serum neurotrophic factors brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were compared. The frequency of complications and quality of life were also compared. The MCV levels of the common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve in the flipped catheter + electrical stimulation group were greater than the conventional lysis group (p<0.05). After treatment, the lower extremity motor score (LMEs) in the flipped catheter + electrical stimulation group was greater than the conventional lysis group (p<0.05). The serum levels of BDNF and NGF in the flip catheter + electrical stimulation group were higher than the conventional lysis group (p<0.05). The complication rate in the flipped catheter + electrical stimulation group was lower than in the conventional release group (6.25% vs. 16.25%, p<0.05). The quality-of-life score in the flip catheter + electrical stimulation group was greater than the conventional lysis group (p<0.05). The flipped venous catheter combined with spinal cord electrical stimulation can improve nerve conduction velocity, lower limb motor function, serum BDNF and NGF levels, reduce complications, and help improve the quality of life of sufferers with sciatic nerve injury. Chictr.org.cn ID: ChiCTR2400080984.

Efficacy of urokinase and alteplase intravenous thrombolysis in the treatment of acute phase cerebral infarction and impact on serum S-100β and nerve growth factor levels

Objective To compare the efficacy of urokinase and alteplase intravenous thrombolysis in the treatment of acute phase cerebral infarction and investigate their impact on serum S-100β and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels. Methods Parameters assessed included NIHSS score reduction, vascular recanalization rates, mRS, Barthel Index, and adverse reactions. Post-treatment blood samples were also collected for further analysis. Results The clinical treatment effectiveness and Vascular recanalization rate in Group A was higher than in Group B, with p < 0.05. After treatment, the NIHSS score in Group A was lower than in Group B (p < 0.05), and the mRS score was slightly lower, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). After treatment, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP in Group A were lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). The S-100β level in Group A was lower than in Group B, and NGF level was higher than in Group B (p < 0.05). Group A had better prognosis. Conclusion The efficacy and safety of both urokinase and alteplase intravenous thrombolysis for acute phase cerebral infarction have been demonstrated, yet disparities exist in neurological function recovery and regulation of biochemical indicators. Alteplase intravenous thrombolysis emerges as the superior option, displaying greater effectiveness and safety, alongside improved regulation of serum S-100β and NGF levels. Tailoring treatment plans to individual patient characteristics and drug mechanisms is essential. Given these findings, the promotion of alteplase intravenous thrombolysis in the management of acute phase cerebral infarction is justified.

Effects of electroacupuncture on repairing neurological damage following ischemic stroke based on miR-381-mediated SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway.

To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the miR-381, leucine-rich repeat C4 protein (LRRC4), and downstream stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) signaling pathway in rat model of ischemic stroke, and to explore the mechanism by which EA improves neurological damage following ischemic stroke. Among 50 SPF male SD rats, 10 rats were randomly selected into a sham surgery group, and the remaining rats were used to establish the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. The 30 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, an EA group, and an agonist group, with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the EA group received EA at "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Dazhui" (GV 14), with disperse-dense wave, a frequency of 2 Hz/10 Hz, and a current intensity of 1 mA, 30 min per session, once daily for a total of 14 days. The rats in the agonist group received miR-381 agonist injections into the lateral ventricle, with 10 μL per injection, every 7 days for a total of 2 injections. After intervention, ZeaLonga neurobehavioral deficit score was observed in each group. HE staining was performed to observe the morphological changes in the ischemic brain tissue of rats in each group. ELISA was used to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nerve growth factor (NGF) in serum. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of LRRC4, SDF-1, CXCR4, and extracellular regulated protein kinase 1 (ERK1) in the ischemic brain tissue. Real-time PCR was utilized to assess the expression of miR-381 and LRRC4, SDF-1, CXCR4, ERK1 mRNA in the ischemic brain tissue. After intervention, the brain tissue showed disordered cell arrangement, reduced quantity, and significant interstitial edema, with numerous vacuoles in the model group. The pathological changes mentioned above were alleviated in the brain tissue of rats in the EA group and the agonist group. Compared with the sham surgery group, the rats in the model group exhibited increased ZeaLonga neurobehavioral deficit scores, elevated levels of serum TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.01), and decreased serum NGF level (P<0.01)；the protein expression of SDF-1, CXCR4 and ERK1 in ischemic brain tissue was reduced (P<0.01), while LRRC4 protein expression was increased (P<0.01)；the expression of miR-381, as well as SDF-1, CXCR4 and ERK1 mRNA in ischemic brain tissue was decreased (P<0.01), while LRRC4 mRNA expression was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the rats in the EA group and the agonist group showed decreased ZeaLonga neurobehavioral deficit scores and reduced levels of serum TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and increased serum NGF levels (P<0.05, P<0.01); the protein expression of SDF-1, CXCR4 and ERK1 in ischemic brain tissue was increased (P<0.01), while LRRC4 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01)；the expression of miR-381, as well as SDF-1, CXCR4 and ERK1 mRNA in ischemic brain tissue was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while LRRC4 mRNA expression was decreased (P<0.01). EA at "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) may promote the repair of neurological damage following ischemic stroke by up-regulating miR-381 to selectively inhibit LRRC4 expression, thereby activating the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway.

