Possible role of nerve growth factor in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence

Su Jung Yoon, Sungwon Roh, Heejin Lee, Ji Youl Lee, Bun Hee Lee, Yong Ku Kim, Dai Jin Kim

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    25 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background: Recent studies have raised the possibility that nerve growth factor (NGF) is abnormally regulated in the central nervous system (CNS) of animal models of chronic ethanol treatment. The goals of this study were to determine whether prolonged alcohol consumption is associated with the plasma NGF levels and to assess the effect of a positive family history of alcohol dependence on plasma NGF levels in the alcohol-dependent patients. Methods: We used the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the concentrations of peripheral NGF in patients with alcohol dependence and in a control group. Results: The plasma NGF concentrations in the alcohol-dependent patients were significantly lower than in the controls (71.9 vs 110.5 pg/mL, respectively). Moreover, the alcohol-dependent patients with positive family histories showed a greater decrease in their NGF levels than those subjects with negative family histories (64.7 vs 83.3 pg/mL, respectively). Conclusions: Our study suggests that the NGF levels may be a trait marker for the development of alcohol dependence.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1060-1065
    Number of pages6
    JournalAlcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research
    Volume30
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2006 Jun

    Keywords

    • Alcohol Dependence
    • Family History
    • Nerve Growth Factor
    • Neurotrophin

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Medicine (miscellaneous)
    • Toxicology
    • Psychiatry and Mental health

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