Expression of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Its Receptors TrkA and p75 in the Reproductive Organs of Laying Hens

Pu, Shaoxia; Changwei, QU; Li, Bingbing; Li, Yansen; Li, Chunmei

doi:10.1590/1516-635x1801187-192

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…It is known that NGF plays a pivotal role in regulating neuronal cell growth and survival; increasing evidence shows that NGF also exerts a variety of effects on non-neuronal cells. In recent studies, the expression of NGF and its receptors (TrkA and p75NTR) outside the nervous system has been demonstrated, in particular in the male reproductive system [ 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 ], leading to the hypothesis that NGF could have a role in the reproductive system [ 97 , 98 ]. Moreover, pieces of evidence show that the testis and brain share a common embryonic origin [ 99 , 100 ], explaining the expression of neural receptors in sperm cells [ 101 ].…”

Section: Ngfmentioning

confidence: 99%

NGF and the Male Reproductive System: Potential Clinical Applications in Infertility

Ferraguti

Fanfarillo

Tarani

et al. 2022

IJMS

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Infertility is a worldwide health issue defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the inability to establish a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. Male infertility etiology can be related to either congenital or acquired factors. The therapeutical approach to male infertility depends on the underlying causes and includes medical and surgical treatments. In recent studies, the potential role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in male reproductive physiology has been proposed. It has been hypothesized that neurotrophins might be involved in testis morphogenesis and regulation of several aspects of spermatogenesis. Moreover, it has been shown that NGF exerts its role on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons through the activation of the PKC/p–ERK1/2/p–CREB cascade, which leads to the activation of hypothalamic cells and the consequent activation of hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG) with the secretion of GnRH. Lastly, it has been shown that the physiology of mature sperm is affected by both exogenous and endogenous NGF. The NGF impact on the HPG axis and its effect on GnRH neurons might be exploited in the therapy of male hypogonadism or used as a protective strategy against gonadal dysfunction related to chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, the improving effect of NGF on sperm motility and vitality could be useful to enhance assisted reproduction outcomes. NGF could be supplemented to cryopreserved sperm samples to counteract the oxidative stress induced by the frozen and thawing processes. Indeed, the potential clinical applications of NGF in male infertility treatment have been discussed.

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