MENGHAFAL AL-QURAN: TINJAUAN FUNGSI KOGNITIF

Cognitive function is a mental process consisting of knowledge, information processing, and reasoning. Cognitive functions include the domains of perception, memory, learning, attention, decision-making, and language skills. Assessment of cognitive functions consists of attention and concentration, executive function, memory, language, visuoconstruction skills, conceptual thinking, calculation, and orientation. Cognitive disorder is a maladaptive response characterized by impaired memory, disorientation, incoherence and difficulty thinking logically. Memorization involves various complex processes called basic cognitive processes which include encoding, storing, and recalling memories, because these processes occur in many memory systems that function differently but are interconnected with one another. Al-Quran is the holy book of Muslims that comes from Allah SWT and was revealed through the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Memorizing the Al-Quran can stimulate the neurotrophin factor. In adulthood, there is a decrease in cognitive function of 6.7%. Cognitive function can be assessed from the serum levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and serum Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor is a protein that increases the survival of neurons and synapses that play a role in learning and memory processes. Nerve Growth Factor is a protein that plays a role in the growth, development and maintenance of nerve cells. The purpose of this study is to explain physiologically the effect of memorizing the Al-Quran on cognitive function in terms of serum BDNF and NGF levels. Based on the results of several studies, it was found that memorizing the Al-Quran continuously can improve cognitive function.

Stressful life events, psychiatric comorbidities and serum neuromediator levels in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria treated with omalizumab.

Many chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients have highly stressful life events and exhibit psychiatric comorbidities. Emotional stress can cause or exacerbate urticaria symptoms by causing mast cell degranulation via neuromediators. To investigate the frequency of stressful life events and compare psychiatric comorbidities and serum neuromediator levels in patients with CSU who responded to omalizumab with healthy controls. In this cross-sectional study, we included 42 patients with CSU who received at least 6 months of omalizumab treatment and a control group of 42 healthy controls. Stressful life events were evaluated with the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-42 (DASS-42) was used to evaluate depression, anxiety and stress levels. Serum nerve growth factor (NGF), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Twenty-six (62%) patients reported at least one stressful life event a median of 3.5 months before the onset of CSU. There were no significant differences in all three variables in the DASS subscales between the patient and control groups. Serum NGF levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with CSU (p <0.001), whereas CGRP levels were found to be significantly higher (p <0.001). There was no significant difference for SP. The psychological status of patients with CSU who benefited from omalizumab was similar to that of healthy controls. Omalizumab may affect stress-related neuromediator levels.

