In 2004 biotech firm Amgen began trials of a Parkinson's drug called glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, or GDNF.

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In 1990 they cloned a breakthrough product: ciliary neurotrophic factor, or CNTF, a nerve growth hormone they later named Axokine.

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Research indicates that a diet high in added sugar reduces the production of a brain chemical known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

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Eugenol, like other antidepressants, increases expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene in the hippocampus, which is necessary for an antidepressant to exhibit its activity.

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In 2004 biotech firm Amgen (nasdaq: AMGN - news - people ) began trials of a Parkinson's drug called glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, or GDNF.

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The new gene therapy treatment, dreamed up by Salk Institute brain scientist Dr. Fred "Rusty" Gage, avoids this problem by using a harmless virus, called AAV, to deliver genes for the neurotrophic factor IGF-1 directly to the motor nerves.

FORBES: Gene Therapy Slows A Killer