Capossela Lavinia, Gatto Antonio, Ferretti Serena, Di Sarno Lorenzo, Graglia Benedetta, Massese Miriam, Soligo Marzia, Chiaretti Antonio
Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS-Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
Biology (Basel). 2024 Jul 19;13(7):546. doi: 10.3390/biology13070546.
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic peptide largely revealed for its ability to regulate the growth and survival of peripheral sensory, sympathetic, and central cholinergic neurons. The pro-survival and regenerative properties of neurotrophic factors propose a therapeutic potential in a wide range of brain diseases, and NGF, in particular, has appeared as an encouraging potential treatment. In this review, a summary of clinical studies regarding NGF and its therapeutic effects published to date, with a specific interest in the pediatric context, will be attempted. NGF has been studied in neurological disorders such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, traumatic brain injury, neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental diseases, congenital malformations, cerebral infections, and in oncological and ocular diseases. The potential of NGF to support neuronal survival, repair, and plasticity in these contexts is highlighted. Emerging therapeutic strategies for NGF delivery, including intranasal administration as well as advanced nanotechnology-based methods, are discussed. These techniques aim to enhance NGF bioavailability and target specificity, optimizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic side effects. By synthesizing current research, this review underscores the promise and challenges of NGF-based therapies in pediatric neurology, advocating for continued innovation in delivery methods to fully harness NGF's therapeutic potential.
神经生长因子（NGF）是一种神经营养肽，因其能够调节外周感觉神经元、交感神经元和中枢胆碱能神经元的生长与存活而广为人知。神经营养因子的促存活和再生特性提示其在多种脑部疾病中具有治疗潜力，尤其是NGF，已成为一种令人鼓舞的潜在治疗方法。在本综述中，我们将尝试总结迄今为止发表的关于NGF及其治疗效果的临床研究，特别关注儿科领域。NGF已在多种神经系统疾病中得到研究，如缺氧缺血性脑病、创伤性脑损伤、神经行为和神经发育疾病、先天性畸形、脑部感染，以及肿瘤和眼部疾病。文中强调了NGF在这些情况下支持神经元存活、修复和可塑性的潜力。还讨论了NGF递送的新兴治疗策略，包括鼻内给药以及基于先进纳米技术的方法。这些技术旨在提高NGF的生物利用度和靶向特异性，优化治疗效果，同时将全身副作用降至最低。通过综合当前的研究，本综述强调了基于NGF的疗法在儿科神经病学中的前景与挑战，倡导在递送方法上持续创新，以充分发挥NGF的治疗潜力。
