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Gordon T. Brief Electrical Stimulation Promotes Recovery after Surgical Repair of Injured Peripheral Nerves. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:665. [PMID: 38203836 PMCID: PMC10779324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Injured peripheral nerves regenerate their axons in contrast to those in the central nervous system. Yet, functional recovery after surgical repair is often disappointing. The basis for poor recovery is progressive deterioration with time and distance of the growth capacity of the neurons that lose their contact with targets (chronic axotomy) and the growth support of the chronically denervated Schwann cells (SC) in the distal nerve stumps. Nonetheless, chronically denervated atrophic muscle retains the capacity for reinnervation. Declining electrical activity of motoneurons accompanies the progressive fall in axotomized neuronal and denervated SC expression of regeneration-associated-genes and declining regenerative success. Reduced motoneuronal activity is due to the withdrawal of synaptic contacts from the soma. Exogenous neurotrophic factors that promote nerve regeneration can replace the endogenous factors whose expression declines with time. But the profuse axonal outgrowth they provoke and the difficulties in their delivery hinder their efficacy. Brief (1 h) low-frequency (20 Hz) electrical stimulation (ES) proximal to the injury site promotes the expression of endogenous growth factors and, in turn, dramatically accelerates axon outgrowth and target reinnervation. The latter ES effect has been demonstrated in both rats and humans. A conditioning ES of intact nerve days prior to nerve injury increases axonal outgrowth and regeneration rate. Thereby, this form of ES is amenable for nerve transfer surgeries and end-to-side neurorrhaphies. However, additional surgery for applying the required electrodes may be a hurdle. ES is applicable in all surgeries with excellent outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Gordon
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4G 1X8, Canada
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Phamornnak C, Han B, Spencer BF, Ashton MD, Blanford CF, Hardy JG, Blaker JJ, Cartmell SH. Instructive electroactive electrospun silk fibroin-based biomaterials for peripheral nerve tissue engineering. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 141:213094. [PMID: 36162344 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Aligned sub-micron fibres are an outstanding surface for orienting and promoting neurite outgrowth; therefore, attractive features to include in peripheral nerve tissue scaffolds. A new generation of peripheral nerve tissue scaffolds is under development incorporating electroactive materials and electrical regimes as instructive cues in order to facilitate fully functional regeneration. Herein, electroactive fibres composed of silk fibroin (SF) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) were developed as a novel peripheral nerve tissue scaffold. Mats of SF with sub-micron fibre diameters of 190 ± 50 nm were fabricated by double layer electrospinning with thicknesses of ∼100 μm (∼70-80 μm random fibres and ∼20-30 μm aligned fibres). Electrospun SF mats were modified with interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) of PEDOT:PSS in various ratios of PSS/EDOT (α) and the polymerisation was assessed by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The mechanical properties of electrospun SF and IPNs mats were characterised in the wet state tensile and the electrical properties were examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of the optimal IPNs (α = 2.3 and 3.3) mats were ascertained via the growth and neurite extension of mouse neuroblastoma x rat glioma hybrid cells (NG108-15) for 7 days. The longest neurite outgrowth of 300 μm was observed in the parallel direction of fibre alignment on laminin-coated electrospun SF and IPN (α = 2.3) mats which is the material with the lowest electron transfer resistance (Ret, ca. 330 Ω). These electrically conductive composites with aligned sub-micron fibres exhibit promise for axon guidance and also have the potential to be combined with electrical stimulation treatment as a further step for the effective regeneration of nerves.
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Liao CF, Hsu ST, Chen CC, Yao CH, Lin JH, Chen YH, Chen YS. Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in a Silicone Rubber Conduit in Taxol-Treated Rats. MATERIALS 2020; 13:ma13051063. [PMID: 32120862 PMCID: PMC7084817 DOI: 10.3390/ma13051063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Taxol, a type of antimitotic agent, could modulate local inflammatory conditions in peripheral nerves, which may impair their regeneration and recovery when injured. This study provided in vivo trials of silicone rubber chambers to bridge a long 10 mm sciatic nerve defect in taxol-treated rats. It was aimed to determine the effects of electrical stimulation at various frequencies on regeneration of the sciatic nerves in the bridging conduits. Taxol-treated rats were divided into four groups (n = 10/group): sham control (no current delivered from the stimulator); and electrical stimulation (3 times/week for 3 weeks at 2, 20, and 200 Hz with 1 mA current intensity). Neuronal electrophysiology, animal behavior, neuronal connectivity, macrophage infiltration, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression levels, and morphological observations were evaluated. At the end of 4 weeks, animals in the low- (2 Hz) and medium-frequency (20 Hz) groups had dramatic higher rates of successful regeneration (90% and 80%) across the wide gap as compared to the groups of sham and high-frequency (200 Hz) (60% and 50%). In addition, the 2 Hz group had significantly larger amplitudes and evoked muscle action potentials compared to the sham and the 200 Hz group, respectively (P < 0.05). Heat, cold plate licking latencies, motor coordination, and neuronal connectivity were unaffected by the electrical stimulation. Macrophage density, CGRP expression level, and axon number were all significantly increased in the 20 Hz group compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). This study suggested that low- (2 Hz) to medium-frequency (20 Hz) electrical stimulation could ameliorate local inflammatory conditions to augment recovery of regenerating nerves by accelerating their regrowth and improving electrophysiological function in taxol-treated peripheral nerve injury repaired with the silicone rubber conduit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Fu Liao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (C.-F.L.); (C.-H.Y.)
