Neutrophins (NTs), particularly the nerve growth factor (NGF) and the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have been attracting particular attention in the context of visceral function. In this work, we examine the current literature and present an embracing vision about the synthesis of these proteins in peripheric systems, as well as their role in the development of the most common visceral pain syndromes. After initial studies linking NGF to IC (interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome), a lot of research has been done about NGF and its role in the development of urinary tract pathologies. In fact, it is now widely accepted that NGF is also a player in other visceral conditions such as CP/CPPS (chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome) or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). More recently, BDNF was also proved to play an important role in the same visceral dysfunctions, suggesting that both NTs are determinant factors in visceral pathophysiological mechanisms. While manipulation of NGF and BDNF improves visceral function and reduce pain, suggesting that clinical modulation of these NTs may be important, much is still to be investigated before this step is taken. Another important field of research has been focused on the urinary NGF and BDNF and its use as biomarkers. Several studies have showed that both NTs are present in much higher concentrations in the urine of patients with visceral dysfunctions than in healthy patients, pinpointing to the possible use of these urinary NTs as diagnosis biomarkers. Nevertheless, there are still non-answered scientific questions and technical difficulties that need to be overcome in order to fully understand the real relevance of the urinary NTs as possible clinical biomarkers.
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