Nerve Growth Factor and Diabetic Neuropathy
Author Information
Author(s): Gary Pittenger, Aaron Vinik
Primary Institution: The Leonard Strelitz Diabetes Institutes, Eastern Virginia Medical School
Hypothesis
Reduced levels or activity of nerve growth factor (NGF) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy.
Conclusion
The study suggests that nerve growth factor therapy may be a viable approach for treating diabetic neuropathy despite previous clinical trials being unsuccessful.
Supporting Evidence
- There is increasing evidence that there is a deficiency of NGF in diabetes.
- Diabetic neuropathy accounts for more hospitalizations than all other diabetic complications combined.
- Many neuronal abnormalities in diabetes can be duplicated by experimental depletion of specific neurotrophic factors.
Takeaway
Diabetic neuropathy is a painful condition caused by diabetes, and nerve growth factor might help treat it by supporting nerve health.
Methodology
The study reviews existing literature and experimental models to explore the role of neurotrophic factors in diabetic neuropathy.
Limitations
Early clinical trials of NGF therapy were disappointing, and the reasons for this lack of success are not fully understood.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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