Neurology, Addiction and Psychiatry Conference

Neurotrophins are vital families of proteins whose activities can be observed during the development and maintenance of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Highly implicated in neuronal well-being, neurotrophins promote the growth of the brain, modulate synaptic plasticity, and have been implicated in the protection of neurons from degeneration; therefore, they are critical for brain function throughout life.

The four best-known neurotrophins are NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4/5. Each of the neurotrophins binds to particular neurotrophic receptors on neurons to activate signaling pathways that regulate growth, differentiation, and survival of the neuron. For instance, BDNF has been studied quite extensively because of its association with maintaining synaptic plasticity that has been strongly implicated in learning and memory as well as cognition.

Hence, the developing brain relies upon neurotrophins in order to ensure neuron survival and stimulate the growth of axons and dendrites. These growths are necessary for the transmission of information between neurons. Since the neurotrophin level is not sufficient, many neurons would die during crucial periods of brain development, which would ultimately affect its functions.

Aside from development, neurotrophins are essential in adulthood. They play in cellular processes that range from the provision of protection to neurons from damage to the promotion of new neuron formation in certain parts of the brain. This has been considered one of the fascinating areas of study in neuroscience towards the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, among them including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ALS, all characterized by the loss of neurons.

Neurotrophic therapy is considered one of the promising directions: enhancement of production or delivery in the brain of neurotrophins, slowing down, or even stopping the neurodegenerative process, and making new starts for drug developments targeted at the actual mechanisms of diseases.

On the other hand, lifestyle factors such as body exercises, healthy mental stimulation, and well-balanced diet have been shown to be linked to higher levels of neurotrophins, especially BDNF; this is why it is promoted for healthy brainness and cognitive protection.

Thus, neurotrophins prove to be crucial for neuronal survival and function. They play a very important role in the plasticity of the brain and in neuroprotection. Thus, they are amongst the interesting therapeutic targets for enhancing healthiness of the brain and even in treating neurodegenerative disorders.