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Loch AA, Pinto MTC, Andrade JC, de Jesus LP, de Medeiros MW, Haddad NM, Bilt MTVD, Talib LL, Gattaz WF. Plasma levels of neurotrophin 4/5, NGF and pro-BDNF influence transition to mental disorders in a sample of individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis. Psychiatry Res 2023; 327:115402. [PMID: 37544089 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotrophins (NTs) and their precursors (pro-NTs) are polypeptides with important roles in neuronal development, differentiation, growth, survival and plasticity, as well as apoptosis and neuronal death. Imbalance in NT levels were observed in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but evidence in ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR) samples is scarce. METHODS A naturalistic sample of 87 non-help-seeking UHR subjects and 55 healthy controls was drawn from the general population. Blood samples were collected and NT-3, NT-4/5, BDNF, pro-BDNF, NGF, pro-NGF were analyzed through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Information on cannabis and tobacco use was also collected. Logistic regression models and path analysis were used to control for confounders (tobacco, age, cannabis use). RESULTS NT-4/5 was significantly decreased, and pro-BDNF was significantly increased in UHR individuals compared to controls. Cannabis use and higher NGF levels were significantly related to transition to psychiatric disorders among UHR subjects. Increased pro-BDNF and decreased NT-4/5 influenced transition by the mediation of perceptual abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows for the first time that NTs are altered in UHR compared to healthy control individuals, and that they can be a predictor of transition to psychiatric illnesses in this population. Future studies should employ larger naturalistic samples to confirm the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Andrade Loch
- Laboratório de Neurociencias (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR; Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brazil.
| | - Marcel Tavares Camilo Pinto
- Laboratório de Neurociencias (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Julio Cesar Andrade
- Laboratório de Neurociencias (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Leonardo Peroni de Jesus
- Laboratório de Neurociencias (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Matheus Wanderley de Medeiros
- Laboratório de Neurociencias (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Natalia Mansur Haddad
- Laboratório de Neurociencias (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Martinus Theodorus van de Bilt
- Laboratório de Neurociencias (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR; Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brazil
| | - Leda Leme Talib
- Laboratório de Neurociencias (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR; Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brazil
| | - Wagner Farid Gattaz
- Laboratório de Neurociencias (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR; Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brazil
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NGF and Its Role in Immunoendocrine Communication during Metabolic Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031957. [PMID: 36768281 PMCID: PMC9916855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) was the first neurotrophin described. This neurotrophin contributes to organogenesis by promoting sensory innervation and angiogenesis in the endocrine and immune systems. Neuronal and non-neuronal cells produce and secrete NGF, and several cell types throughout the body express the high-affinity neurotrophin receptor TrkA and the low-affinity receptor p75NTR. NGF is essential for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and the complete development of pancreatic islets. Plus, this factor is involved in regulating lipolysis and thermogenesis in adipose tissue. Immune cells produce and respond to NGF, modulating their inflammatory phenotype and the secretion of cytokines, contributing to insulin resistance and metabolic homeostasis. This neurotrophin regulates the synthesis of gonadal steroid hormones, which ultimately participate in the metabolic homeostasis of other tissues. Therefore, we propose that this neurotrophin's imbalance in concentrations and signaling during metabolic syndrome contribute to its pathophysiology. In the present work, we describe the multiple roles of NGF in immunoendocrine organs that are important in metabolic homeostasis and related to the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome.