| | - Shih-Tien Hsu
- Lab of Biomaterials, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chia Chen
- Linsen Chinese Medicine and Kunming Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 10341, Taiwan;
| | - Chun-Hsu Yao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (C.-F.L.); (C.-H.Y.)
- Lab of Biomaterials, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
- Biomaterials Translational Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Lin
- Department of Fiber and Composite Materials, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan;
| | - Yung-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.C.); (Y.-S.C.)
| | - Yueh-Sheng Chen
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (C.-F.L.); (C.-H.Y.)
- Lab of Biomaterials, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
- Biomaterials Translational Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.C.); (Y.-S.C.)
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Badri O, Shahabi P, Abdolalizadeh J, Alipour MR, Veladi H, Farhoudi M, Zak MS. Combination therapy using evening primrose oil and electrical stimulation to improve nerve function following a crush injury of sciatic nerve in male rats. Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:458-463. [PMID: 28469662 PMCID: PMC5399725 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.202927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries with a poor prognosis are common. Evening primrose oil (EPO) has beneficial biological effects and immunomodulatory properties. Since electrical activity plays a major role in neural regeneration, the present study investigated the effects of electrical stimulation (ES), combined with evening primrose oil (EPO), on sciatic nerve function after a crush injury in rats. In anesthetized rats, the sciatic nerve was crushed using small haemostatic forceps followed by ES and/or EPO treatment for 4 weeks. Functional recovery of the sciatic nerve was assessed using the sciatic functional index. Histopathological changes of gastrocnemius muscle atrophy were investigated by light microscopy. Electrophysiological changes were assessed by the nerve conduction velocity of sciatic nerves. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the remyelination of the sciatic nerve following the interventions. EPO + ES, EPO, and ES obviously improved sciatic nerve function assessed by the sciatic functional index and nerve conduction velocity of the sciatic nerve at 28 days after operation. Expression of the peripheral nerve remyelination marker, protein zero (P0), was increased in the treatment groups at 28 days after operation. Muscle atrophy severity was decreased significantly while the nerve conduction velocity was increased significantly in rats with sciatic nerve injury in the injury + EPO + ES group than in the EPO or ES group. Totally speaking, the combined use of EPO and ES may produce an improving effect on the function of sciatic nerves injured by a crush. The increased expression of P0 may have contributed to improving the functional effects of combination therapy with EPO and ES as well as the electrophysiological and histopathological features of the injured peripheral nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Badri
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, International Branch Aras, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jalal Abdolalizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Hadi Veladi
- Microsystem Fabrication Laboratory, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Farhoudi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sharif Zak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Gordon T. Electrical Stimulation to Enhance Axon Regeneration After Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Animal Models and Humans. Neurotherapeutics 2016; 13:295-310. [PMID: 26754579 PMCID: PMC4824030 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-015-0415-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Injured peripheral nerves regenerate their lost axons but functional recovery in humans is frequently disappointing. This is so particularly when injuries require regeneration over long distances and/or over long time periods. Fat replacement of chronically denervated muscles, a commonly accepted explanation, does not account for poor functional recovery. Rather, the basis for the poor nerve regeneration is the transient expression of growth-associated genes that accounts for declining regenerative capacity of neurons and the regenerative support of Schwann cells over time. Brief low-frequency electrical stimulation accelerates motor and sensory axon outgrowth across injury sites that, even after delayed surgical repair of injured nerves in animal models and patients, enhances nerve regeneration and target reinnervation. The stimulation elevates neuronal cyclic adenosine monophosphate and, in turn, the expression of neurotrophic factors and other growth-associated genes, including cytoskeletal proteins. Electrical stimulation of denervated muscles immediately after nerve transection and surgical repair also accelerates muscle reinnervation but, at this time, how the daily requirement of long-duration electrical pulses can be delivered to muscles remains a practical issue prior to translation to patients. Finally, the technique of inserting autologous nerve grafts that bridge between a donor nerve and an adjacent recipient denervated nerve stump significantly improves nerve regeneration after delayed nerve repair, the donor nerves sustaining the capacity of the denervated Schwann cells to support nerve regeneration. These reviewed methods to promote nerve regeneration and, in turn, to enhance functional recovery after nerve injury and surgical repair are sufficiently promising for early translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Gordon
- Department of Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada.
