Involvement of nerve growth factor (NGF) in chronic neuropathic pain – a systematic review

Abstract

Pain is a complex experience, encompassing physiological and psychological components. Amongst the different types of pain, neuropathic pain, resulting from injuries to the peripheral or central nervous system, still constitutes a challenge for researchers and clinicians. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is currently regarded as a key contributor and may serve as a therapeutic target in many types of pain, likely including neuropathic pain. Here, we reviewed the role of NGF in neuropathic pain of peripheral and central origin, also addressing its potential use as a pharmacological target to better help patients dealing with this condition that severely impacts the everyday life. For this, we conducted a search in the databases PubMed and Scopus. Our search resulted in 1103 articles (458 in PubMed and 645 in Scopus). Only articles related to the involvement of NGF in pain or articles that approached its potential use as a target in treatment of pain symptoms were included. Duplicates were eliminated and 274 articles were excluded. After careful analysis, 23 articles were selected for review. Original articles studying the role of NGF in pathology as well as its modulation as a possible therapeutic target were included. We found that NGF is widely regarded as a key player in neuropathic pain and seen as a putative therapeutic target. However, evidence obtained from years of clinical trials highlights the toxic adverse effects of anti-NGF therapeutics, precluding its use in clinical context. Further studies are, thus, needed to improve treatment of chronic neuropathic pain.

Targeting NGF but not VEGF or BDNF signaling reduces endometriosis-associated pain in mice

“…The fact that anti-NGF and entrectinib treatment had similar effect sizes also suggests, but does not prove, that TrkC ligands may have little effect in our model. This observation is consistent with literature showing that neurotrophic factors, such as NGF, participate in inflammatory pain 66 and neuropathic pain 67 . NGF contributes both indirectly and directly to nociceptor neuron sensitization and pain.…”

“…This observation is consistent with literature showing that neurotrophic factors, such as NGF, participate in inflammatory pain 66 and neuropathic pain 67 . NGF contributes both indirectly and directly to nociceptor neuron sensitization and pain.…”

NAAA-regulated lipid signaling in monocytes controls the induction of hyperalgesic priming in mice

“…Second, our findings identify NAAA as a molecular switch that, when engaged, instructs monocytes to interact with first-order nociceptors and enable priming 19 – 21 . The precise nature of this process is unknown but might involve cell-cell interactions and/or the release of chemical signals such as sphingosine-1-phosphate 82 , 83 , reactive oxygen species 15 , 84 , and growth factors 85 , 86 .…”

Nerve growth factor promote osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells through MEK/ERK signalling pathways

“…Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a key role in regulating the survival, growth and differentiation of nerve cells through its two receptors: transmembrane tyrosine kinase A (TrkA), which binds to NGF with high affinity, and p75 neurotrophic factor receptor (p75NTR), a member of the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily, which exhibits low affinity for NGF. 30 Extensive research has explored the effects of NGF and its receptors, TrkA and p75NTR, on nerve cells. 31 Increasing evidence indicates that NGF, TrkA and p75NTR are involved in diverse aspects of MSC functions, encompassing survival, growth, differentiation and angiogenesis.…”