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Biamonte F, Re A, Balzamino BO, Ciasca G, Santucci D, Napodano C, Nocca G, Fiorita A, Marino M, Basile U, Micera A, Callà CAM. Circulating and Salivary NGF and BDNF Levels in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Potential Predictor Biomarkers of COVID-19 Disease-Preliminary Data. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111877. [PMID: 36579579 PMCID: PMC9697501 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 continues to afflict the global population, causing several pathological diseases and exacerbating co-morbidities due to SARS-CoV-2's high mutation. Recent interest has been devoted to some neuronal manifestations and to increased levels of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the bloodstream during SARS-CoV-2 infection, neurotrophins that are well-known for their multifactorial actions on neuro-immune-endocrine and visual functions. Nineteen (19) patients were enrolled in this monocentric prospective study and subjected to anamnesis and biosamples collection (saliva and blood) at hospitalization (acute phase) and 6 months later (remission phase). NGF and BDNF were quantified by ELISA, and biochemical data were related to biostrumental measurements. Increased NGF and BDNF levels were quantified in saliva and serum during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection (hospitalized patients), and reduced levels were observed in the next 6 months (remission phase), never matching the baseline values. Salivary and circulating data would suggest the possibility of considering sera and saliva as useful matrices for quickly screening neurotrophins, in addition to SARS-CoV2 antigens and RNA. Overall, the findings described herein highlight the importance of NGF and BDNF as dynamic biomarkers for monitoring disease and reinforces the possibility of using saliva and sera for quick, non-invasive COVID-19 screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Biamonte
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Laboratoristiche ed Infettivologiche, UOC Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Laboratorio Patologia Clinica, Associazione dei Cavalieri Italiani del Sovrano Militare Ordine di Malta ACISMOM San Giovanni Battista, 00148 Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Re
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Laboratoristiche ed Infettivologiche, UOC Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Bijorn Omar Balzamino
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Sciences, Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ciasca
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Santucci
- Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Napodano
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Laboratoristiche ed Infettivologiche, UOC Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Nocca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Fiorita
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della Testa e del Collo, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Marino
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Basile
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Laboratoristiche ed Infettivologiche, UOC Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (U.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Sciences, Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, 00184 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (U.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Cinzia Anna Maria Callà
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Laboratoristiche ed Infettivologiche, UOC Chimica, Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Bliźniewska-Kowalska K, Gałecki P, Szemraj J, Talarowska M. Expression of Selected Genes Involved in Neurogenesis in the Etiopathogenesis of Depressive Disorders. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11030168. [PMID: 33804468 PMCID: PMC7998568 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11030168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The neurogenic theory suggests that impaired neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is one of the factors causing depression. Immunology also has an impact on neurotrophic factors. The aim of the study was to assess the importance of selected genes involved in the process of neurogenesis i.e., nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST gene) in the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorders. (2) Methods: A total of 189 subjects took part in the study (95 depressed patients, 94 healthy controls). Sociodemographic data were collected. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). RT-PCR was used to assess gene expression at the mRNA levels, while Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to assess gene expression at the protein level. (3) Results: Expression of NGF, BDNF, REST genes is lower in depressed patients than in the control group, whereas the expression of GDNF gene is higher in patients with depressive disorders than in the group of healthy volunteers. (4) Conclusions: The expression of selected genes might serve as a biomarker of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Bliźniewska-Kowalska
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Medical University of Lodz, 91-229 Lodz, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-608-203-624
| | - Piotr Gałecki
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Medical University of Lodz, 91-229 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Janusz Szemraj
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Monika Talarowska
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology University of Lodz, 91-433 Lodz, Poland;
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Ding XW, Li R, Geetha T, Tao YX, Babu JR. Nerve growth factor in metabolic complications and Alzheimer's disease: Physiology and therapeutic potential. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165858. [PMID: 32531260 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As the population ages, obesity and metabolic complications as well as neurological disorders are becoming more prevalent, with huge economic burdens on both societies and families. New therapeutics are urgently needed. Nerve growth factor (NGF), first discovered in 1950s, is a neurotrophic factor involved in regulating cell proliferation, growth, survival, and apoptosis in both central and peripheral nervous systems. NGF and its precursor, proNGF, bind to TrkA and p75 receptors and initiate protein phosphorylation cascades, resulting in changes of cellular functions, and are associated with obesity, diabetes and its complications, and Alzheimer's disease. In this article, we summarize changes in NGF levels in metabolic and neuronal disorders, the signal transduction initiated by NGF and proNGF, the physiological and pathophysiological relevance, and therapeutic potential in treating chronic metabolic diseases and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wen Ding
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rongzi Li
