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Higher NGF levels correlate with disease severity in patients with atopic dermatitis

A total of 39 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and 9 healthy volunteers participated in a study evaluating the association between the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) with disease severity in AD. By measuring the NGF in the horny layer of skin lesions on the cubital fossa of patients with AD, the investigators found higher levels of NGF in these patients when compared to healthy controls. Moreover, a direct correlation was observed between levels of NFG and itch severity, erythema, scale/xerosis and lichenification of the lesion, eosinophil count and LDH levels. The use of olopatadine and/or topical steroid for 2 and 4 weeks significantly reduced NGF levels thus decreasing disease ...