Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

Last Updated on: 6th September 2019, 05:49 pm

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a member of the neurotrophic factor (neurotrophin, NTFS) family, which can prevent the death of nerve cells and has many features of typical neurotransmitter molecules. NGF plays an important role in the development and growth of nerve cells. NGF is synthesized and secreted by tissues (corneal epithelial, endothelial, and corneal stromal cells), and it can be up-taken by sympathetic or sensory nerve endings and then transported to be stored in neuronal cell bodies where it can promote the growth and differentiation of nerve cells.

NGF can exert neurotrophic effects on injured nerves and promote neurogenesis (the process of generating neurons from stem cells) that is closely related to the development and functional maintenance and repair of the central nervous system. It is also capable of promoting the regeneration of injured neurons in the peripheral nervous system, improving the pathology of neurons and protecting the nerves against hypoxia (lack of oxygen)/ischemia (lack of blood supply).

NGF can promote the generation of signal-transmitting structures of sympathetic neurons and sensory neurons including dendrites, protrusions and others. As a result, NGF is able to maintain the survival of neurons as well as keep them functional. Moreover, NGF can protect and repair the injured neurons. In the process of wound healing, NGF is able to promote regeneration and functional recovery of injured nerve cells, stimulate the body’s stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and regulate the local inflammatory response to promote wound healing.

Beike Biotechnology offers stem cell treatment combined with nerve growth factors based on the patient’s specific condition. Given the right environment, stem cells are able to differentiate into many different types of cells. They can also promote new blood vessels and increase blood supply to the injured/targeted area. Moreover, they can modulate the immune system (reduce inflammation or increase immune response accordingly), release cytokines and growth factors. The addition of NGF to Beike stem cell injections may enhance the treatment efficacy.

Procedure

NGF injection will be recommended during patient’s medical evaluation. Patients will receive four to six NGF injections in total. NGFs are stored in powder form and are diluted in 2 ml of normal saline solution before use. NGFs are then delivered intramuscularly. Normally, the duration of the injection is less than 1 minute.