title: Growth Factors and Astrocytes Metabolism: Possible Roles for Platelet Derived Growth Factor.
abstract: Astrocytes exert multiple functions in the brain such as the development of blood-brain barrier characteristics, the promotion of neurovascular coupling, attraction of cells through the release of chemokines, clearance of toxic substances and generation of antioxidant molecules and growth factors. In this aspect, astrocytes secrete several growth factors (BDNF, GDNF, NGF, and others) that are fundamental for cell viability, oxidant protection, genetic expression and modulation of metabolic functions. The platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), which is expressed by many SNC cells, including astrocytes, is an important molecule that has shown neuroprotective potential, improvement of wound healing, regulation of calcium metabolism and mitochondrial function. Here we explore some of these astrocyte-driven functions of growth factors and their possible therapeutic uses in the context of neurodegeneration.
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cabezas
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Avila-Rodriguez
authors.forename: Nelson E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Vega-Vela
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Echeverria
authors.forename: Janneth
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: González
authors.forename: Oscar A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Hidalgo
authors.forename: Altair B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: "GALLY" International Biomedical Research Consulting LLC, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. aliev03@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Gjumrakch
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aliev
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia. gsampaio@javeriana.edu.co.
authors.forename: George E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Barreto
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor