Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
09:46
Analyzing Murine Schwann Cell Development Along Growing Axons
Published on: November 21, 2012
Increased nerve growth factor serum levels in top athletes
Matteo Bonini1, Daniela Fioretti, Vittorio Sargentini
1Department of Medicine, Lung Function Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. matteo.bonini@uniroma1.it
Summary
Top athletes show significantly higher nerve growth factor (NGF) serum levels compared to controls, indicating that intense exercise elevates NGF. This finding may have implications for understanding neuro-immune disorders in athletes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a key neurotrophin involved in nerve growth and inflammation.
- NGF levels increase with stress, allergic conditions, and physical activity in animal models.
- Athletes exhibit a higher prevalence of allergic and neuro-immune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum NGF levels in elite athletes.
- To compare NGF levels between allergic and non-allergic athletes and controls.
- To investigate the association between intense physical exercise and NGF levels.
Main Methods:
- Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study.
- Ninety-six Italian pre-Olympic athletes (44 allergic, 52 non-allergic) and 49 controls.
- Serum NGF levels measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Main Results:
- Significantly higher NGF serum levels in athletes (368.3 ± 776.3 pg/mL) compared to controls (174.1 ± 483.7 pg/mL).
- Elevated NGF levels in athletes were independent of allergic status.
- P < 0.001 for the difference between athletes and controls.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to demonstrate that intense, prolonged physical exercise increases serum NGF levels in athletes.
- Further research is needed to explore the link between increased NGF, Th2 responses in allergies, and neuro-immune disorders in athletes.
- Investigating NGF's role in conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in athletes warrants attention.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Hematopoietic growth factors are molecules that regulate the differentiation rate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Erythropoietin (EPO), primarily produced by the kidneys, plays a crucial role in erythrocyte production. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, EPO is released into the bloodstream, reaching the bone marrow, where it stimulates HSCs to differentiate and mature into erythrocytes, which are vital for oxygen transport.
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
01:00Enzyme-linked Receptors
Enzyme-linked receptors are proteins that act as both receptor and enzyme, activating multiple intracellular signals. This is a large group of receptors that include the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. Many growth factors and hormones bind to and activate the RTKs.
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...