Nerve growth factor
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a protein that is necessary for the growth and health of nerve cells. Without Nerve Growth Factor the nerve cells would not grow properly and can being to branch out or elongate. This protein is produced naturally by the body. NGF was first discovered in the 1950s by Stanley Cohen and Rita Levi-Montalcini. They were faculty members at Washington University in St. Louis. Their discovery of Nerve Growth Factor was eventually awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986, when it was finally recognized as an important finding. Researches have now discovered how to reproduce nerve growth factor which can be taken in supplement or medicine form.
Nerve growth factor has been able to be applied now for the treatment of such diseases as Alzheimer’s disease and spinal cord injuries. They have discovered that NGF and other neurotrophin family members are responsible for the growth of the nervous system and can control it. It has been found that NGF can bind to a p75 cell surface receptor which has helped design a drug to help people now with diseases involving the nerves and nervous system. These medications can help relieve certain medical conditions, depression, obesity, pain and disorders in nerve regeneration as well as memory and learning capabilities. When inhibiting nerve growth factor it has been shown to have a strong analgesic effect.
Clinical studies have shown that NGF can regenerate the peripheral nerve in rats. It shows promise for helping people who have been paralyzed because of spinal cord injuries. It also shows promise for treating people who have Multiple Sclerosis and may be able to repair myelin.
Other studies have shown that nerve growth factor is also an important player in various other diseases like coronary atherosclerosis, other cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It also plays a major role in obesity. Low levels of NGF have been found in cases of metabolic syndrome and certain heart conditions. People with psychiatric disorders like depression, dementia, autism, schizophrenia, Rett syndrome, bulimia and anorexia nervosa have been shown to have reduced levels of nerve growth factor.
Nerve growth factor can also benefit and accelerate the rate of wound healing. It plays a role in treating skin disorders and ulcers in the cornea. The presence of an adequate amount of nerve growth factor can also act as an appetite suppressant. Antioxidant properties are also present in NGF.
Clinical studies have also shown that when people first fall in love they will have increased levels of nerve growth factor for up to a year. After a year the NGF levels fall back to normal. All of these studies have been scientifically documented. It is now thought that high levels of nerve growth factor can enable people to live a longer and healthier life.
Current studies in Italy are being done on the effect of NGF on the eyes. NFG eye drops have been shown to protect retinal and optic nerve cells and may even be able to reverse loss of eyesight in patients with glaucoma. The NGF eye drops are not available to the general public yet. Until they become available to the public you can take supplements that help to increase the natural production of nerve growth factor in the body. You can find supplements that support NGF in local health food stores and online health supplement websites. Look for supplements that have omega 3, 6 and 9 as well as vitamin B12 in the ingredients. HGH and IGH supplements are helpful for body builders to repair nerve damage. Acetyl L carnitine is also beneficial. If you are not sure which supplement to take to increase NGF levels you can ask for advice from the professionals in the health care industry.
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