1
|
Abushukur Y, Knackstedt R. The Impact of Supplements on Recovery After Peripheral Nerve Injury: A Review of the Literature. Cureus 2022; 14:e25135. [PMID: 35733475 PMCID: PMC9205410 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) can result from trauma, surgical resection, iatrogenic injury, and/or local anesthetic toxicity. Damage to peripheral nerves may result in debilitating weakness, numbness, paresthesia, pain, and/or autonomic instability. As PNI is associated with inflammation and nerve degeneration, means to mitigate this response could result in improved outcomes. Numerous nutrients have been investigated to prevent the negative sequelae of PNI. Alpha-lipoic acid, cytidine diphosphate-choline (CDP Choline), curcumin, melatonin, vitamin B12, and vitamin E have demonstrated notable success in improving recovery following PNI within animal models. While animal studies show ample evidence that various supplements may improve recovery after PNI, similar evidence in human patients is limited. The goal of this review is to analyze supplements that have been used successfully in animal models of PNI to serve as a reference for future studies on human patients. By analyzing supplements that have shown efficacy in animal studies, healthcare providers will have a resource from which to guide decision-making regarding future human studies investigating the role that supplements could play in PNI recovery. Ultimately, establishing a comprehensive understanding of these supplements in human patients following PNI may significantly improve post-surgical outcomes, quality of life, and peripheral nerve regeneration.
Collapse
|
2
|
The Role of Neurotropic B Vitamins in Nerve Regeneration. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9968228. [PMID: 34337067 PMCID: PMC8294980 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9968228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Damage and regeneration naturally occur in the peripheral nervous system. The neurotropic B vitamins thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), and cobalamin (B12) are key players, which maintain the neuronal viability in different ways. Firstly, they constantly protect nerves against damaging environmental influences. While vitamin B1 acts as a site-directed antioxidant, vitamin B6 balances nerve metabolism, and vitamin B12 maintains myelin sheaths. However, nerve injury occurs at times, because of an imbalance between protective factors and accumulating stress and noxae. This will result in the so-called Wallerian degeneration process. The presence of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 paves the way out to the following important regeneration by supporting the development of new cell structures. Furthermore, vitamin B1 facilitates the usage of carbohydrates for energy production, whereas vitamin B12 promotes nerve cell survival and remyelination. Absence of these vitamins will favor permanent nerve degeneration and pain, eventually leading to peripheral neuropathy.
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee ST, Jang YS, Kim UK, Kim HJ, Ryu MH, Kim GC, Hwang DS. Non-thermal plasma application enhances the recovery of transected sciatic nerves in rats. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:1287-1296. [PMID: 33653158 PMCID: PMC8371309 DOI: 10.1177/1535370221996655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This experimental research aimed to investigate the effects of non-thermal plasma on nerve regeneration after transected nerve damage using the sciatic nerve in Wistar albino (A) rats. The experiments were performed on 27 Wistar A rats. The rats underwent surgery for right sciatic nerve exposure and were divided into three groups (each group, n = 9) according to sciatic nerve transected injury (SNTI) and non-thermal plasma application: a non-nerve damage (non-ND) group, a only nerve damage without non-thermal plasma application (ND) group, and a nerve damage with non-thermal plasma application (ND + NTP) group. Subsequent to SNTI and immediate suture, non-thermal plasma was administered three times per week for eight weeks. Evaluation for functional recovery was performed using the static sciatic index measured over the full treatment period of eight weeks. The sciatic nerve specimens were obtained after euthanasia and third day from the last non-thermal plasma application. The sciatic nerve tissues were subjected to histological analysis. Behavior analysis presented that the ND + NTP group showed improved static sciatic index compared with the nerve damage group. Histopathological findings demonstrated that the ND + NTP group had more dense Schwann cells and well-established continuity of nerve fibers, greater than the nerve damage group. Immunohistochemistry showed that the ND + NTP group had increased levels of markers for microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), tau, S100 calcium-binding protein B, and neurofilament-200 and regulated the overexpression of CD68 and MAP2. These results indicated that non-thermal plasma enhanced the motor function and restored the neuronal structure by accelerating myelination and axonal regeneration. Additionally, non-thermal plasma was confirmed to have a positive effect on the recovery of SNTI in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Tak Lee
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Seo Jang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Gyeongnam 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Uk-Kyu Kim
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Gyeongnam 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Joon Kim
- Department of Oral Physiology, BK21 Plus Project and Institute of Translational Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Gyeongnam 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Heon Ryu
- Department of Oral Pathology, BK21 Plus Project, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Gyeongnam 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyoo-Cheon Kim
