Serum Nerve Growth Factor Research Articles

Correlation of nerve growth factor with antioxidants and sperm parametersamong Iraqi infertile males

Aim: The level of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the blood and seminal plasma of asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia patients were compared to normozoospermic males and the relationship between NGF with sperm parameters and seminal antioxidant capacity were estimated to determine the role of NGF in the etiology of male infertility. Materials and methods: Eighty-one infertile males and 40 normospermic control subjects were included in this stud. NGF levels were measured in the blood and seminal plasma, and its correlation with Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione (GSH) levels and sperm parameters were studied. Results: There was a general trend of decreased in serum and seminal NGF concentrations of asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermic when compared to the normozoospermic samples. There was no significant association between NGF and seminal antioxidant status in asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia males. Nevertheless, CAT positively correlated with sperm concentration, total sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology but only showed a statistically significant correlation to total sperm motility in asthenozoospermic males. A strong positive association was detected between seminal plasma TAC activity and total sperm motility in both asthenozoospermic and oligoasthenozoospermia males. Conclusion: A decrease NGF levels in serum and seminal plasma could have a significant role in the etiology of impaired sperm functions.

Serum neurotrophins at birth correlate with respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature infants.

Preterm birth is a significant cause of infant morbidity and mortality, which are primarily the result of respiratory and neurodevelopmental complications. However, no objective biomarker is currently available to predict at birth the risk and severity of such complications. Thus, we sought to determine whether serum neurotrophins concentrations measured at birth correlate with risk for later development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study prospectively included 223 newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and divided into three groups: (i) preterm infants who developed BPD; (ii) preterm infants who did not develop BPD; (iii) term infants. An exploratory cohort was enrolled in West Virginia, followed by a validation cohort recruited in four NICUs in Ohio. Specimens for serum and tracheal neurotrophins concentrations were collected within 48 h of admission. Infants requiring a fraction of inspired oxygen >0.21 for at least 28 days were diagnosed with BPD. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were extrapolated from Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Third Edition (BSID-III) administered at the 24-month follow-up visit. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration at birth had significant negative correlation with later diagnosis of BPD (P = 0.011) and with duration of invasive ventilation and oxygen supplementation (P = 0.009 and 0.015, respectively). Serum nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration at birth had significant positive correlation with BSID-III cognitive and language composite scores at 24 months (P < 0.001 and 0.010, respectively). These data suggest that serum neurotrophins concentrations measured at birth provide prognostic information on subsequent respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Evaluating the value of nerve growth factor excessive activity of the male bladder outlet obstruction associated with bladder disease

Objective To detect the male bladder outlet obstruction concurrency model nerve growth factor(NGF) expression levels in patients with overactive bladder(OAB) urine, to analyze model NGF to DO type OAB and not DO type differential diagnosis value of OAB, and explore model NGF to relieve obstruction surgery effect assessment of the value. Methods Thirty normal males were set as group A, and 77 patients with bladder outlet obstruction(BOO) in the experimental group underwent urodynamic examination. According to the results of the urodynamic examination, only 22 cases of BOO group were group B. There were 55 cases of BOO combined with OAB symptoms in group C, of which 32 cases of urodynamic performance with type OAB in group C1. Twenty-three cases of non-DO OAB was group C2. The patients in group B and C were all assessed, including IPSS, OABSS and urodynamic pressure flow rate. The serum NGF expression level was detected by ELISA method, and the results were standardized with the urine specimen of creatinine (Cr). Results The expression levels of the NGF/Cr were group A: (0.005±0.002), group B: (0.011±0.008), C1: (0.909±0.324), C2: (0.919±0.447). The group B and C were 0.302 and 0.001 compared with group A. There was no significant difference between group A and group B, but there was significant difference between group A and group B. In patients with prostate surgery, the NGF/Cr was (0.901±0.382), (0.061±0.017) before and after surgery (P=0.024). The NGF level was significantly reduced after the operation. There was no significant difference between group C1 and C2 (P=0.283), NGF/Cr remained high in 5 cases (16.7%) by scatter plots. Conclusions NGF is a diagnostic indicator of male BOO with OAB, but there is no statistically significant difference between the type OAB and non-DO OAB. At the same time, NGF has good application value as an auxiliary evaluation index for the improvement of OAB symptoms. Key words: Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction; Urinary Bladder, Overactive; Nerve Growth Factors

The expressions of NGF and VEGF in the fracture tissues are closely associated with accelerated clavicle fracture healing in patients with traumatic brain injury.