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Lin YC, Kao CH, Chen CC, Ke CJ, Yao CH, Chen YS. Time-course effect of electrical stimulation on nerve regeneration of diabetic rats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116711. [PMID: 25689049 PMCID: PMC4331087 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrical stimulation (ES) has been shown to promote nerve regeneration in rats with experimental diabetes induced using streptozotocin (STZ). However, the time-course effect of ES on nerve regeneration of diabetic animals has not been reported in previous studies. The present study attempted to examine the effect of different timing of ES after peripheral nerve transection in diabetic rats. METHODOLOGY/FINDINGS Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. They were classified into five groups. STZ-induced diabetes was created in groups A to D. Normal animals in group E were used as the non-diabetic controls. The sciatic nerve was transected and repaired using a silicone rubber conduit across a 10-mm gap in all groups. Groups A to C received ES for 15 minutes every other day for 2 weeks. Stimulation was initiated on day 1 following the nerve repair for group A, day 8 for group B, and day 15 for group C. The diabetic control group D and the normal control group E received no ES. At 30 days after surgery in group A, histological evaluations showed a higher success percentage of regeneration across the 10-mm nerve gap, and the electrophysiological results showed significantly larger mean values of evoked muscle action potential area and amplitude of the reinnervated gastrocnemius muscle compared with group D. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE It is concluded that an immediate onset of ES may improve the functional recovery of large nerve defect in diabetic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ching Lin
- Lab of Biomaterials, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hong Kao
- Lab of Biomaterials, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chia Chen
- Lab of Biomaterials, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Linsen (Chinese Medicine) Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cherng-Jyh Ke
- Department of Orthopedics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsu Yao
- Lab of Biomaterials, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Sheng Chen
- Lab of Biomaterials, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Asia University, Wufeng District, Taichung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Calvey C, Zhou W, Stakleff KS, Sendelbach-Sloan P, Harkins AB, Lanzinger W, Willits RK. Short-term electrical stimulation to promote nerve repair and functional recovery in a rat model. J Hand Surg Am 2015; 40:314-22. [PMID: 25459379 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of duration of electrical stimulation on peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Based on previous work, we hypothesized that applying 10 minutes of electrical stimulation to a 10-mm rat sciatic nerve defect would significantly improve nerve regeneration and functional recovery compared with the non-electrical stimulation group. METHODS A silicone tube filled with a collagen gel was used to bridge a 10-mm nerve defect in rats, and either 10 minutes or 60 minutes of electrical stimulation was applied to the nerve during surgery. Controls consisted of a silicone tube with collagen gel and no electrical stimulation or an isograft. We analyzed recovery over a 12-week period, measuring sciatic functional index and extensor postural thrust scores and concluding with histological examination of the nerve. RESULTS Functional assessment scores at week 12 increased 24% in the 10-minute group as compared to the no stimulation control group. Electrical stimulation of either 10 or 60 minutes improved the number of nerve fibers over no stimulation. Additionally, the electrical stimulation group's histomorphometric analysis was not different from the isograft group. CONCLUSIONS Several previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of 60-minute stimulations on peripheral nerve regeneration. This study demonstrated that an electrical stimulation of 10 minutes enhanced several functional and histomorphometric outcomes of nerve regeneration and was overall similar to a 60-minute stimulation over 12 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Decreasing the electrical stimulation time from 60 minutes to 10 minutes provided a potential clinically feasible and safe method to enhance nerve regeneration and functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Calvey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Kenneth Calhoun Research Laboratory, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH; Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Wenda Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Kenneth Calhoun Research Laboratory, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH; Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Kimberly Sloan Stakleff
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Kenneth Calhoun Research Laboratory, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH; Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Patricia Sendelbach-Sloan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Kenneth Calhoun Research Laboratory, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH; Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Amy B Harkins
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Kenneth Calhoun Research Laboratory, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH; Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - William Lanzinger
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Kenneth Calhoun Research Laboratory, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH; Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Rebecca Kuntz Willits
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Kenneth Calhoun Research Laboratory, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH; Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO.