Nerve Growth Factor and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 Levels in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Objective Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are the most common psychiatric disorders in childhood, and there are many factors in their etiology. In recent years, many biomarkers have been studied to elucidate the etiology of these disorders. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID). Methods The study included 74 children with NDDs (the number of patients in ADHD, ASD and ID groups were 24, 25 and 25 respectively) and 30 healthy controls (HCs). Serum NGF and ACE2 levels were studied with ELISA kits, also complete blood count (CBC), levels of fasting glucose and serum lipids were assessed. Results ACE2 levels were found to be lower in NDD group than HCs in girls. In boys with ASD, triglyceride levels were significantly higher than other groups. Also a positive correlation was found between ACE2 and NGF levels when all sample assessed together. Conclusions This study is a premise for investigating ACE2 and NGF in NDDs. The role of these markers in ADHD, ASD, ID and other NDDs and their associations with gender should be assessed by studies in which both larger sample groups and more disorders.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor expression in endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endometriosis is diagnosed by laparoscopic surgery. The availability of biomarkers can help understand the pathophysiology and aid in the diagnosis of the condition. In this context, this review aimed to examine levels of expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are increased amongst patients with endometriosis and if they can serve as a potential biomarker. PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched for studies comparing BDNF or NGF levels amongst endometriosis patients and controls. Data were pooled for serum and tissue levels of BDNF and NGF. Ten fulfilled the inclusion criteria. On comparing BDNF levels, it was noted that endometrial tissue had significantly higher expression of BDNF levels as compared to controls (SMD: 1.73 95% CI: 0.64, 2.82 I2=89%). Similarly, the meta-analysis found significantly higher serum levels of BDNF in endometriosis patients as compared to controls (SMD: 1.66 95% CI: 0.73, 2.59 I2=95%). Pooled analysis showed significantly increased levels of NGF in endometrial tissue as compared to controls (SMD: 4.15 95% CI: 0.11, 8.18 I2=98%) but with unstable results on sensitivity analysis. Only one study showed higher levels of NGF in serum amongst endometriosis patients. Limited data shows higher expression of BDNF in endometrial lesions and increased serum levels of BDNF in endometriosis patients. Similar results were noted for NGF but with very scarce data. Further research is needed to establish BDNF and NGF as suitable biomarkers for the disease.

Efficacy of metformin in prevention of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a serious clinical problem with no approved drug for prevention. This study aimed to examine the neuroprotective effect of metformin against paclitaxel-induced PN in breast cancer patients. Methods: Patients with confirmed breast cancer diagnosis who were planned to receive paclitaxel were randomized to receive either metformin or placebo. Both groups received the standard chemotherapy protocol for breast cancer. Patients started metformin/placebo 1week before paclitaxel initiation and continued study interventions thereafter for nine consecutive weeks. The primary outcome was the incidence of development of grade two or more paclitaxel-induced sensory PN. The PN was graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE). Patients' quality of life (QoL) was assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACTGOG-Ntx) subscale. Pain severity was measured by the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF). Serum levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotensin (NT) were measured at baseline and at the end paclitaxel treatment. Results: A total of 73 patients (36 in the metformin arm and 37 in the control arm) were evaluated. The cumulative incidence of development of grade two or more PN was significantly lower in the metformin arm (14 (38.9%) than the control arm (28 (75.7%); p = 0.001). At the end of paclitaxel treatment, patients' QoL was significantly better in the metformin arm [median (IQR) FACTGOG-Ntx subscale of (24.0 (20.5-26.5)] compared to the control arm (21.0 (18.0-24.0); p = 0.003). The metformin arm showed lower "average" and "worst" pain scores than those detected in the control arm. At the end of the paclitaxel treatment, there was a significant difference in the median serum NGF levels between the two arms, favoring metformin (p < 0.05), while NT serum levels were deemed comparable between the two study arms (p = 0.09). Conclusion: The use of metformin in breast cancer patients offered a marked protection against paclitaxel-induced PN, which translated to better patient QoL. Clinical Trial Registration: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05351021, identifier NCT05351021.

