Rheumatoid Arthritis: Aloe L

Aloe L, Tirassa P, Lambiase A. · Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, NGF Section, National Research Council (CNR), 00413 Rome, Italy. · Pharmacol Res. · Pubmed #18329283 No free full text.

Abstract: AIM: The nerve growth factor is a soluble protein produced by and acting upon a number of different cells located in the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Recent studies have shown that nerve growth factor (NGF) exerts a critical role on epithelial cells and fibroblasts under normal and pathological conditions. In this review, we present data prospecting the clinical potentiality of NGF in cutaneous and ocular "non-healing" chronic ulcers. DATA SYNTHESIS: A consistent number of in vitro and in vivo studies carried out on animal models and in humans indicated that fibroblasts and epithelial cells are receptive to the action of NGF and that NGF promotes skin and cornea ulcer healing. These observations lead to the hypothesis that NGF can be a potential useful pharmacological agent for clinical investigations. CONCLUSION: The available clinical evidences suggest that the topical application of NGF promotes healing action without side effects on corneal and cutaneous tissues damaged by chemical, physical and surgical insults and autoimmune disorders.

Aloe L. · Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, National Research Council (CNR), Viale Marx 15, I-00137, Rome, Italy. · Prog Brain Res. · Pubmed #14699983 No free full text.

Abstract: Cutaneous wound is known to elicit a series of typical cellular responses that include clotting, inflammatory infiltration, reepithelialization, the formation of granulation tissue, including new blood vessel, followed by tissue remodeling and wound contraction. The regulatory molecules implicated in these events are not well known. Neurotrophins and their receptors are trophic factors that are known to play important roles in cutaneous tissues, nerve development and reconstruction after injury. Among the neurotrophins, the nerve growth factor (NGF) was one of the earliest used for clinical studies. NGF has been tested for potential therapeutic application in neuropathies of the central and peripheral nervous system and more recently in human corneal and cutaneous ulcers. Here, I present and discuss data obtained in the last few years on the healing action of NGF in human and domestic animal skin ulcers.

Aloe L, Tirassa P, Bracci-Laudiero L. · Institute of Neurobiology, CNR, Viale Marx 15, 00137 Rome, Italy. · Curr Pharm Des. · Pubmed #11172703 No free full text.

Abstract: Nerve growth factor (NGF) is known to be essential for the survival of peripheral and brain neurons, and according to more recent studies also for a variety of cells localized in the immune system. Basic and preclinical findings published in the last 15-20 years have prospected the hypothesis that NGF can be pharmaceutically useful for promoting healing in certain peripheral and central neurological insults. We have recently provided evidence that NGF applied topically, has a therapeutic potentiality for human corneal and pressure ulcers, and more recently in vasculitis induced by rheumatoid arthritis. This review will summarize previous and ongoing evidence supporting the role of NGF in the nervous and immune system and discuss NGF potentiality as a pharmacological tool for basic and clinical studies.

del Porto F, Aloe L, Laganà B, Triaca V, Nofroni I, D'Amelio R. · Cattedra e U.O.C di Allergologia, Immunologia Clinica e Reumatologia, II Facoltà di Medicina e. Chirurgia, Università La Sapienza, Ospedale Sant'Andrea, Via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, 00189 Roma, Italy. · Ann N Y Acad Sci. · Pubmed #16855171 No free full text.

Abstract: Twenty consecutive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (mean age 50.4 +/- 10.5 years; 17 females; mean disease duration 5.78 +/- 3.75 years) enrolled for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) blockers therapy (10 infliximab and 10 etanercept) were selected. Before starting therapy, 3 and 6 months thereafter all patients were evaluated for disease activity score (DAS), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). After 3 and 6 months a significant reduction in DAS, ESR, CRP, and IL-6 was observed, whereas no significant differences of NGF and BDNF serum levels were found. These preliminary results confirm that TNF-alpha blockers significantly improve disease activity and inflammation in RA; nevertheless further studies are needed to explain the mechanisms regulating NGF and BDNF release in RA patients treated with TNF-alpha blockers.

Tuveri M, Generini S, Matucci-Cerinic M, Aloe L. · No affiliation provided · Lancet. · Pubmed #11095266 No free full text.

Abstract: Vasculitic necrosis and ulceration of the skin are frequent complications of connective tissue diseases and are very difficult to heal. We treated chronic vasculitic leg ulcers in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis by topical application of nerve growth factor (NGF). In all patients with rheumatoid arthritis, NGF led to rapid healing, whereas less striking results were obtained in patients with systemic sclerosis. The efficacy of NGF could be due to its promoting activity on keratinocytes proliferation and vascular neoangiogenesis. We suggest that topical application of NGF could represent a powerful pharmacological tool for the treatment of vasculitic ulcers.

Aloe L, Manni L, Sebastiani G, Tuveri MA. · No affiliation provided · Clin Exp Rheumatol. · Pubmed #10544856 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.