Diabetic foot ulcers are still particularly difficult to heal. Therefore, preventing and therapeutic adjuncts are increasingly being explored.
Nerve growth factor (
NGF) is a promising agent exhibiting beneficial actions on both diabetic
peripheral neuropathy, one of the main causes of
foot ulcers, and on
ulcer healing. Indeed, preclinical research in animal models of diabetes has revealed the trophic effect of
NGF on small C-fibres, while phase 2 human trials have provided evidence for a favourable effect on sensory neuropathy. However, the results of a phase 3 trial were moderate and, therefore, not enough to encourage widespread use of
NGF in the treatment of
diabetic neuropathy. Available literature on the role of
NGF on diabetic wound healing is sparse but encouraging. Exogenous supplementation of
NGF or the use of alternative techniques to increase its endogenous expression could emerge as a protective and therapeutic modality for
diabetic foot ulcers in addition to standard treatment and other
growth factors. The present review provides an outlook on the role of
NGF in the prophylaxis and treatment of
diabetic foot ulcers.