Ricerc@Sapienza

Liver diseases are a major health concern and affect a large proportion of people worldwide. There are over 100 types of liver disorders, including cirrhosis, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatitis. Despite the relevant number of people who are affected by liver diseases, and the increased awareness with regard to these disorders, the number of deaths corresponding to liver injury is expected to increase in the foreseeable future.

Intravitreal injection (IVT) of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents is widely used for the treatment of retinal vascular diseases. Recently, the injection of anti-VEGF agents in the ocular anterior chamber has been proposed for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma and potential side effects on the corneal structures have been investigated with contrasting results. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that VEGF inhibition is associated with cellular apoptotic changes and that this effect may be mediated by alterations in nerve growth factor (NGF) pathway.

Purpose of review: During allergic reaction, nervous and immune systems mutually interact through release of mediators, including neurotrophic factors and nerve growth factor (NGF). These mediators modulate allergic reaction through binding their receptors expressed by immune and structural cells and by stimulating neuropeptide release by nerves. The role of neuropeptides and NGF has been demonstrated in allergic asthma and rhinitis, and, to a lesser extent, in allergic conjunctivitis.

Diabetes induces early sufferance in the cholinergic septo-hippocampal system, characterized by
deficits in learning andmemory, reduced hippocampal plasticity and abnormal pro-nerve growth factor
(proNGF) release from hippocampal cells, all linked to dysfunctions in the muscarinic cholinergic
modulation of hippocampal physiology. These alterations are associated with dysregulation of several
cholinergic markers, such as the NGF receptor system and the acetylcholine biosynthetic enzyme