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Gattazzo F, De Maria C, Whulanza Y, Taverni G, Ahluwalia A, Vozzi G. Realisation and characterization of conductive hollow fibers for neuronal tissue engineering. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2014; 103:1107-19. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.33297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 08/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gattazzo
- Research Center “E. Piaggio,” University of Pisa; Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1 Pisa 56122 Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine; University of Padova; Padova 35131 Italy
| | - Carmelo De Maria
- Research Center “E. Piaggio,” University of Pisa; Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1 Pisa 56122 Italy
- Department of Ingegneria dell'Informazione; University of Pisa; Via G. Caruso 16 Pisa 56122 Italy
| | - Yudan Whulanza
- Research Center “E. Piaggio,” University of Pisa; Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1 Pisa 56122 Italy
| | - Gemma Taverni
- Research Center “E. Piaggio,” University of Pisa; Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1 Pisa 56122 Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center “E. Piaggio,” University of Pisa; Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1 Pisa 56122 Italy
- Department of Ingegneria dell'Informazione; University of Pisa; Via G. Caruso 16 Pisa 56122 Italy
| | - Giovanni Vozzi
- Research Center “E. Piaggio,” University of Pisa; Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1 Pisa 56122 Italy
- Department of Ingegneria dell'Informazione; University of Pisa; Via G. Caruso 16 Pisa 56122 Italy
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Stenberg L, Dahlin LB. Gender differences in nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury and repair in healthy and in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats. BMC Neurosci 2014; 15:107. [PMID: 25216784 PMCID: PMC4169809 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-15-107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In view of the global increase in diabetes, and the fact that recent findings indicate that diabetic neuropathy is more frequently seen in males, it is crucial to evaluate any gender differences in nerve regeneration in diabetes. Our aim was to evaluate in short-term experiments gender dissimilarities in axonal outgrowth in healthy and in genetically developed type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, and also to investigate the connection between activated (i.e. ATF-3, Activating Transcription Factor 3) and apoptotic (cleaved caspase 3) Schwann cells after sciatic nerve injury and repair. Female and male diabetic GK rats, spontaneously developing type 2 diabetes, were compared with corresponding healthy Wistar rats. The sciatic nerve was transected and instantly repaired. After six days the nerve was harvested to measure axonal outgrowth (i.e. neurofilament staining), and to quantify the number of ATF-3 (i.e. activated) and cleaved caspase 3 (i.e. apoptotic) stained Schwann cells using immunohistochemistry. Results Axonal outgrowth was generally longer in male than in female rats and also longer in healthy than in diabetic rats. Differences were observed in the number of activated Schwann cells both in the distal nerve segment and close to the lesion site. In particular the female diabetic rats had a lower number. There were no gender differences in number of cleaved caspase 3 stained Schwann cells, but rats with diabetes exhibited more (such cleaved caspase 3 stained Schwann) cells both at the lesion site and in the distal part of the sciatic nerve. Axonal outgrowth correlated with the number of ATF3 stained Schwann cells, but not with blood glucose levels or the cleaved caspase 3 stained Schwann cells. However, the number of cleaved caspase 3 stained Schwann cells correlated with the blood glucose level. Conclusions We conclude that there are gender differences in nerve regeneration in healthy rats and in type 2 diabetic GK rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Stenberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
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Zhao F, He W, Zhang Y, Tian D, Zhao H, Yu K, Bai J. Electric stimulation and decimeter wave therapy improve the recovery of injured sciatic nerves. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:1974-84. [PMID: 25206506 PMCID: PMC4145900 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.21.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug treatment, electric stimulation and decimeter wave therapy have been shown to promote the repair and regeneration of the peripheral nerves at the injured site. This study prepared a Mackinnon's model of rat sciatic nerve compression. Electric stimulation was given immediately after neurolysis, and decimeter wave radiation was performed at 1 and 12 weeks post-operation. Histological observation revealed that intraoperative electric stimulation and decimeter wave therapy could improve the local blood circulation of repaired sites, alleviate hypoxia of compressed nerves, and lessen adhesion of compressed nerves, thereby decreasing the formation of new entrapments and enhancing compressed nerve regeneration through an improved microenvironment for regeneration. Immunohistochemical staining results revealed that intraoperative electric stimulation and decimeter wave could promote the expression of S-100 protein. Motor nerve conduction velocity and amplitude, the number and diameter of myelinated nerve fibers, and sciatic functional index were significantly increased in the treated rats. These results verified that intraoperative electric stimulation and decimeter wave therapy contributed to the regeneration and the recovery of the functions in the compressed nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050031, Hebei Province, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Hand Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Department of Hand Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Dehu Tian
- Department of Hand Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hongfang Zhao
- Department of Hand Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Kunlun Yu
- Department of Hand Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jiangbo Bai
