151
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Abstract
The wound healing process following tissue injury consists of a highly regulated sequence of events. Besides many biological activities on both neuronal and nonneuronal cells, nerve growth factor (NGF) has been proposed as an important component of wound healing and tissue repair process in vivo and in vitro. For example, NGF accelerates the rate of wound healing both in normal mice and healing-impaired diabetic mice, and has a potent pharmacological effect in the treatment for ulcer of the skin and cornea in humans. This review summarizes the evidence for the role of NGF in wound healing and tissue repair, and introduces its clinical utility as a therapeutic agent for various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Kawamoto
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Department of Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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152
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Urness
- Division of Cardiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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153
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Aloe L. Nerve growth factor, human skin ulcers and vascularization. Our experience. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2004; 146:515-22. [PMID: 14699983 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(03)46032-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous wound is known to elicit a series of typical cellular responses that include clotting, inflammatory infiltration, reepithelialization, the formation of granulation tissue, including new blood vessel, followed by tissue remodeling and wound contraction. The regulatory molecules implicated in these events are not well known. Neurotrophins and their receptors are trophic factors that are known to play important roles in cutaneous tissues, nerve development and reconstruction after injury. Among the neurotrophins, the nerve growth factor (NGF) was one of the earliest used for clinical studies. NGF has been tested for potential therapeutic application in neuropathies of the central and peripheral nervous system and more recently in human corneal and cutaneous ulcers. Here, I present and discuss data obtained in the last few years on the healing action of NGF in human and domestic animal skin ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Aloe
- Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, National Research Council (CNR), Viale Marx 15, I-00137, Rome, Italy.
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154
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Calzà L, Giardino L. Neuroprotection: A Realistic Goal for Aged Brain? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2004; 541:153-68. [PMID: 14977213 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8969-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Calzà
- DIMORFIPA, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
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155
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Micera A, Puxeddu I, Aloe L, Levi-Schaffer F. New insights on the involvement of Nerve Growth Factor in allergic inflammation and fibrosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2003; 14:369-74. [PMID: 12948520 DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6101(03)00047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), that was originally discovered for its properties of stimulating growth and differentiation of neurons, is now also considered responsible for several activities in the immune system and beyond. Mast cells and eosinophils, key cells of allergic inflammation, are a source of NGF and are influenced by it. These observations have prompted studies on NGF in allergy and tissue repair. Recent evidences link NGF and these two processes. While NGF is clearly a new tool in the management of untreatable ulcers, its role in allergic inflammation, although appearing to be pro-inflammatory, is still not clearly defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Micera
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12065, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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156
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Emanueli C, Schratzberger P, Kirchmair R, Madeddu P. Paracrine control of vascularization and neurogenesis by neurotrophins. Br J Pharmacol 2003; 140:614-9. [PMID: 12970083 PMCID: PMC1574063 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuronal system plays a fundamental role in the maturation of primitive embryonic vascular network by providing a paracrine template for blood vessel branching and arterial differentiation. Furthermore, postnatal vascular and neural regeneration cooperate in the healing of damaged tissue. Neurogenesis continues in adulthood although confined to specific brain regions. Following ischaemic insult, neural staminal cells contribute towards the healing process through the stimulation of neurogenesis and vasculogenesis. Evidence indicates that nerves and blood vessels exert a reciprocal control of their own growth by paracrine mechanisms. For instance, guidance factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and semaphorins, which share the ability of binding neuropilin receptors, play a pivotal role in the tridimensional growth pattern of arterial vessels and nerves. Animal models and clinical studies have demonstrated a role of VEGF-A in the pathogenesis of ischaemic and diabetic neuropathies. Further, supplementation with VEGF-A ameliorates neuronal recovery by exerting protective effects on nerves and stimulating reparative neovascularization. Human tissue kallikrein, a recently discovered angiogenic and arteriogenic factor, accelerates neuronal recovery by stimulating the growth of vasa nervorum. Conversely, the neurotrophin nerve growth factor, known to regulate neuronal survival and differentiation, is now regarded as a stimulator of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis. These results indicate that angiogenesis and neurogenesis are paracrinally regulated by growth factors released by endothelial cells and neurons. Supplementation of these growth factors, alone or in combination, could benefit the treatment of ischaemic diseases and neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Emanueli
- INBB Experimental Medicine and Gene Therapy (EMGT) Unit, Osilo and Alghero, Italy
- INBB Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (BMM) Unit, Technological Park of Sardinia, Pula, Italy
- AngioProgen, Porto Conte Technological Park, Alghero, Italy
| | - Peter Schratzberger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University Hospital Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rudolf Kirchmair
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University Hospital Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Paolo Madeddu
- INBB Experimental Medicine and Gene Therapy (EMGT) Unit, Osilo and Alghero, Italy
- AngioProgen, Porto Conte Technological Park, Alghero, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Author for correspondence:
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157
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Abstract
Tissue engineering aims to replace damaged tissues or organs using either transplanted cells or host cells recruited to the target site. Protein signaling is crucial to regulate cell phenotype and thus engineered tissue structure and function. Biomaterial vehicles are being designed to incorporate and locally deliver various molecules involved in this signaling, including both growth factors and peptides that mimick whole proteins. Controlling the concentration, local duration and spatial distribution of these factors is key to their utility and efficacy. Recent advances have been made in the development of polymeric delivery systems intended to achieve this control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanyarut Boontheekul