BackgroundAngiogenesis and bone formation are vital for fracture healing. Nerve growth factor (NGF) not only promotes neuronal survival but also enhances the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in angiogenesis. However, the potential correlation of NGF and VEGF levels with fracture healing in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unclear.MethodsThis study enrolled 22 patients with clavicle fracture and concomitant TBI (CFT group) and 25 patients with clavicle fracture alone (CF group). Serum NGF levels were measured with ELISA. The expressions of NGF, VEGF, and CD31 in callus tissues were measured with immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe fracture healing time in CFT group (82.22±13.61 days) was significantly shorter than that in CF group (127±25.05 days; P<0.001). The expression of CD31, marker of blood vessels, in callus tissues of CFT group was higher compared with that of CF group. Serum NGF levels and the expression of NGF in callus tissues of CFT group were higher than those in CF group (P<0.01). The expressions of CD31, NGF, and VEGF are correlated with shorter fracture healing time.ConclusionThe formation of blood vessels was increased in CFT group compared with CF group. NGF and VEGF levels were higher in CFT group than in CF group and correlated with shorter fracture healing time. Accelerated fracture healing in patients with TBI may be due to NGF- and VEGF-mediated angiogenesis at the fracture site.

High serum nerve growth factor concentrations are associated with good functional outcome at 3 months following acute ischemic stroke

BackgroundPrevious studies in animal model have demonstrated that neurotrophins were associated with functional outcome following stroke. However, the relationship between serum nerve growth factor (NGF) and functional outcome in stroke patients has not been explored. Our objective was to investigate the association between serum NGF concentrations at admission and functional outcome of patients at 3 month after stroke. MethodsOne-hundred eight-five patients with acute ischaemic stroke were recruited in our study. Serum NGF concentrations were measured by ELISA at admission. The stroke severity at admission was assessed by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess the functional outcome of patients at 3 month after stroke. In addition, 100 healthy controls were recruited. ResultsSerum NGF concentrations were higher in good functional outcome group (mRS score of 0–2) than that in poor functional outcome group (mRS score of 3–6) (9.51 ± 2.33 vs. 8.12 ± 1.61, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, the serum NGF concentrations in healthy group were lower than that in acute ischemic stroke patients (7.17 ± 1.49 vs. 9.15 ± 2.24, P < 0.001). Moreover, our results demonstrated that high serum NGF concentrations (>9.21 ng/l) were independently associated with the better functional prognosis at 3 months following the occurrence of stroke (OR 0.048, 95% CI 0.012–0.185, P < 0.001). ConclusionsHigh concentrations of serum NGF at admission may predict good functional outcome of patients at 3 months after acute cerebral ischemia stroke.

The relationship between the changes of serum NGF, HO-1, IL-1 beta and cognitive function in patients with severe OSAHS after comprehensive treatment

