The topical application of nerve growth factor as a pharmacological tool for human corneal and skin ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
The nerve growth factor is a soluble protein produced by and acting upon a number of different cells located in the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Recent studies have shown that nerve growth factor (NGF) exerts a critical role on epithelial cells and fibroblasts under normal and pathological conditions. In this review, we present data prospecting the clinical potentiality of NGF in cutaneous and ocular "non-healing" chronic ulcers.


RESULTS
A consistent number of in vitro and in vivo studies carried out on animal models and in humans indicated that fibroblasts and epithelial cells are receptive to the action of NGF and that NGF promotes skin and cornea ulcer healing. These observations lead to the hypothesis that NGF can be a potential useful pharmacological agent for clinical investigations.


CONCLUSIONS
The available clinical evidences suggest that the topical application of NGF promotes healing action without side effects on corneal and cutaneous tissues damaged by chemical, physical and surgical insults and autoimmune disorders.
Aloe
Luigi
L
Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, NGF Section, National Research Council (CNR), 00413 Rome, Italy. luigi.aloe@inmm.cnr.it
Tirassa
Paola
P
Lambiase
Alessandro
A
D000287:Administration, Topical; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
D020932:Nerve Growth Factor