Compared to those with sham or naïve IVD, animal group with degenerated IVD displayed the sensitized neuronal responses and painful behaviour, with hyperexcitability of the afferent nerve fibers in any range of mechanical stimulations (von Frey filament stimulation; 1, 2, and 26 g; intradiscal pressure, 1,500-3,000 mm Hg), strong upregulation of NGF (200-250 % increase), and LBP-like behaviour such as failure of rearing, front limbs-dependent walking pattern, and hypersensitivity in hind-paws.
To discuss the current knowledge on the impact of commonly used biologic agents (i.e., anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha [anti-TNF-α] and anti-nerve growth factor [anti-NGF]) in the management of low back pain with or without sciatica.
Another new drug in development for low back pain without radiculopathy is a subcutaneous monoclonal antibody acting as nerve growth factor called tanezumab.
Nerve growth factor (NGF) antagonism is on the verge of becoming a powerful analgesic treatment for numerous conditions, including osteoarthritis and lower back pain.
Areas covered: This manuscript is a review that examines both the pharmacological properties and clinical studies of tanezumab, the most widely studied antibody to NGF, for management of osteoarthritis (OA) and low back pain.
Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization have been used to investigate expression of the candidate neurotrophin, nerve growth factor (NGF), and its high- and low-affinity receptors trk-A and p75, respectively, in painful IVD excised for the management of low back pain.