Objective:To explore the relationship between the levels of serum nerve growth factor(NGF), hemeoxygenase 1(HO-1),interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and cognitive function in OSAHS patients. Method:the levels of serum NGF, HO-1 and IL-1β concentrations in 60 severe OSAHS patients were measured before and after treatment, and the Montreal cognitive score (MoCA), AHI and the LSaO₂ were also recorded. Result:①OSAHS patients have serum NGF decreased and serum HO-1, IL-1β increased.②In severe OSAHS patients the AHI was negatively correlated with NGF (r=－0.648), positively correlated with HO-1 (r=0.695), and positively correlated with IL-1β(r=0.616).③The MoCA value was positively correlated with NGF (r=0.663), negatively correlated with HO-1 (r=－0.614), and negatively correlated with IL-1β(r=－0.346).④After half a year of follow-up, the AHI and Serum HO-1 and IL-1β were significantly decreased, while the MoCA values and serum NGF were significantly increased after treatment. Conclusion:①Severe OSAHS patients have cognitive impairment.②The changes of serum NGF, HO-1 and IL-1β may be related to the changes of cognitive function in OSAHS patients. ③Comprehensive treatment can improve the patient's LSaO₂,reduce AHI, and improve the cognitive function.④Regular monitoring the concentration of serum NGF, HO-1, and IL-1β may be helpful to assess the patient's condition and recovery.

Diagnostic Significance of Serum Levels of Nerve Growth Factor and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

BackgroundOur study aimed to explore the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in healthy participants, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) patients in order to find their effects on DPN.Material/MethodsThe clinical data of 110 healthy participants (age: 57.3±8.2 year, height: 165.4±5.5 cm, weight: 64.1±7.5 kg), 83 T2DM patients (age: 56.5±7.9 year, height: 164.8±6.2 cm, and weight: 63.6±6.6 kg), and 65 DPN patients (age: 58.2±7.3 year, height: 166.7±6.7 cm, weight: 63.1±5.8 kg) were observed. ELISA was applied to detect serum NGF and BDNF levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic value of serum NGF and BDNF levels in DPN. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze risk factors for DPN.ResultsSerum NGF and BDNF levels decreased most in DPN patients. Subsequently, we determined that serum NGF and BDNF levels were correlated with: the course of disease for patients, fasting C-peptide (FCP), 2-hour postprandial C-peptide level (2-h PCP), glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbAlc), and 24-hour urinary microalbumin excretion (24-h UME). ROC curve analysis identified high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of NGF and BDNF levels on DPN. Serum levels of NGF and BDNF, course of disease, 2-h PCP level, and postprandial blood glucose level were determined to be risk factors for DPN.ConclusionsOur study highlights that serum levels of NGF and BDNF might be associated with the occurrence and development of DPN.

Чувствительность и специфичность нейротрофинов мочи и сыворотки крови в диагностике нейрогенной гиперактивности детрузора при рассеянном склерозе

To estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the serum and urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in MS patients as markers of detrusor overactivity. The study comprised 20 patients with multiple sclerosis, who complained of voiding problems. The control group consisted of 20 people without neurological diseases, lower urinary tract symptoms and detrusor overactivity estimated by filling cystometry. Apart from standard laboratory tests, diagnostic evaluation included a complex urodynamic study, ultrasound of the urinary tract, cystoscopy, testing serum and urinary NGF and BDNF using the enzyme immunoassay. The diagnostic significance of neurotrophins was evaluated using ROC analysis. According to the ROC analysis, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of serum NGF as a marker of detrusor hyperactivity was 57% and 93%, respectively (for serum NGF more or equal 26 pg/ml). The quality of the test according to the expert scale of AUC values was "very good" (AUC=0.806). Detecting NGF in patients urine was less effective. The sensitivity and specificity were 52% and 40%, respectively (for NGF more or equal 6 pg/ml). The quality of the test according to the expert scale of AUC values was "average" (AUC=0.64). The serum BDNF demonstrated high sensitivity (90%) and low specificity (23%), AUC=0.56. The urinary BDNF was more informative, (AUC=0.65). The combination of all four markers provides a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 66.7% (AUC=0.824). Testing serum and urinary neurotrophins in patients with multiple sclerosis can be used to diagnose detrusor overactivity. The NGF is a highly specific biomarker, while the BDNF is highly sensitive. Combined testing for serum NGF and BDNF is most informative.

