[Nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a possible etiopathogenic role in sensorineural hearing loss. Preliminary data].

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are members of a family of structurally related secreted proteins, termed neurotrophins, which promote and regulate the survival of many kinds of neurons in the peripheral nervous system. Aim of the study is to dose the serum level of NGF and BDNF in 8 patients affected by sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The results show that in these patients the amount of circulating NGF, but not of BDNF, is significantly lower in comparison to that found in age-matched controls. The preliminary data of the present study suggest that NGF might have a crucial role in the auditory pathway, promoting the survival and preventing the degeneration of sensorineural cells.