- University of Michigan, 1011 North University Avenue, 5213 Dental Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
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158
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Abstract
Both blood vessels and nerves are vital channels to and from tissues. Recent genetic insights show that they have much more in common than was originally anticipated. They use similar signals and principles to differentiate, grow and navigate towards their targets. Moreover, the vascular and nervous systems cross-talk and, when dysregulated, this contributes to medically important diseases. The realization that both systems use common genetic pathways should not only form links between vascular biology and neuroscience, but also promises to accelerate the discovery of new mechanistic insights and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Carmeliet
- Center for Transgene Technology and Gene Therapy, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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159
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Mercier F, Hatton GI. Meninges and perivasculature as mediators of CNS plasticity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-2558(03)31010-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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160
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Emanueli C, Salis MB, Pinna A, Graiani G, Manni L, Madeddu P. Nerve growth factor promotes angiogenesis and arteriogenesis in ischemic hindlimbs. Circulation 2002; 106:2257-62. [PMID: 12390957 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000033971.56802.c5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF) regulates neuron survival and differentiation. Implication in neovascularization is supported by statement of NGF and its high-affinity receptor at vascular level and by NGF property of stimulating vascular endothelial cell proliferation. The present study investigated the involvement of endogenous NGF in spontaneous reparative response to ischemia. Mechanisms and therapeutic potential of NGF-induced neovascularization were examined. METHODS AND RESULTS Unilateral limb ischemia was produced in CD1 mice by femoral artery resection. By ELISA and immunohistochemistry, we documented that statement of NGF and its high-affinity receptor is upregulated in ischemic muscles. The functional relevance of this phenomenon was assessed by means of NGF-neutralizing antibody. Chronic NGF blockade abrogated the spontaneous capillarization response to ischemia and augmented myocyte apoptosis. Then we tested whether NGF administration may exert curative effects. Repeated NGF injection into ischemic adductors increased capillary and arteriole density, reduced endothelial cell and myofiber apoptosis, and accelerated perfusion recovery, without altering systemic hemodynamics. In normoperfused muscles, NFG-induced capillarization was blocked by vascular endothelial growth factor-neutralizing antibodies, dominant-negative Akt, or NO synthase inhibition. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that NGF plays a functional role in reparative neovascularization. Furthermore, supplementation of the growth factor promotes angiogenesis through a vascular endothelial growth factor-Akt-NO-mediated mechanism. In the setting of ischemia, potentiation of NGF pathway stimulates angiogenesis and arteriogenesis, thereby accelerating hemodynamic recovery. NGF might be envisaged as a utilitarian target for the treatment of ischemic vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Emanueli
- Cardiovascular Medicine and Gene Therapy Section, National Laboratory of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Osilo, Sassari, Italy.
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161
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Cantarella G, Lempereur L, Presta M, Ribatti D, Lombardo G, Lazarovici P, Zappalà G, Pafumi C, Bernardini R. Nerve growth factor-endothelial cell interaction leads to angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. FASEB J 2002; 16:1307-9. [PMID: 12154004 DOI: 10.1096/fj.01-1000fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) has important functions during embryonic development and on various tissues and organs under normal and pathological conditions during the extrauterine life. RT-PCR analysis and immunological methods demonstrate that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) express the NGF receptors trkA(NGFR) and p75NTR. NGF treatment caused a rapid phosphorylation of trkA(NGFR) in HUVECs, determining a parallel increase of phosphorylated ERK1/2. Accordingly, NGF induced a significant increase in HUVEC proliferation that was abolished by the trkA(NGFR) inhibitor K252a. Also, HUVECs express significant levels of NGF under standard culture conditions that were up-regulated during serum starvation. Endogenous NGF was responsible for the basal levels of trkA(NGFR) and ERK1/2 phosphorylation observed in untreated HUVEC cultures. Finally, NGF exerted a potent, direct, angiogenic activity in vivo when delivered onto the chorioallantoic membrane of the chicken embryo. The data indicate that NGF may play an important role in blood vessel formation in the nervous system and in several pathological processes, including tumors and inflammatory diseases. Unraveling mechanisms of NGF-dependent angiogenesis could provide valuable tools for novel therapeutic approaches in antiangiogenic therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Autocrine Communication
- Blood Vessels/anatomy & histology
- Blood Vessels/embryology
- Cell Division
- Cells, Cultured
- Chick Embryo
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/growth & development
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Extraembryonic Membranes/anatomy & histology
- Extraembryonic Membranes/blood supply
- Extraembryonic Membranes/drug effects
- Humans
- Models, Biological
- Neovascularization, Physiologic
- Nerve Growth Factor/pharmacology
- Nerve Growth Factor/physiology
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor/biosynthesis
- Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor/genetics
- Receptor, trkA/biosynthesis
- Receptor, trkA/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Catania School of Medicine, I-95125 Catania, Italy
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162
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Turrini P, Gaetano C, Antonelli A, Capogrossi MC, Aloe L. Nerve growth factor induces angiogenic activity in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia. Neurosci Lett 2002; 323:109-12. [PMID: 11950505 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(02)00090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that nerve growth factor (NGF), a neurotrophic factor known to play a crucial role in neurite growth and differentiation, may also modulate vascular cell functions. In the present study, it was investigated whether NGF exhibits an angiogenic effect in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia induced by femoral artery occlusion. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay determination revealed an enhanced endogenous NGF production (378 +/- 100 and 54 +/- 26 pg/g tissue in 7 day ischemic and normoperfused adductor muscles, respectively; P<0.05). Furthermore, exogenous NGF, administered subcutaneously for 7 days in ischemic hindlimb, induced a marked increase of arteriole length density (NGF =41 +/- 5 vs. Saline=22 +/- 4 mm/mm(3); P<0.05). However, capillaries were not significantly increased (NGF =1035 +/- 182 vs. Saline= 829 +/- 60 mm/mm(3); P>0.05). In conclusion, the present study provides first evidence that NGF exerts angiogenic properties in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Turrini
- Laboratorio di Patologia Vascolare, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy
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