Targeted ablation of cardiac sympathetic neurons improves ventricular electrical remodelling in a canine model of chronic myocardial infarction.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiac electrophysiologic effects of targeted ablation of cardiac sympathetic neurons (TACSN) in a canine model of chronic myocardial infarction (MI). Thirty-eight anaesthetized dogs were randomly assigned into the sham-operated, MI, and MI-TACSN groups, respectively. Myocardial infarction-targeted ablation of cardiac sympathetic neuron was induced by injecting cholera toxin B subunit-saporin compound in the left stellate ganglion (LSG). Five weeks after surgery, the cardiac function, heart rate variability (HRV), ventricular electrophysiological parameters, LSG function and neural activity, serum norepinephrine (NE), nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were measured. Cardiac sympathetic innervation was determined with immunofluorescence staining of growth associated protein-43 (GAP43) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Compared with MI group, TACSN significantly improved HRV, attenuated LSG function and activity, prolonged corrected QT interval, decreased Tpeak-Tend interval, prolonged ventricular effective refractory period (ERP), and action potential duration (APD), decreased the slopes of APD restitution curves, suppressed the APD alternans, increased ventricular fibrillation threshold, and reduced serum NE, NGF, and BNP levels. Moreover, the densities of GAP43 and TH-positive nerve fibres in the infarcted border zone in the MI-TACSN group were lower than those in the MI group. Targeted ablation of cardiac sympathetic neuron attenuates sympathetic remodelling and improves ventricular electrical remodelling in the chronic phase of MI. These data suggest that TACSN may be a novel approach to treating ventricular arrhythmias.

A Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationships of Physical Activity and Body Fat With Nerve Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neural Factor in Children.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neural factor (BDNF) are important for brain function and detectable in the blood. This study explored the longitudinal associations of physical activity and body fat with serum NGF and BDNF in children. Two waves of measurements were performed 2 years apart in 8- to 11-year-old children, including physical activity using the ActiGraph model 7164, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and serum NGF and BDNF determined by multiplex immunoassay. The first wave included 248 children. Full information maximum likelihood estimation with robust standard errors was applied in structural equation modeling. Vigorous physical activity showed a direct positive longitudinal relationship with NGF (standardized coefficient β = 0.30, P = .01) but not with BDNF (β = 0.04, P = .84). At the same time, body fat percentage was positively related to both NGF (β = 0.59, P < .001) and BDNF (β = 0.17, P = .04). There was an indication of an indirect relationship of vigorous physical activity with NGF (product of unstandardized coefficient β = -0.18, P = .02) and BDNF (β = -0.07, P = .05) through the negative relationship with body fat percentage (β = -0.36, P < .001). Vigorous physical activity is directly related to serum NGF and indirectly through the level of body fat. The relationships with serum BDNF are more complex.

Isoflurane and the Analgesic Effect of Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture in an Animal Model of Neuropathic Pain

The present study aimed to determine whether isoflurane interferes with the analgesic effects of acupuncture (Ac) and electroacupuncture (EA), using a neuropathic pain (NP) rat model. In total, 140 male Wistar rats were used; isoflurane-induced nociceptive response was evaluated using the von Frey test, serum calcium-binding protein β (S100β) levels and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the left sciatic nerve. The NP model was induced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve at 14 days after surgery. Treatment was initiated after NP induction with or without isoflurane anesthesia (20 min/day/8 days). The von Frey test was performed at baseline, 14 days postoperatively, and immediately, 24 h, and 48 h after the last treatment. Results of the nociceptive test and three-way analysis of variance were analyzed by generalized estimating equations, the Bonferroni test, followed by Student–Newman–Keuls or Fisher's least significant difference tests for comparing biochemical parameters (significance defined as p ≤ 0.05). At baseline, no difference was noted in the nociceptive response threshold among all groups. Fourteen days after surgery, compared with other groups, NP groups showed a decreased pain threshold, confirming establishment of NP. Ac and EA enhanced the mechanical pain threshold immediately after the last session in the NP groups, without anesthesia. Isoflurane administration caused increased nociceptive threshold in all groups, and this effect persisted for 48 h after the last treatment. There was an interaction between the independent variables: pain, treatments, and anesthesia in serum S100β levels and NGF levels in the left sciatic nerve. Isoflurane enhanced the analgesic effects of Ac and EA and altered serum S100β and left sciatic nerve NGF levels in rats with NP.