- Department of Dental Anatomy, BK21 Plus Project, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Gyeongnam 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Seok Hwang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Gyeongnam 50612, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kroth A, Santos MDCQ, Borella da Silva TC, Santos Silveira EM, Partata WA. Aqueous leaf extract from Luehea divaricata Mart. Modulates oxidative stress markers in the spinal cord of rats with neuropathic pain. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 268:113674. [PMID: 33301911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in neuropathic pain (i.e., pain caused by lesion or disease of the somatosensory system). We showed previously that the aqueous extract prepared from Luehea divaricata leaves, a plant explored by native ethnic groups of Brazil to treat different pathologic conditions, exhibits good antioxidant activity and induces analgesia in rats with neuropathic pain (J Ethnopharmacol, 2020; 256:112761. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112761). The effect was comparable to that of gabapentin, a drug recommended as first-line treatment for neuropathic pain. However, increasing evidence has indicated the need to accurately determine the oxidative stress level of an individual before prescribing supplemental antioxidants. AIM OF THE STUDY This study assessed the effects of the oral administration of aqueous extract from leaves of L. divaricata on the sciatic functional index (SFI) and spinal-cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers of rats with neuropathic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS Placement of four loose chromic thread ligatures around the sciatic nerve produced chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, a commonly employed animal model to study neuropathic pain. Aqueous extract from leaves of L. divaricata (100, 300, 500 and 1000 mg/kg), gabapentin (50 mg/kg) and aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) + gabapentin (30 mg/kg) were administrated per gavage daily for 10 or 35 days post-CCI. Antinociception was assessed using the von Frey test while SFI showed functional recovery post-nerve lesion throughout the experimental period. At days 10 and 35 post-surgery, the lumbosacral spinal cord and a segment of the injured sciatic nerve were dissected out and used to determine lipid hydroperoxide levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The spinal cord was also used to determine superoxide anion generation (SAG), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels and total thiol content. RESULTS As expected, the extract, gabapentin and extract + gabapentin induced antinociception in CCI rats. While no significant functional recovery was found at 10 days post-CCI, a significant recovery was found in SFI of extract-treated CCI rats at 21 and 35 days post-CCI. A significant functional recovery was found already at day 10 post-CCI in gabapentin and gabapentin + extract-treated CCI rats. The extract treatment prevented increases in lipid hydroperoxides levels and TAC in injured sciatic nerve, which were found in this tissue of vehicle-treated rats at 10 days post-CCI. Extract also prevented an increase in SAG, H2O2 and lipid hydroperoxides levels in the spinal cord, which were elevated in this tissue of vehicle-treated rats at 10 and 35 days post-CCI. Extract also prevented a decrease in total thiol content and an increase in TAC in the spinal cord of CCI rats in these same time periods. CONCLUSIONS Aqueous extract from L. divaricata leaves was demonstrated, for the first time, to improve SFI and modulate oxidative stress markers in injured sciatic nerve and spinal cord of CCI rats. Thus, the antinociceptive effect of the extract involves modulation of oxidative stress markers in injured sciatic nerve and spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adarly Kroth
- Área Ciências da Vida e Saúde, Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina, Rua Getúlio Vargas, 2125, Bairro Flor da Serra, CEP 89600-000, Joaçaba, SC, Brazil
| | - Maria do Carmo Quevedo Santos
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Bairro Farroupilha, CEP 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Thaisla Cristiane Borella da Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Bairro Farroupilha, CEP 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Elza Maria Santos Silveira
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Bairro Farroupilha, CEP 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Wania Aparecida Partata
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Bairro Farroupilha, CEP 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang J, Lou Z, Xi H, Li Z, Li L, Li Z, Zhang K, Asakawa T. Verification of neuroprotective effects of alpha-lipoic acid on chronic neuropathic pain in a chronic constriction injury rat model. Open Life Sci 2021; 16:222-228. [PMID: 33817313 PMCID: PMC7968532 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of neuropathic pain is far from satisfactory. This study sought evidence of a neuroprotective effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) to treat neuropathic pain in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model. A total of 48 rats were randomly divided into sham, CCI, or CCI + ALA groups. Mechanical and thermal nociceptive thresholds were evaluated as behavioral assessments. Dorsal root ganglia cells were assessed morphologically with hematoxylin and eosin staining and for apoptosis with P53 immunohistochemical staining. Compared with the sham group, the CCI group had a shorter paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency, abnormal morphologic manifestations, and increased numbers of satellite glial cells and P53+ cells. These changes were significantly reversed by treatment with ALA. Our study indicates neuroprotective effects of ALA on chronic neuropathic pain in a CCI rat model. ALA is potentially considered to be developed as a treatment for neuropathic pain caused by peripheral nerve injury, which requires further verification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhaohui Lou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Haiyang Xi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Lepeng Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Tetsuya Asakawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Handayama, 1-20-1, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
