The Emerging Therapeutic Role of NGF in Alzheimer's Disease

Neurochem Res. 2016 Jun;41(6):1211-8. doi: 10.1007/s11064-016-1829-9. Epub 2016 Jan 22.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of neurodegenerative dementia that affects the elderly population. Nerve growth factor (NGF) contributes to the survival, regeneration and death of neurons during aging and in neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, research has shown that NGF is related to the pathology, mechanisms and symptoms of AD. Therefore, there is a need to summarize the new advancements in NGF research and its potential therapeutic implications in AD. In this review, we will focus on NGF distribution, production, and function; the interaction of Aβ and NGF; and the effect of different therapy methods on AD. In summary, we hope to describe the experimental and clinical data demonstrating the important roles of NGF for AD treatment.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease (AD); Aβ; NGF; Therapeutic implication.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy / trends
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Alzheimer Disease / therapy*
  • Animals
  • Genetic Therapy / trends
  • Humans
  • Nerve Growth Factor / analysis
  • Nerve Growth Factor / biosynthesis*
  • Nerve Growth Factor / genetics
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / trends

Substances

  • NGF protein, human
  • Plant Preparations
  • Nerve Growth Factor