From the Guidelines
The trophic effect is a stimulatory influence that promotes the growth, development, or maintenance of cells or tissues, particularly important in the nervous system where nerve growth factors like NGF support neuronal survival and development. This phenomenon is crucial in understanding various physiological and pathological processes. In the context of neuropathic corneal pain, the trophic effect is relevant as therapeutic strategies targeting neuronal regeneration, such as the use of autologous serum tears (AST) and nerve growth factor (NGF), have shown promise in alleviating patient symptoms and restoring corneal nerve topography 1. Key aspects of the trophic effect include:
- The role of nerve growth factors in reducing allodynia and hyperalgesia
- The potential of neuro-regenerative approaches, such as AST and NGF, in treating neuropathic corneal pain
- The importance of understanding trophic effects in conditions where loss or excess of trophic stimulation can lead to tissue atrophy or tumor growth. The use of neurotrophic factors, as reported in preclinical non-ocular neuropathic pain models, has been shown to alleviate patient symptoms through reduction of reactive astrocytosis and glial modulation 1. Overall, the trophic effect plays a vital role in maintaining tissue health and function, and its understanding is essential in developing effective therapeutic strategies for various diseases.
From the Research
Definition of Trophic Effect
The trophic effect refers to the influence of one tissue or cell type on the growth, survival, and maintenance of another tissue or cell type, often through the release of trophic factors such as neurotrophic factors (NTFs) or other signaling molecules.
Types of Trophic Effects
- Neurotrophic effect: The influence of neurons on the growth, survival, and maintenance of other neurons or cells, often through the release of NTFs such as nerve growth factor (NGF) 2, 3, 4.
- Muscle trophic effect: The influence of muscle cells on the growth, survival, and maintenance of other muscle cells or tissues, often through the release of factors such as transferrin (Tf) 5.
Mechanisms of Trophic Effects
- Release of trophic factors: Cells release trophic factors, which then bind to receptors on the surface of target cells, triggering signaling pathways that promote growth, survival, and maintenance 6, 5, 2.
- Cell-cell interactions: Direct interactions between cells, such as through synapses or gap junctions, can also mediate trophic effects 4.
Examples of Trophic Effects
- Nerve regeneration: The release of NTFs by neurons or other cells can promote the growth and survival of nerve fibers, facilitating nerve regeneration 6, 2.
- Muscle maintenance: The release of Tf by muscle cells can promote the growth and maintenance of muscle fibers, preventing atrophy and degeneration 5.