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Thangiah Geetha
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Boshell Metabolic Diseases and Diabetes Program, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Jeganathan Ramesh Babu
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Boshell Metabolic Diseases and Diabetes Program, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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6
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Kulkarni H, Kos MZ, Neary J, Dyer TD, Kent JW, Göring HHH, Cole SA, Comuzzie AG, Almasy L, Mahaney MC, Curran JE, Blangero J, Carless MA. Novel epigenetic determinants of type 2 diabetes in Mexican-American families. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:5330-44. [PMID: 26101197 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although DNA methylation is now recognized as an important mediator of complex diseases, the extent to which the genetic basis of such diseases is accounted for by DNA methylation is unknown. In the setting of large, extended families representing a minority, high-risk population of the USA, we aimed to characterize the role of epigenome-wide DNA methylation in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Using Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip arrays, we tested for association of DNA methylation at 446 356 sites with age, sex and phenotypic traits related to T2D in 850 pedigreed Mexican-American individuals. Robust statistical analyses showed that (i) 15% of the methylome is significantly heritable, with a median heritability of 0.14; (ii) DNA methylation at 14% of CpG sites is associated with nearby sequence variants; (iii) 22% and 3% of the autosomal CpG sites are associated with age and sex, respectively; (iv) 53 CpG sites were significantly associated with liability to T2D, fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance; (v) DNA methylation levels at five CpG sites, mapping to three well-characterized genes (TXNIP, ABCG1 and SAMD12) independently explained 7.8% of the heritability of T2D (vi) methylation at these five sites was unlikely to be influenced by neighboring DNA sequence variation. Our study has identified novel epigenetic indicators of T2D risk in Mexican Americans who have increased risk for this disease. These results provide new insights into potential treatment targets of T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Kulkarni
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, Regional Academic Health Center, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA and
| | - Mark Z Kos
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, Regional Academic Health Center, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA and
| | - Jennifer Neary
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Thomas D Dyer
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, Regional Academic Health Center, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA and
| | - Jack W Kent
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Harald H H Göring
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, Regional Academic Health Center, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA and
| | - Shelley A Cole
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Anthony G Comuzzie
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Laura Almasy
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, Regional Academic Health Center, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA and
| | - Michael C Mahaney
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, Regional Academic Health Center, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA and
| | - Joanne E Curran
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, Regional Academic Health Center, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA and
| | - John Blangero
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, Regional Academic Health Center, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA and
| | - Melanie A Carless
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
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Measurement and comparison of serum neuregulin 1 immunoreactivity in control subjects and patients with schizophrenia: an influence of its genetic polymorphism. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2010; 117:887-95. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-010-0418-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Akkad DA, Kruse N, Arning L, Gold R, Epplen JT. Genomic NGFB variation and multiple sclerosis in a case control study. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2008; 9:107. [PMID: 19063739 PMCID: PMC2613874 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-9-107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Nerve growth factor β (NGFB) is involved in cell proliferation and survival, and it is a mediator of the immune response. ProNGF, the precursor protein of NGFB, has been shown to induce cell death via interaction with the p75 neurotrophin receptor. In addition, this neurotrophin is differentially expressed in males and females. Hence NGFB is a good candidate to influence the course of multiple sclerosis (MS), much like in the murine model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in the NGFB gene in up to 1120 unrelated MS patients and 869 controls. Expression analyses were performed for selected MS patients in order to elucidate the possible functional relevance of the SNPs. Results Significant association of NGFB variations with MS is evident for two SNPs. NGFB mRNA seems to be expressed in sex- and disease progression-related manner in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Conclusion NGFB variation and expression levels appear as modulating factors in the development of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis A Akkad
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
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Dagnell C, Grunewald J, Idali F, Wikén M, Kemi C, Sköld CM, Planck A, Newman LS, Eklund A, Olgart Höglund C. Increased levels of nerve growth factor in the airways of patients with sarcoidosis. J Intern Med 2008; 264:463-71. [PMID: 18783477 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2008.01988.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a potent neuronal growth factor with inflammatory properties that recently has been proposed to be of importance in airway pathology. A role for NGF in the inflammatory granulomatous lung disease sarcoidosis is not well elucidated. The aims of this study were to investigate the secreted levels of NGF in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from sarcoidosis patients compared with patients with resolved disease, patients with another granulomatous disease--chronic beryllium disease (CBD)--and healthy subjects and also to investigate the relationship between NGF levels and markers of inflammation. METHODS AND RESULTS NGF levels in BALF from 56 patients with active sarcoidosis (22 with Löfgren's syndrome), nine subjects with resolved sarcoidosis, six patients with CBD, and 31 healthy subjects were compared. A 10-fold elevation of NGF levels was found in patients with active sarcoidosis compared with subjects with clinically resolved sarcoidosis, patients with CBD and healthy subjects. In sarcoidosis patients, positive correlations between concentrations of NGF and lymphocytes, eosinophils and interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-12 were found. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that secreted levels of NGF are markedly enhanced in the airways in active pulmonary sarcoidosis. Furthermore, a relationship between NGF and pulmonary inflammation in sarcoidosis is supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Dagnell
