Review Article Volume 16 Issue 6 - 2025

NGF as an Immune System Regulator and Mediator of Osteoarticular Pain

Rosini Sergio1, Rosini Stefano2, Molfetta Francesco3 and Molfetta Luigi4*

1Biomaterial Research Center, Livorno, Italy

2Smile-Restyle, Livorno, Italy

3DINOGMI Department, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

4DISC Department, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research Center of Osteoporosis and Osteoarticular Pathologies, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

*Corresponding Author: Molfetta Luigi, DISC Department, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Research Center of Osteoporosis and Osteoarticular Pathologies, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Received: August 25, 2025; Published: October 17, 2025



Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a neurotrophin originally identified for its role in the development and survival of sensory and sympathetic neurons, has emerged as a key modulator in pain perception and inflammatory processes. Growing evidence highlights its involvement in chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other pain-associated musculoskeletal conditions.The role of NGF in joint degeneration extends beyond its well-established involvement in pain. NGF acts as a multifaceted mediator in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis by influencing chondrocyte catabolism, promoting aberrant neurovascular remodelling and facilitating synovial fibrosis. These findings suggest that targeting NGF could provide symptomatic relief and disease modification, although further research is required to confirm long-term structural outcomes.

 Keywords: Nerve Growth Factor; Pain; Osteoarticular; Inflammation

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Molfetta Luigi., et al. “NGF as an Immune System Regulator and Mediator of Osteoarticular Pain”. EC Orthopaedics  16.6 (2025): 01-07.