NGF and GDNF in Behçet's disease: linking neurotrophic factors to immune regulation

OBJECTIVE: Nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are proteins that support the growth and survival of neurons, and they have also been demonstrated to have potential effects on immune modulation and inflammatory diseases. This study aims to evaluate serum levels of nerve growth factor NGF and GDNF in patients with Behçet's disease and to explore their potential roles in disease pathogenesis and activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum NGF and GDNF levels were measured in 34 Behçet's disease patients and 37 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were classified as having active or inactive Behçet's disease. Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences in neurotrophic factor levels between groups and their associations with clinical parameters. RESULTS: Serum NGF and GDNF levels were significantly lower in Behçet's disease patients compared to healthy controls (p=0.015 and p=0.022, respectively). Active BD patients exhibited higher NGF and GDNF levels than those with inactive disease (p<0.001 for both). Neurological involvement and other clinical manifestations, such as arthritis and uveitis, did not significantly influence NGF and GDNF levels (p>0.05). Furthermore, no correlations were found between neurotrophic factor levels and laboratory parameters, including ESR and CRP. CONCLUSIONS: NGF and GDNF levels are altered in Behçet's disease, with significant variations based on disease activity. Elevated levels in active Behçet's disease may reflect their involvement in inflammatory processes, while reduced levels in inactive disease could indicate immune dysregulation. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate their mechanistic contributions to Behçet's disease pathogenesis.

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