Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a disease that often accompanies those who have diabetes, meaning it affects millions people in the U.S alone. It is a condition that “degenerates the nerve endings of sensory neurons and the loss of a group of factors stimulating nerve growth,” or GDNF (Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor). This condition causes pain, tingling, and the loss of feeling or sensation. Currently, the only medication available has many unwanted side effects, and ultimately is only just that; a medication, not a treatment. This article highlights the innovative thinking of Gabriel Corfas, PhD, of the F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. Corfas took his idea of replenishing the lost GDNF and began to create a new solution. Corfas explains that since GDNF is a large molecule the only way to get it into the nervous system would have to be invasive, such as an injection into the spinal cord. With this in mind, Corfas and his colleagues took a different avenue. Instead of directly using GDNF’s, they created a skin cream containing a small-molecule compound that enhances GDNF’s effects. He goes on to explain that by taking this route, it will allow for the subject to require less GDNF in order to create the necessary receptors on the sensory neuron, thus stimulating proper function of the nerve endings and sensory neurons. The cream was field tested on mice and proved to be effective, regaining heat and sensitivity in their nerves. This scientific breakthrough has instilled hope for a treatment for this disease instead of just a relief of symptoms. It will help to regain the sense of touch and feeling as well as help to illuminate pain all while avoiding side effects of other medications. Many people with peripheral neuropath end up losing limbs due to the loss of the sensory neurons, but with this cream many can avoid that fate. Another pro to this form of treatment is that it will encourage natural growth factors. This cream is