Evaluation of nerve growth factor (NGF) treated mesenchymal stem cells for recovery in neurotmesis model of peripheral nerve injury

Background: Peripheral nerve damages are a relatively common type of the nervous system injuries. Although peripheral nerves show some capacity of regeneration after injury, the extent of regeneration is not remarkable. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of NGF treated mesenchymal stem cells on regeneration of transected sciatic nerve. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, forty-two male Wistar. rats (180-200 g) were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 7) including control, Membrane + Cell (Mem + Cell), NGF group, NGF + Cell group, NGF + Mem group and NGF + Mem + Cell group. Regeneration of sciatic nerve was evaluated using behavioral analysis, electrophysiological assessment and histological examination. Results: The rats in the NGF + Mem + Cell group showed significant decrease in sciatic functional index (SFI) and hot water paw immersion test during the 2nd to 8th weeks after surgery. (p < 0.001). At 8 weeks after surgery, electrophysiological findings showed that amplitude increased and latency decreased significantly in NGF + Mem + Cell group (p < 0.001). Measured histological parameters showed that number of nerve fibers, number of vessels and percent of vessel area also increased significantly in NGF + Mem + Cell group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed that NGF in accompany with mesenchymal stem cells improved electrophysiological and histological indices. (C) 2018 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.