Drug repositioning: diacerein as a new therapeutic approach in a mice model of sciatic nerve injury

Background Peripheral nerve injuries negatively impact the quality of life of patients, with no effective treatment available that accelerates sensorimotor recovery and promotes functional improvement and pain relief. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diacerein (DIA) in an experimental mice model of sciatic nerve crush. Method In this study, male Swiss mice were used, randomly separated into six groups as follows: FO (false-operated + vehicle); FO + DIA (false-operated + diacerein 30 mg/kg); SNI (sciatic nerve injury + vehicle); SNI + DIA in doses of 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg (sciatic nerve injury + treatment with diacerein in doses of 3-30 mg/kg). DIA or vehicle was administered 24 h after the surgical procedure, intragastrically, twice a day. The lesion of the right sciatic nerve was generated by crush. Results We found that the treatment of animals with DIA accelerated sensorimotor recovery of the animal. In addition, animals in the sciatic nerve injury + vehicle (SNI) group showed hopelessness, anhedonia, and lack of well-being, which were significantly inhibited by DIA treatment. The SNI group showed a reduction in the diameters of nerve fibers, axons, and myelin sheaths, while DIA treatment recovered all these parameters. In addition, the treatment of animals with DIA prevented an increase the levels of interleukin (IL)-1 beta and a reduction in the levels of the brain-derived growth factor (BDNF). Conclusions Treatment with DIA reduces hypersensitivity and depression like behaviors in animals. Furthermore, DIA promotes functional recovery and regulates IL-1 beta and BDNF concentrations. [Graphics]

Automated summary

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of diacerein in a mice model of sciatic nerve crush. The results showed that diacerein treatment accelerated sensorimotor recovery and inhibited hopelessness, anhedonia, and lack of well-being in the animals. Additionally, diacerein treatment restored the diameter of nerve fibers, axons, and myelin sheaths, and regulated the levels of interleukin-1 beta and brain-derived growth factor.