- Research Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jahromi Z, Mohammadghasemi F, Moharrami Kasmaie F, Zaminy A. Cinnamaldehyde Enhanced Functional Recovery after Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury in Rats. Cells Tissues Organs 2020; 209:43-53. [PMID: 32392570 DOI: 10.1159/000507016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury is a common clinical issue induced by trauma, tumor, and damage caused by treatment. Such factors create chemical and inflammatory alterations at the injury site, which increase nerve deterioration. Thus, minimizing these modifications can lead to nerve protection after injury. The present study sought to evaluate the possible improvement in nerve regeneration and enhancement of functional outcomes by cinnamaldehyde (Cin) administration following sciatic nerve crush in a rat model. Rats (n = 48) were distributed into 6 groups, including sham, injury, DMSO (vehicle group), and Cin groups (10, 30, and 90 mg/kg/day). Using small hemostatic forceps, crush injury was induced in the left sciatic nerve. Thereafter, Cin was administered for 28 successive days. Weekly records were taken for sciatic functional index (SFI) measurements. Further assessments including electrophysiological and histomorphometric evaluations, gastrocnemius muscle wet weight measurements, and estimation of the serum total oxidant status were performed. According to the results, Cin could accelerate sciatic nerve recovery after crush injury, and the dose of 30 mg/kg/day of Cin had better impacts on SFI recovery, muscle mass ratio, and myelin content. The current research demonstrated that Cin positively affects peripheral nerve restoration. Therefore, Cin therapy could be considered as a potential treatment method for peripheral nerve regeneration and its functional recovery. However, more investigations are required to further validate the study results and evaluate the optimal dose of Cin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Jahromi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Mohammadghasemi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | | | - Arash Zaminy
- Neuroscience Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lee HG, Choi JH, Jang YS, Kim UK, Kim GC, Hwang DS. Non-thermal plasma accelerates the healing process of peripheral nerve crush injury in rats. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:1112-1120. [PMID: 32410841 PMCID: PMC7211154 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.44041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-thermal plasma (NTP) on the healing process of peripheral nerve crush injuries, which can occur during dental implant procedures. For this, a rat model of sciatic nerve crush injury (SNCI) was adopted. The rats were divided into three groups: non-nerve damage (non-ND), nerve damage (ND), and ND+NTP group. To evaluate the sciatic nerve (SN) function, the static sciatic index was calculated, and the muscle and SN tissues were subjected to a histologic analysis. The results showed that NTP effectively accelerated the healing process of SNCI in rats. In contrast to the ND group, which showed approximately 60% recovery in the SN function, the NTP-treated rats showed complete recovery. Histologically, the NTP treatments not only accelerated the muscle healing, but also reduced the edema-like phenotype of the damaged SN tissues. In the ND group, the SN tissues had an accumulation of CD68-positive macrophages, partially destroyed axonal fibers and myelinated Schwann cells. Conversely, in the ND+NTP group, the macrophage accumulation was reduced and an overall regeneration of the damaged axon fibers and the myelin sheath was accomplished. The results of this study indicate that NTP can be used for healing of injured peripheral nerves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Geun Lee
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University
| | - Jeong-Hae Choi
- Department of Research and Development Center, FEAGLE Corporation, Yangsan, South Korea.,Department of Oral Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Yoon-Seo Jang
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University
| | - Uk-Kyu Kim
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University
| | - Gyoo-Cheon Kim
- Department of Research and Development Center, FEAGLE Corporation, Yangsan, South Korea.,Department of Oral Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Dae-Seok Hwang
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Currently, there are no established adjuvant drugs for the acceleration of peripheral nerve regeneration. In this paper, we reviewed the literature from the last 10 years and described the drugs proved to accelerate the functional and histological regeneration of the peripheral nerves, either after trauma or in neuropathy experimental models. The vast majority of the studies were experimental with very few small clinical studies, which indicates the need for prospective randomized studies to identify the best drugs to use as adjuvants for nerve regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olimpiu Bota
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Center of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus , Dresden , Germany
| | - Lucian Fodor
