From the Guidelines
Neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), are essential for promoting the growth, survival, and maintenance of neurons in the nervous system, and their therapeutic potential is being explored for various neurological disorders, including neuropathic corneal pain, as evidenced by a study published in Ophthalmology in 2017 1.
Key Points
- Neurotrophic factors, including NGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4, play crucial roles in neuronal health and neuroplasticity.
- Disruptions in neurotrophic signaling have been implicated in various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression.
- Research has explored the therapeutic potential of neurotrophic factors, with approaches aimed at delivering these factors directly or enhancing their endogenous production to promote neural repair and regeneration.
- A study published in Ophthalmology in 2017 found that neuro-regenerative approaches, such as autologous serum tears (AST), can alleviate symptoms of neuropathic corneal pain by promoting neuronal regeneration and reducing inflammation 1.
Therapeutic Applications
- Neurotrophic factors have been shown to have therapeutic potential in various neurological disorders, including neuropathic corneal pain, with studies demonstrating the efficacy of AST and other neuro-regenerative approaches in promoting neuronal regeneration and reducing symptoms.
- The use of neurotrophic factors, such as NGF, has been explored as a potential therapeutic target for promoting neural repair and regeneration after injury or in neurodegenerative conditions.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of neurotrophic factors and to develop effective treatments for various neurological disorders.
Mechanism of Action
- Neurotrophic factors work by binding to specific receptors on neurons, triggering signaling pathways that prevent cell death and encourage neurite outgrowth.
- The active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, has been shown to have a trophic function in neuronal differentiation and maturation, and regulates the genetic expression of numerous neurotransmitters in the brain, including acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, and c-aminobutyric acid 1.
From the Research
Neurotrophic Factors
- Neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), play a crucial role in neuronal functioning and survival 2, 3.
- These factors are essential for the growth, maintenance, and plasticity of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system 3.
Effects of Nutrients on Neurotrophic Factors
- Vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have beneficial effects on brain neurotrophins and cognition in rats 2, 4.
- Vitamin D has also been found to have protective effects on neurophysiologic alterations in brain aging, with a role in regulating BDNF levels 5.
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been associated with increased serum levels of BDNF in both human and animal studies 6.
Role of Neurotrophic Factors in Brain Development and Function
- BDNF and NGF have been implicated in the development and function of the brain, with alterations in their levels linked to various neurological disorders 2, 3.
- The combined supplementation of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids has been found to enhance the levels of DHA and BDNF in the hippocampus, leading to improved cognitive performance 4.
- Targeting neurotrophic factors to specific populations of neurons may be a useful strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders 3.