Serum nerve growth factor beta, brain- and glial-derived neurotrophic factor levels and psychopathology in unmedicated patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundThere is accumulating evidence that neurotrophic factors may be involved in the pathophysiology of patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to explore the relationship between serum nerve growth factor beta (NGF-beta), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels and psychopathology in unmedicated patients with schizophrenia. MethodsSerum NGF-beta, BDNF, and GDNF levels were determined using enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the serum of 30 unmedicated patients with schizophrenia. Symptomatology was assessed with the expanded version of the 24-items brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS-E), which was divided into four conceptual domains: manic excitement/disorganization, depression/anxiety, negative symptoms, and positive symptoms. Kolmogorov–Smirnov one sample test was performed to test non-parametric variables. Spearman's correlation was performed to examine the correlations between the cytokines of interest and psychopathology. Benjamini-Hochberg procedure was applied for multiple corrections. ResultsSerum GDNF levels correlated negatively with the BPRS-total (r = −0.533, corrected p = 0.002) and BPRS-manic (r = −0.456, corrected p = 0.011) subtests. BDNF levels showed a positive correlation with BPRS-total (r = 0.480, corrected p = 0.007). In addition, NGF-beta did not associate with psychopathology measured by BPRS scores. ConclusionNeurotrophic factors play a vital role in the regulation of neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in humans. This study suggests that BDNF and GDNF may be contributing to the pathological mechanisms involved in unmedicated patients with schizophrenia.

Improvement of postoperative cognitive dysfunction and attention network function of patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease via dexmedetomidine.

The protective effect of dexmedetomidine on cognitive dysfunction and decreased attention network function of patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease after stenting was investigated. Fifty-eight patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease undergoing stenting in Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital were selected and randomly divided into control group (n=29) and dexmedetomidine group (n=29). The dexmedetomidine group was treated with dexmedetomidine before induced anesthesia, while the control group was given the same dose of normal saline; and the normal volunteers of the same age were selected as the normal group (n=29). At 3 days after operation, the levels of serum S100B and nerve growth factor (NGF) in each group were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was detected via western blotting. Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and attention network test (ANT) were performed. Moreover, the cognitive function and attention network function, and the effects of dexmedetomidine on cognitive function and attention network function were evaluated. The concentrations of serum S100B and NGF in dexmedetomidine group was lower than those in control group (P<0.01). The results of western blotting showed that the levels of serum BDNF in control group and dexmedetomidine group were significantly lower than that in normal group (P<0.01), and it was higher in dexmedetomidine group than that in control group (P<0.01). Besides, both MoCA and ANT results revealed that the visual space and executive function scores, attention scores, delayed memory scores, targeted network efficiency and executive control network efficiency in dexmedetomidine group were obviously higher than those in control group (P<0.01). The cognitive function and attention network function of patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease have a certain degree of damage, and the preoperative administration of dexmedetomidine can effectively improve the patient's cognitive dysfunction and attention network function after operation.

The Role of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in Tic Disorders.

Objectives:Tic disorders are associated with neurodevelopmental origin, changes in dopaminergic neurons, and the formation of immunoreactivity, it is thought that neurotrophic factors may be crucial in the emergence of tic disorders. In this study, we targeted to explore role of neurotrophic factors in tic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate serum Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) levels in patients with tic disorder and healthy controls.Methods:Thirty-four children, constituted the case group, were diagnosed with tic disorder. The control group included 34 healthy children. Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) (structured interview) and Yale Global Tic Severity Rating Scale (YGTSRS) was applied to the patients. NGF and GDNF levels were measured with ELISA kit.Results:In case group, serum NGF and GDNF levels were found to be significantly higher in females than males (p = 0.042, p = 0.031). It was determined that serum NGF and GDNF levels were correlated with each other (r = 0.803, p <0.001) and there were no correlations between other parameters. There was no significant difference in NGF and GDNF in patients with tic disorder, compared to healthy controls.Conclusions:The absence of this relationship does not exclude the hypothesis that neurotrophic factors may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of tic disorders.