Analysis of nerve growth factor (NGF) gene methylation in patients with schizophrenia

According to the neurotrophin hypothesis, schizophrenia can be caused by neurotrophic factors. One of these neurotrophic factors is the nerve growth factor (NGF), which has a critical role in cognitive functions. The present study aimed to investigate the NGF gene promoter methylation pattern in patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals. Participants included patients with schizophrenia (84 males and 38 females) and healthy controls (96 males and 48 females). Blood samples were collected from all of the subjects in treated tubes for DNA extraction. The determination of the methylation pattern of the NGF gene CpG island-2 was based on the principle that bisulfite treatment of DNA results in the conversion of unmethylated bases of cytosine into uracil bases. The results showed no significant difference in the DNA methylation status for the NGF gene CpG island-2 in patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals. Also, no significant difference was observed in the methylated and unmethylated status for the NGF gene CpG island-2 region when patients were compared with clinical parameters. In addition, relative NGF mRNA expression was significantly lower in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. However, no significant difference was observed in methylated and unmethylated status in the NGF mRNA expression. Although clinical evidence indicates a decrease in serum NGF levels in patients with schizophrenia, in the present study, there was no difference in the methylation status of the NGF gene promoter CpG island-2 between patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals.

Effects of concurrent training and CoQ10 on neurotrophic factors and physical function in people with Multiple Sclerosis: a pilot study.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 8-week of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation alone or combined with concurrent training (CT) on functional capacity, serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Our hypothesis is that CT promotes improvements in the studied outcomes with higher results for the combination of CT and CoQ10. Randomized placebo-controlled trial. Twenty-eight patients with MS were randomly divided into 4 groups: CT+placebo, CT+CoQ10, CoQ10 and placebo. CT involved two resistance training sessions and one aerobic training session per week. CoQ10 was supplemented with 200 mg daily. Serum levels of BDNF, NGF and functional tests [timed up and go (TUG), 6-min walk (6MW), chest press, lateral pull down, leg extension, and lying leg curls one repetition maximum] were measured before and after the intervention period. CT+placebo and CT+CoQ10 significantly improved performance in TUG, 6MW, chest press, lateral pull down, leg extension, and lying leg curls, with superior results to both CoQ10 and placebo groups. Changes in TUG for CT+placebo were significantly higher than CT+CoQ10 (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in NGF and BDNF among the four groups (p >0.05). CT improves physical abilities in patient with MS, regardless CoQ10 supplementation. CT should be recommended for MS patients to increase functional capacity, but there seems to be no benefit in supplementing CoQ10.

Higher serum nerve growth factor levels are associated with major depressive disorder pathophysiology: a case–control study

There is a lack of established biological, psychological, social, and digital markers for the prediction, identification, and stratification of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). We therefore aimed to evaluate serum nerve growth factor (NGF) in MDD patients. In this case-control study, we recruited MDD patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). A qualified psychiatrist evaluated study participants according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition. Serum NGF levels were analyzed using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. We analyzed data from 106 MDD patients and 88 HCs. Mean serum NGF concentrations were significantly higher in MDD patients (104.70 ± 6.43 pg/mL) than in HCs (72.09 ± 7.69 pg/mL). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the good diagnostic performance of serum NGF in MDD. Higher serum NGF levels might be involved in MDD pathophysiology, and altered NGF levels may be an early warning sign of depression. The present findings will aid in the development of new and improved therapies for depressive patients. Further interventional studies are recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms, risk factors, disease course, and treatment responses of NGF in MDD.

Serum angioneurin levels following electroconvulsive therapy for mood disorders.

The efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating mood disorders (MDs) is hypothesized to be mediated by the induction of neurotrophic factors (denoted "angioneurins") that trigger neuronal plasticity. This study aimed to assess the effects of ECT on serum angioneurin levels in patients with MD. A total of 110 patients with MDs including 30 with unipolar depression, 25 with bipolar depression (BD), 55 with bipolar mania (BM), and 50 healthy controls were included in the study. Patients were subdivided into two groups: those who received ECT + medication (12 ECT sessions) and those who received only medication (no-ECT). Depressive and manic symptom assessments and measurements of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor-2, nerve growth factor (NGF), and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in blood samples were performed at baseline and week 8. Patients in the ECT group, specifically those with BD and BM, had significantly increased levels of VEGF compared to their baseline VEGF levels (p=0.002). No significant changes in angioneurin levels were observed in the no-ECT group. Serum NGF levels were significantly associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Angioneurin levels were not associated with manic symptom reduction. This study hints that ECT may increase VEGF levels with angiogenic mechanisms that amplify NGF signaling to promote neurogenesis. It may also contribute to changes in brain function and emotional regulation. However, further animal experiments and clinical validation are needed.

Increased Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor, Nerve Growth Factor, Glial-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Galanin Levels in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and the Effect of 10 Weeks Methylphenidate Treatment.

This study aimed to investigate the levels of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and galanin in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study included 58 cases with ADHD and 60 healthy controls. Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL) together with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria were used for diagnostic evaluation. Sociodemographic data form and Conners' Parent/Teacher Rating Scale-Revised:Long Form were applied to all cases. The serum levels of BDNF, NGF, GDNF, and galanin were evaluated in all subjects. Afterwards, methylphenidate was started in the ADHD group. ADHD cases were reevaluated in terms of the serum levels of BDNF, NGF, GDNF, galanin at the 10th week of treatment. Before the treatment, the levels of BDNF, NGF, GDNF, galanin were significantly higher in the ADHD group compared to the control group. The levels of BDNF, NGF, GDNF, galanin were found to be significantly lower after treatment in ADHD group compared to pre-treatment. No correlation was between scale scores and the serum levels of BDNF, NGF, GDNF, galanin. The levels of neurotrophic factors and galanin were thought to be parameters worth evaluating in ADHD. Further studies on the subject with longer-term treatments and larger sample groups are required.

Abstract 10584: Nerve Growth Factor/Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase A Axis Plays a Pivotal Role in Breast Cancer Progression After Myocardial Infarction

Background: Several studies have shown that cancer incidence is increasing in patients with chronic heart failure. We have reported that nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a pivotal role in sympathetic nerve remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). However, the impact of NGF on cancer progression in the setting of MI-induced heart failure remains to be elucidated. Methods and Results: NGF phosphorylated tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) in murine breast carcinoma 4T1 cells, and NGF increased the percentage of Ki-67 positive 4T1 cells. MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery of female Balb/c mice. Then, 4T1 cells were injected into the right fourth mammary fat pad at two weeks after MI surgery. Serum levels of NGF were higher in the MI group than in the sham group at the time of 4T1 cell injection (279±107 pg/ml vs. 172±36 pg/ml, P=0.014). The size of breast cancer was significantly larger in the MI group than in the sham group at three weeks after 4T1 cell injection (451.8±137 mm 3 vs. 304.3±136 mm 3 , P=0.0014, figure). The percentage of Ki-67 positive cells in cancer tissue was higher in the MI group compared to the sham group (37.1±6.8% vs. 16.5±3.2%, P&lt;0.001). Furthermore, membranous TrkA was more phosphorylated in the MI group than in the sham group (1.56±0.11 AU vs. 1.00±0.11 AU, P&lt;0.001). Knockdown of TrkA with siRNA in 4T1 cells suppressed the increase of Ki-67 positive cells by NGF stimulation (51.9±1.2% vs. 24.9±3.7%, P=0.044). A TrkA inhibitor, GW441756, suppressed the NGF-induced phosphorylation of TrkA in 4T1 cells. Moreover, the percentage of Ki-67 positive cells in cancer tissue was lower in the MI mice treated with a TrkA inhibitor (10 mg/kg/week, I.P.) than in the MI mice without a TrkA inhibitor (26.3±3.6% vs. 45.6±3.7%, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Increased NGF caused by MI is associated with breast cancer progression through NGF/TrkA axis.