- Department of Hand Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
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Kao CH, Chen JJJ, Hsu YM, Bau DT, Yao CH, Chen YS. High-frequency electrical stimulation can be a complementary therapy to promote nerve regeneration in diabetic rats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79078. [PMID: 24265744 PMCID: PMC3827114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether 1 mA of percutaneous electrical stimulation (ES) at 0, 2, 20, or 200 Hz augments regeneration between the proximal and distal nerve stumps in streptozotocin diabetic rats. A10-mm gap was made in the diabetic rat sciatic nerve by suturing the stumps into silicone rubber tubes. Normal animals were used as the controls. Starting 1 week after transection, ES was applied between the cathode placed at the distal stump and the anode at the proximal stump every other day for 3 weeks. At 4 weeks after surgery, the normal controls and the groups receiving ES at 20, and 200 Hz had a higher success percentage of regeneration compared to the ES groups at 0 and 2 Hz. In addition, quantitative histology of the successfully regenerated nerves revealed that the groups receiving ES at a higher frequency, especially at 200 Hz, had a more mature structure with more myelinated fibers compared to those in the lower-frequency ES groups. Similarly, electrophysiology in the ES group at 200 Hz showed significantly shorter latency, larger amplitude, larger area of evoked muscle action potentials and faster conduction velocity compared to other groups. Immunohistochemical staining showed that ES at a higher frequency could significantly promote calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in lamina I-II regions in the dorsal horn and recruit a higher number of macrophages in the diabetic distal sciatic nerve. The macrophages were found that they could stimulate the secretion of nerve growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and transforming growth factor-β in dissected sciatic nerve segments. The ES at a higher frequency could also increase cutaneous blood flow in the ipsilateral hindpaw to the injury. These results indicated that a high-frequency ES could be necessary to heal severed diabetic peripheral nerve with a long gap to be repaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hong Kao
- Lab of Biomaterials, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Jin J. Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Man Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Da-Tian Bau
- Lab of Biomaterials, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Lab, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsu Yao
- Lab of Biomaterials, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Asia University, Wufeng District, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Sheng Chen
- Lab of Biomaterials, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Asia University, Wufeng District, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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ZHANG XU, XIN NA, TONG LEI, TONG XIAOJIE. Electrical stimulation enhances peripheral nerve regeneration after crush injury in rats. Mol Med Rep 2013; 7:1523-7. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2013.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Ho CY, Yao CH, Chen WC, Shen WC, Bau DT. Electroacupuncture and Acupuncture Promote the Rat's Transected Median Nerve Regeneration. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2013; 2013:514610. [PMID: 23573131 PMCID: PMC3610348 DOI: 10.1155/2013/514610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments of damaged nerves may aid nerve regeneration related to hindlimb function, but the effects on the forelimb-related median nerve were not known. Methods. A gap was made in the median nerve of each rat by suturing the stumps into silicone rubber tubes. The influences of acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments on transected median nerve regeneration were evaluated from morphological, electrophysiological, and functional angles. Results. Morphologically, the group receiving acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments had larger total nerve area and blood vessel number compared with the controls. Electrophysiologically, the group receiving electroacupuncture had significantly larger amplitude and larger area of the evoked muscle action potentials compared with the controls. Functionally, the acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments enhanced the injured paw's ability to regain its grasping power and resulted in a faster efficiency to a new bilateral balance. Conclusion. Our findings provide multiapproach evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments to the regeneration of median nerve. Indeed, acupuncture and electroacupuncture appear to have positive effects on the regeneration processes. This platform is beneficial to further study the clinical application of acupuncture and electroacupuncture alternative treatments on nerve-injured patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Y. Ho
- School of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 404 Yuh-Der Road, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Departments of Family Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, 404 Yuh-Der Road, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - C. H. Yao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 404 Yuh-Der Road, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University Hospital, 404 Yuh-Der Road, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - W. C. Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 404 Yuh-Der Road, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - W. C. Shen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 404 Yuh-Der Road, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - D. T. Bau
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, 404 Yuh-Der Road, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
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Haastert-Talini K, Grothe C. Electrical Stimulation for Promoting Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013; 109:111-24. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420045-6.00005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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