- Department of Plastic Surgery, First Surgical Clinic, Emergency District Hospital , Cluj-Napoca , Romania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang MQ, Cao XY, Chen XY, Liu YF, Zhu SL, Sun ZL, Kong XB, Huo JR, Zhang S, Xu YQ. Saikosaponin a increases interleukin-10 expression and inhibits scar formation after sciatic nerve injury. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:1650-1656. [PMID: 30127128 PMCID: PMC6126128 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.237139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve scarring after peripheral nerve injury can severely hamper nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Further, the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10, can inhibit nerve scar formation. Saikosaponin a (SSa) is a monomer molecule extracted from the Chinese medicine, Bupleurum. SSa can exert anti-inflammatory effects in spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. However, it has not been shown whether SSa can play a role in peripheral nerve injury. In this study, rats were randomly assigned to three groups. In the sham group, the left sciatic nerve was directly sutured after exposure. In the sciatic nerve injury (SNI) + SSa and SNI groups, the left sciatic nerve was sutured and continuously injected daily with SSa (10 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of saline for 7 days. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay results demonstrated that at 7 days after injury, interleukin-10 level was considerably higher in the SNI + SSa group than in the SNI group. Masson staining and western blot assay demonstrated that at 8 weeks after injury, type I and III collagen content was lower and nerve scar formation was visibly less in the SNI + SSa group compared with the SNI group. Simultaneously, sciatic functional index and nerve conduction velocity were improved in the SNI + SSa group compared with the SNI group. These results confirm that SSa can increase the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor, interleukin-10, and reduce nerve scar formation to promote functional recovery of injured sciatic nerve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Qiang Huang
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University; Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tinajin, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Cao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xu-Yi Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Institute of Traumatic Brain Injury and Neuroscience, Center for Neurology and Neurosurgery of Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying-Fu Liu
- Science and Technology Experiment Center, Cangzhou Medical College, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shuang-Long Zhu
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University; Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tinajin, China
| | - Zhong-Lei Sun
- Graduate School, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xian-Bin Kong
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing-Rui Huo
- Science and Technology Experiment Center, Cangzhou Medical College, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Sai Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Institute of Traumatic Brain Injury and Neuroscience, Center for Neurology and Neurosurgery of Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun-Qiang Xu
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University; Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tinajin, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hu LN, Tian JX, Gao W, Zhu J, Mou FF, Ye XC, Liu YP, Lu PP, Shao SJ, Guo HD. Electroacupuncture and moxibustion promote regeneration of injured sciatic nerve through Schwann cell proliferation and nerve growth factor secretion. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:477-483. [PMID: 29623933 PMCID: PMC5900511 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.228731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Using electroacupuncture and moxibustion to treat peripheral nerve injury is highly efficient with low side effects. However, the electroacupuncture- and moxibustion-based mechanisms underlying nerve repair are still unclear. Here, in vivo and in vitro experiments uncovered one mechanism through which electroacupuncture and moxibustion affect regeneration after peripheral nerve injury. We first established rat models of sciatic nerve injury using neurotomy. Rats were treated with electroacupuncture or moxibustion at acupoints Huantiao (GB30) and Zusanli (ST36). Each treatment lasted 15 minutes, and treatments were given six times a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Behavioral testing was used to determine the sciatic functional index. We used electrophysiological detection to measure sciatic nerve conduction velocity and performed hematoxylin-eosin staining to determine any changes in the gastrocnemius muscle. We used immunohistochemistry to observe changes in the expression of S100—a specific marker for Schwann cells—and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect serum level of nerve growth factor. Results showed that compared with the model-only group, sciatic functional index, recovery rate of conduction velocity, diameter recovery of the gastrocnemius muscle fibers, number of S100-immunoreactive cells, and level of nerve growth factor were greater in the electroacupuncture and moxibustion groups. The efficacy did not differ between treatment groups. The serum from treated rats was collected and used to stimulate Schwann cells cultured in vitro. Results showed that the viability of Schwann cells was much higher in the treatment groups than in the model group at 3 and 5 days after treatment. These findings indicate that electroacupuncture and moxibustion promoted nerve regeneration and functional recovery; its mechanism might be associated with the enhancement of Schwann cell proliferation and upregulation of nerve growth factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Na Hu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Xin Tian
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Changhang Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Heze Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Heze, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang-Fang Mou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Ye
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Pu Liu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping-Ping Lu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shui-Jin Shao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Dong Guo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|