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Ziegenhorn AA, Schulte-Herbrüggen O, Danker-Hopfe H, Malbranc M, Hartung HD, Anders D, Lang UE, Steinhagen-Thiessen E, Schaub RT, Hellweg R. Serum neurotrophins—A study on the time course and influencing factors in a large old age sample. Neurobiol Aging 2007; 28:1436-45. [PMID: 16879899 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2006.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2006] [Accepted: 06/13/2006] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are important mediators of brain and neuronal development, the maintenance of homeostatic conditions in the adult nervous system, and the complex interplay of central and peripheral physiological and pathophysiological factors. To date there are few studies examining blood concentrations of neurotrophic factors in large samples of healthy and diseased individuals and no published study specifically addresses peripheral BDNF and NGF levels in late life. Using improved highly sensitive and specific fluorometric two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays we examined BDNF (n=465) and NGF (n=175) serum levels in a large cohort of elderly individuals (age range: 70-103 years). Neither BDNF nor NGF serum levels proved to be normally distributed, indicating that previously published studies with small sample sizes using parametric testing may be misleading. A significant correlation was found between BDNF and platelet count (r=0.344, p<0.01), age and BDNF protein (r=-0.101, p=0.029) and BDNF and NGF serum levels (r=0.152, p=0.04). No other major influencing factors were found including gender, depression, and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Ziegenhorn
- Department of Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Eschenallee 3, 14050 Berlin, Germany
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Nockher WA, Renz H. Neurotrophins in clinical diagnostics: pathophysiology and laboratory investigation. Clin Chim Acta 2005; 352:49-74. [PMID: 15653100 DOI: 10.1016/j.cccn.2004.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2004] [Revised: 09/24/2004] [Accepted: 10/05/2004] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
There is now growing evidence that a number of multifunctional signaling molecules, originally discovered as signal molecules in specific cells, exert their effects in various other tissue compartments. Neurotrophins, a class of homologues growth factors initially discovered to promote neuronal growth and survival, display such a dual activity and contribute to the development of a variety of non-neuronal tissues. Nowadays, several examples of essential non-neuronal functions played by neurotrophins and of variations of neurotrophin expression that accompany these processes can be presented. As will be shown, neurotrophins are found in many body tissues produced by a variety of non-neuronal cell types such as immune cells, adipocytes, endothelia, epithelia, fibroblasts, keratinocytes and endocrine cells. Assuming a general role as growth and survival factors, changes in neurotrophin expression may reflect physiological or pathological processes, such as activation, proliferation or repair followed by injury in the tissues. Neurotrophins were also present in the systemic blood circulation and variations in blood concentrations indicate vascular as well as peripheral production. In this review, we will discuss changes in local and systemic neurotrophin concentrations as well as their known pathophysiological relationship in various inflammatory and non-inflammatory disorders. Beside the nervous system, these will include diseases of the airways, skin and joints as well as systemic autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, new aspects of neurotrophin actions in maintenance of body energy balance and in reproductive endocrinology will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Andreas Nockher
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital, Philipps Universität, 35033 Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, Germany.
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Sigala S, Martocchia A, Missale C, Falaschi P, Spano P. Increased serum concentration of nerve growth factor in patients with microprolactinoma. Neuropeptides 2004; 38:21-4. [PMID: 15003712 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2003.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2003] [Accepted: 11/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is known to play a role as a circulating neurokine, integrating signals from the neuro-immuno-endocrine system. The ability of NGF to activate the pituitary-adrenocortical axis, together with the increase of its serum concentration in pregnancy and lactation, supports the hypothesis that NGF is secreted by the pituitary gland and plays a role as modulator of endocrine functions. Evidence obtained both in vitro and in vivo in experimental animal models suggests that lactotroph cells secrete both prolactin (PRL) and NGF. Furthermore, in previous studies we demonstrate that cell lines derived from dopamine (DA)-sensitive human prolactinomas express high levels of NGF messenger RNA and protein. On these basis, we studied serum NGF concentrations in female patients with microprolactinoma (n = 4) and in control women (n = 5). PRL and NGF were measured at the diagnosis, during the thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) test and after the therapy with DA D2 receptor agonist cabergoline (0.25 mg, twice a week). Results obtained suggested that hyperprolactinemia (70.3+/-8.4 ng/ml) paralleled markedly higher NGF levels (58.4+/-18.7 pg/ml) compared to controls (PRL 8.7+/-3.2 ng/ml, NGF 8.4+/-1.3 pg/ml). Serum concentrations of NGF and PRL during the TRH test were closely associated (r = 0.943, p < 0.01). Cabergoline therapy normalized PRL (7.9+/-3.6 ng/ml) and induced a significant decrease of NGF levels (12.5+/-4.9 pg/ml). In conclusions, data reported here indicated that, in human microprolactinomas, NGF is released in the bloodstream paralleling PRL-secretion and it is modulated by a neurotransmitter-regulated mechanism, since the normalization of PRL elicited by the DA D2 receptor agonist cabergoline induced a significant decrease of serum NGF as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Brescia Medical School, V. le Europa 11, Brescia 25123, Italy.
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