Increased Levels of Nerve Growth Factor Indicating Brain Injury In Mice Model

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) brain injury is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin that plays an important role in the natural repair and regeneration of nerves, but the previous study regarding NGF level after brain injury is still scant. This study aims to determine NGF levels in male Wistar rat models that received right Common Carotid Artery (CCA) occlusion. This study used an experimental and control design conducted in July-August 2021 at the Stem Cell Research and Development Center, Universitas Airlangga. The right CCA occlusion was performed on the Wistar mouse model in the treatment group, then placed in a hypoxic chamber and reperfusion after 60 minutes. Observations of neurology scores were carried out in the first 24 hours. After 2x24 hours the animal was sacrificed for serum NGF level measurement using the ELISA method. Statistical analysis using t-test for independent sample. A total of 16 male rats participated in the study. Eight rats in the treatment group were put into hemiparesis at different levels according to observations of neurological scores. Statistically meaningful differences in NGF levels were found in the treatment group compared to controls (P&lt;0.05). Average NGF levels in the treatment group were higher than in the controls. NGF levels in mice with HIE were higher than the control group, which indicates the body's natural mechanism for neuron protection following ischemic hypoxic events.

Role of neuroproteins in retinal neurodegeneration in diabetic retinopathy

Aim. To evaluate the serum levels of S100b protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as to establish a correlation between the studied parameters and retinal neurodegeneration.Methods. In total, 80 patients with confirmed type 2 diabetes (experimental group) and 30 healthy volunteers (control group) were included in the study. All patients were examined using an RTVue-100 optic coherence tomography scanner (Optovue, USA) and a MAIA microperimeter (CenterVue, Italy). The serum levels of S100b, BDNF, and NGF were determined by a sandwich-type solid-phase enzyme immunoassay using reagents produced by R&amp;D Diagnostics Inc. (USA).Results. The serum level of S100b protein was found to be significantly (p = 0.001) higher in the experimental group, comprising 56.86 (31,12–104,02) pg/ml, compared to that in the control group of 45.19 (37.27–51.79) pg/ml. Conversely, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) showed a significant (p = 0.02) decrease to the level of 27.38 (25.15–29.12) pg/ml in the experimental group compared to the level of 30.19 (27.38–32.14) pg/ml in the control group. The serum level of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the experimental group was found to be 7.53 (5.63–10.54) pg/ml, thereby exceeding significantly (p = 0.02) the level of 5.96 (4.77–8.13) pg/ml in the control group.Conclusions. The results obtained indicate an imbalance in the serum levels of the studied neuroproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and retinal neurodegeneration signs. The identified variations require further research in order to determine the feasibility of their use as additional criteria for predicting the development of retinal neurodegeneration in such patients.

