Significantly lower nerve growth factor levels in patients with major depressive disorder than in healthy subjects: a meta-analysis and systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionSince its discovery several decades ago, nerve growth factor (NGF) has been found to play roles in different areas, such as neurology, endocrinology, and immunology. There is some evidence linking NGF and psychiatry, including the role of NGF in subjects’ response to stress, the alteration of NGF in different emotional states, and the penetration of NGF across the blood–brain barrier under specific conditions. There are many inconsistent findings regarding the differences in NGF in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) at the present time. The aim of our study was to clarify whether NGF levels are different in MDD compared with healthy controls (HCs).MethodsWe conducted a thorough literature search and compared peripheral NGF levels between MDD and HC through meta-analysis, and investigated possible confounding variables through meta-regression.ResultsSeven studies were brought into the current meta-analysis comparing peripheral NGF in MDD and HCs. The main result was that the NGF levels were significantly lower in MDD than in HCs and that this had an inverse correlation with mean age and disease severity. In addition, meta-analysis of four articles found that the peripheral NGF levels did not change significantly before and after treatment.ConclusionOur study highlights the significant differences in peripheral NGF levels in patients with MDD. However, further exploration of the dynamic changes in peripheral NGF along with the disease course, and specific studies investigating the correlation of NGF in the peripheral and CNS environments are still needed.

Significantly higher peripheral fibroblast growth factor-2 levels in patients with major depressive disorder

“…This finding is surprising under the current hypothesis of the neurotrophic factor's role in the pathophysiology of MDD, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) [5] or glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). [6] In theory, decreased neurotrophic factors or growth factors in patients with MDD are responsible for the pathophysiology of MDD.…”

“…[4,5] The target included literatures about any observational studies or related trials about the FGF levels in patients with MDD. In the initial stage, 2 independent psychiatrists performed a systematic literature search in the electronic databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect Online, and ClinicalTrials.gov.…”

Exploring Serum Levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Nerve Growth Factor Across Glaucoma Stages

“…Additionally the administration of antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been shown to enhance BDNF gene expression [39]. A meta-analysis by Chen et al, instead, didn’t find any significant change of NGF serum level before and after adequate treatment for depression [40]. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of major depression or taking any antidepressant drugs were excluded from the present study despite the presence of milder forms of latent depression cannot be excluded.…”

Unresolved Problems in the Treatment of Arterial Hypertension and What to Do

“…Рационализация в выборе антигипертензивной терапии с приоритетом фиксированных комбинаций гипотензивных препаратов отражена в новых Европейских рекомендациях по лечению артериальной гипертензии (АГ) (2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension). Указывается, что такой подход способствует достижению целевого АД, что является основной задачей лечения [18,19,20]. Непосредственное снижение АД, то есть снижение АД per se, благоприятно влияет на прогноз и качество жизни.…”