Nerve Growth Factor in Patients With Arterial Hypertension: Neuropsychical, Hemodynamic, Metabolic Relationships

To investigate the changes of serum nerve growth factor (NGF) level in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and obesity in dependence on the degree of psycho-emotional stress and physical activity. We examined 76 male patients with stage I and II AH with mean age 46.75±0.56 years (36 patients with and 40 without obesity). Control group consisted of 26 individuals without AH, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. All patients underwent ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring. Serum concentrations of NGF β-subunit and cortisol were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. For assessment of levels of psycho-emotional stress, reactive and personal anxiety, and physical activity we used Psychological Stress Measure (PSM-25), the Spielberger-Khanin questionnaire, and brief International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), respectively. Level of NGF in patients with AH and obesity (0.94±0.28 ρg/ml) was higher than in non-obese patients with AH (0.21±0.06 ρg/ml; p=0.018) with highest figures in patients with insufficient physical activity and high level of psychoemotional stress. In all groups of patients there was unidirectional reverse correlation between serum NGF and cortisol levels. According to ambulatory BP monitoring, NGF level was inversely proportional to systolic and diastolic BP variability in patients with AH and obesity and in the control group. Reduced serum concentration of NGF was associated with increased levels of reactive and personal anxiety. Obtained data suggests that NGF plays an important role in complex multifactorial interactions between neuropsychic, cardiovascular and metabolic processes.

Asymmetric Sensory-Motor Regeneration of Transected Peripheral Nerves Using Molecular Guidance Cues

Neural interfaces are designed to decode motor intent and evoke sensory precepts in amputees. In peripheral nerves, recording movement intent is challenging because motor axons are only a small fraction compared to sensory fibers and are heterogeneously mixed particularly at proximal levels. We previously reported that pain and myelinated axons regenerating through a Y-shaped nerve guide with sealed ends, can be modulated by luminar release of nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), respectively. Here, we evaluate the differential potency of NGF, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), pleiotrophin (PTN), and NT-3 in asymmetrically guiding the regeneration of sensory and motor neurons. We report that, in the absence of distal target organs, molecular guidance cues can mediate the growth of electrically conductive fascicles with normal microanatomy. Compared to Y-tube compartments with bovine serum albumin (BSA), GDNF and NGF increased the motor and sensory axon content, respectively. In addition, the sensory to motor ratio was significantly increased by PTN (12.7:1) when compared to a BDNF + GDNF choice. The differential content of motor and sensory axons modulated by selective guidance cues may provide a strategy to better define axon types in peripheral nerve interfaces.

Neuropathic Pain and Nerve Growth Factor in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Prospective Clinical-Pathological Study

ContextNeuropathic pain can be present in patients developing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Nerve growth factor (NGF) is trophic to small sensory fibers and regulates nociception. ObjectivesWe investigated the changes in serum NGF and intraepidermal nerve fiber density in skin biopsies of cancer patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy in a single-center prospective observational study. MethodsPatients were evaluated before and after chemotherapy administration. CIPN was graded with Total Neuropathy Score©, nerve conduction studies, and National Common Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events scale. Neuropathic pain was defined according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-CIPN20 questionnaire. ResultsNeuropathic pain was present in 13 of 60 patients (21%), who reported shooting or burning pain in the hands (n = 9) and the feet (n = 12). Patients displaying painful CIPN presented higher NGF after treatment compared with patients with painless or absent CIPN (8.7 ± 11.9 vs. 2.5 ± 1.4 pg/mL, P = 0.016). The change of NGF significantly correlated with neuropathic pain. Patients with painful CIPN did not show significant loss of IEFND compared with patients with painless or absent CIPN (6.16 ± 3.86 vs. 8.37 ± 4.82, P = 0.12). No correlation between IEFND and NGF was observed. ConclusionSerum NGF increases in cancer patients receiving taxane or platinum with painful CIPN, suggesting that it might be a potential biomarker of the presence and severity of neuropathic pain in this population. Long-term comprehensive studies to better define the course of NGF in relation with neurological outcomes would be helpful in the further design of therapies for CIPN-related neuropathic pain.

Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Serum Nerve Growth Factor Levels in Women with Overactive Bladder

Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between overactive bladder (OAB), metabolic syndrome (MetS) and serum nerve growth factors (NGF). Study Design: Serum samples from a group of 90 women that included patients with OAB (group 1), patients with both OAB and MetS (group 2) and healthy women without OAB and MetS (group 3). Each group included 30 patients. Serum levels of NGF were compared among the groups. Results: When the groups were compared with respect to NGF levels, group 2 was found to have significantly higher NGF levels (p = 0.001). A NGF threshold of >380 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 81.7% and a specificity of 100% to discriminate between groups 2 and 3. Conclusion: Our findings support the theory that possible sympathetic overactivity, proinflammatory status, oxidative stress and other pathological conditions associated with MetS and potentially involved in the development of OAB lead to increased serum NGF levels. These findings may help to shed light on the complicated pathogenesis of OAB.

The Changes of Nerve Growth Factor Serum Levels After External Muscle Stimulation and The Correlation with Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Background: Diabetic Peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Recentstudies have demonstrated the involvement of Nerve growth factor (NGF) in the occurrence of DPN. TheDiabetes Mellitus was caused reduced the number and disruption of the function of the NGF. External MuscleStimulation (EMS) might be induced the NGF synthesis. The study objective has to found the effect of EMSon the NGF.Methods: Study design was before and after treatment without control on subjects with DPN. The bloodsample was taken before and after an intervention, as well as the Diabetic Neuropathy symptom (DNSym) andscore (DNSc). The EMS treated all of the participants within three times a week for four weeks.Results: There were 35 subjects were participated. Paired t-test showed a significant increase in NGF serumlevels and decrease both DNSym and DNSc with the difference value 12.64 ± 16.09 (p=0.000), 1.23 ± 0.82(p=0.000), 1.20 ± 0.85 (p=0.000). There was a significant negative correlation between NGF serum level withthe DNS- INA (r= -0.56; p=0.001) and the DNE-INA (r= -0.48; p=0.007).Conclusion: EMS treatment can increase serum NGF level. EMS has a strong correlation with a decrease inthe value of the DNS-INA and DNE-INA.Keywords: Diabetic Peripheral neuropathy, External Muscle Stimulation, Nerve Growth Factor.

The level changes and clinical value of serum nerve growth factor and interleukin-15 in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Objective To investigate the level changes and clinical value of serum nerve growth factor(NGF)and interleukin-15(IL-15)in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 90 patients with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)who were admitted from July 2014 to April 2015.At the same time, another 90 medical healthy children were selected as the control group in the same period.The serum NGF, IL-15 level changes.The serum NGF and IL-15 level changes in different onset age children with MPP and healthy children, and in critically ill children and children with mild acute phase were compared. Results Acute onset of nerve growth factor in serum and recovery period, the NGF and IL-15 were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05); nerve growth factor in serum of children with acute exacerbation, NGF and IL-15 level were significantly higher than those of children in the recovery period, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05); in group of children with severe acute exacerbation, serum NGF and IL-15 level were significantly higher than those in children with mild group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05); in group of children with severe recovery of nerve growth factor, the serum NGF, IL-15 levels were significantly higher than those in children with mild group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion Serum NGF and IL-15 are checking sensitive index in MPP children, which can be used to evaluate the disease severity in MPP children, it is worth clinical promotion. Key words: Pneumonia; Mycoplasma pneumonia; Interleukin-15; Nerve growth factor