Acute And Chronic NGF Responses During A Training Season In Young Swimmers

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is crucial for the functional accuracy of the cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system and for the growth and phenotypic maintenance of neurons in the peripheral nervous system. PURPOSE: We investigated the acute and chronic effects of a swimming training season of young athletes on serum NGF, both at rest and after a maximal exercise bout. METHODS: Eleven well-trained male swimmers (14.08 ± 1.0 yrs) participated in the study. Measurements were carried out at the beginning of the training season (T1) as well as pre- and post- taper of each of the two competitive periods (i.e., T2, T3 for the first macrocycle, and T4, T5 for the second macrocycle, respectively). Blood samples were drawn at pre- and 1 hour post a maximal, 400 m swimming testing. Serum NGF levels were measured by ELISA. Adjustment for exercise-induced plasma volume changes was performed before data analysis. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used for statistics. RESULTS: Rest NGF values were not significantly different throughout the experimental period, although there was a tendency for them to increase from T1 to T5 (56%: T1 15.56 ± 1.4 vs T5 24.23 ± 5.6; p > 0.05). No significant differences were found among the post 400 m testing timepoints or between pre-post testing (p > 0.05) (T1: 15.56 ± 1.4 vs 19.31 ± 5.0; p > 0.05, T2: 15.16 ± 1.9 vs 14.35 ± 1.7; p > 0.05, T3: 16.34 ± 1.3 vs 13.99 ± 1.8; p > 0.05, T4: 16.81 ± 1.7 vs 17.18 ± 2.3; p > 0.05, T5: 24.23 ± 5.6 vs 18.27 ± 2.8; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This data suggest that long-term swimming training may affect the resting concentrations of circulating NGF in young swimmers. More studies are needed to further examine the NGF responses at different timepoints during the recovery period after acute bout(s) of swimming exercise.

ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ НЕЙРОТРОФИНА (NGF) ПРИ ОРВИ И COVID-19

Background. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is expressed in different parts of the respiratory tract and reflects the degree of secretion disorders and airway hyperreactivity in ARVI. Objective. To estimate the diagnostic value of the NGF in ARVI and COVID-19. Material and methods. The study was conducted in two phases (before the pandemic and during the COVID-19 pandemic). A total of 43 children with ARVI and community-acquired pneumonia were observed at the first stage and 160 adult patients with COVID-19 (moderate (M-COVID) and severe (S-COVID) were observed at the second stage. Serum NGF level was estimated using Human NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) ELISA Kit, Fine Test system. Results. Among ARVI in children mono infection prevailed (61.9%) and was represented by hRSV in 23.0% of cases. Аmong mixed forms of ARVI (38.1%) hRV was the leader (87.5%, 7/8), as a co-infection – hRV + hRSV (3/8). NGF expression in children with moderate mono infection was 195.89 (79.27; 256.01), in severe pneumonia – 280.04 (17.73; 725.04), statistical differences were significant p &lt; 0.05. NGF levels in M-COVID and S-COVID were multidirectional and had large level fluctuations within individual groups. A certain pattern was an increase of NGF level in pneumonia associated with ARVI and a decrease of NGF level in pneumonia associated with COVID-19, regardless of severity, in concomitant obesity and diabetes mellitus, in patients on O therapy and hormone treatment, including patients with M-COVID, as well as in patients with signs of respiratory failure (p &lt; 0.05). As respiratory failure and oxygen dependence progressed in S-COVID, the inflammation markers were rising. The proposed ratio represented by C-reactive protein (CRP) and NGF proved to be the most informative test for assessing epithelial dysfunction and disease severity, which was confirmed by the ROC analysis (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions. NGF score and the CRP/NGF ratio represent additional criteria for assessing severity and predicting the development of an unfavorable outcome due to epithelial dysfunction in the respiratory tract in ARVI and COVID-19.

GFAP and Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) in the Serum of Suicide Attempters.

Background: To determine whether neuronal damage and/or neuroinflammation exist in the brain of suicide attempters and to find a novel biological biomarker to help distinguishing high risk individuals with suicide behavior, we aimed to measure glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuron specific enolase (NSE), and nerve growth factor (NGF) in suicide attempters. Methods: In the present case-control study, the serum level of NSE, GFAP, and NGF were measured quantitatively in 43 suicide attempters and 43 healthy control participants aged 18 to 35 years. Data were analyzed using the nonpaired t test followed by the Mann-Whitney posttest. Results: The mean serum level of NSE and GFAP were significantly higher in suicide attempters compared with healthy control individuals (p = 0.003, p = 0.001, respectively), while no significant difference was detected in NGF serum level between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Our findings of increased level of NSE along with the significant increase in GFAP would propose the presence of low grade neuroinflammation in the brain of these participants. NSE/GFAP might be good markers that is easily accessible and can be considered as prognostic markers in high-risk suicide attempters.