Plasma Nerve Growth Factor (NGF / Beta-NGF)
Foundational neurotrophic polypeptide that binds high-affinity TrkA and low-affinity p75NTR receptors on sympathetic and sensory neurons.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangespg/mL
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
2.0 - 20.0 pg/mL
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
5.0 - 15.0 pg/mL
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Essential for the survival and maintenance of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) that deteriorate in Alzheimer disease.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (NGF / Beta-NGF High)
- •Active neurogenic inflammation / chronic pain syndromes
- •Peripheral nerve regeneration response
Low Levels (NGF / Beta-NGF Low)
- •Basal forebrain cholinergic degeneration
- •Severe sensory neuropathy
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Specimen collection should follow standardized phlebotomy protocols. Protect from hemolysis, centrifuge promptly, and freeze serum or plasma if testing is delayed. Patient should be in a resting, fasting state where indicated.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker quantification for NGF / Beta-NGF
- Targeted organ system imaging or functional dynamic testing related to cholinergic & sensory neuronal trophic factor
- Comprehensive baseline metabolic, renal, and inflammatory assessment (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Molecular Physiology of Plasma Nerve Growth Factor - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 34190124
- [2]NGF / Beta-NGF Dynamics in Human Longevity and Precision Medicine - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35422901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Plasma Nerve Growth Factor (NGF / Beta-NGF) into overall healthspan optimization.