Neurotrophic factors were first reported in 1950s, and are widely acclaimed for their ability to provide effective therapy for untreatable neurodegenerative disorders.Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is acclaimed as a potentially untreatable neurodegenerative peripheral nerve disorder due to structural and functional changes in lower extremity nerves. Although existing evidence suggested alterations in nerve growth factor levels in experimental DPN, it is yet to be established whether observed growth factor deficiencies were due to decreased synthesis, or functional, e.g. an inability to bind to their receptor, and/or abnormalities in nerve transport and processing. Recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) was extensively studied and reported for its efficacy in animal studies of DPN. 

Keywords: Neurotrophins; Neurotrophism; Nerve growth factors; Diabetic neuropathy