Table 1.

Diseases in which enhancement or inhibition of NGF expression could be therapeutic.

Enhancement of NGF expression

Infections , both viral and bacterial (AIDS and meningitis)

Neurodegenerative processes (multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease)

Nerve injury

Neuropsychiatric diseases (dementia, depression, schizophrenia, autism, Rett syndrome, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)

Corneal and cutaneous ulcers caused by chemical, physical, surgical injury and autoimmune disorders

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Inhibition of NGF expression

UV irradiation (sunburn)

Osteoarthritis of the knee or hip

Chronic low back pain

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

Bone pain in cancer

Endometriosis

Chronic prostatitis

Neuropathic pain

NGF, nerve growth factor; AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome; UV, ultraviolet