Effects of intratesticular injection of hypertonic mannitol and saline on the quality of donkey sperm, indicators of oxidative stress and testicular tissue pathology.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine donkey sperm quality after intratesticular injection of hypertonic mannitol (HM) and saline (HS). METHODS: Randomly assigned to five treatment groups were 15 adult male donkeys: (1) Control group (no treatment), (2) Surgery group (surgical castration for testosterone control), (3) NS group (normal saline intratesticular injection), (4) HS group (hypertonic saline), and (5) HM group. We injected 20 mL per testicle. We took 5 mL blood from all donkeys before injection. Castration was performed under general anesthesia 60 days later. Samples included blood and testicular tissue. Total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), movementy features, DNA damage, morphology, viability, and plasma membrane functionality were evaluated. Hormone analyses, histomorphometric studies and oxidative stress indices including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADP+/NADPH were evaluated. Apoptosis, pyroptosis-related Bax, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and Bcl-2 expression were also assessed. RESULTS: In HS and HM groups, testosterone, epididymal sperm count, motility, viability, and plasma membrane functionality dropped while sperm DNA damage increased. HS and HM groups had significantly lower histomorphometric parameters, TAC, GPx, SOD, GSH, and Bcl-2 gene expression. MDA, NADP+/NADPH, Bax, Caspase-1, and GSDMD gene expression were substantially higher in the HS and HM groups than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Toxic effects of hypertonic saline and mannitol on reproductive parameters were seen following, hence, they might be considered as a good chemical sterilizing treatment in donkeys.

Protective effects of propolis on ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat testicular torsion and detorsion model.

The torsion model of testis in a rat was adopted for evaluation of possible effects of propolis (Prop) on ischemia-reperfusion (IS/REP) injury. The healthy male Wistar rats (totally 24 animals) were randomized into four groups (n = 6) and animals experienced bilateral testicular torsions as follows: In sham group just, laparotomy was performed and in IS group, animals experienced a 3 hr period testicular IS. In IS/REP group, a 3 hr period of IS followed by a 3 hr period of testicular REP for left testis and a one-week testicular REP for right testis were done. In this group animals were gavaged by 1.00 mL normal saline 1 hr before the onset of IS. In IS/REP/ Prop group, the same procedures for IS/REP animals were followed as well as gavage of 1.00 mL Prop extract solution 1 hr before the onset of IS. Analyses of biochemistry, histology, inflammatory biomarkers and sperm parameters were carried out. In IS/REP/Prop group, nitric oxide synthase malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase and 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanine in IS/REP/Prop group were significantly decreased and, superoxide dismutase, total glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase were significantly increased compared to the other animals. In IS/REP/Prop group, seminiferous tubules (with normal spermatogenesis) showed all stages of spermatogenic cells with plentiful spermatozoa. Tubular deterioration and atrophy and spermatogenic cell loss in were seen in a limited extent. The mean concentrations of Interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha in IS/REP/Prop were significantly decreased. Sperm quality was significantly improved by Prop in IS/REP/Prop group. It was concluded that Prop could be supportive in diminishing IS/REP injury in testicular tissue exposed to ischemia.

Curcumin-Polyethylene Glycol Loaded on Chitosan-Gelatin Nanoparticles Enhances Burn Wound Healing in Rat.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate effects of curcumin-polyethylene glycol loaded on chitosan-gelatin nanoparticles (C-PEG-CGNPs) on burn wound healing in rat as a model study. Sixty healthy male White Wistar rats were randomized into four experimental groups of 15 animals each: Control group (Control) was treated with normal saline. Carrier group was treated with CGNPs-based ointment (0.05 mg/ml). Silver sulfadiazine group was treated with silver sulfadiazine 1% ointment. Treatment group was treated with C-PEG-CGNPs (0.05 mg/ml). Wound size was measured on 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery. The expression of p53, Bcl-2, caspase-3 were evaluated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining. Reduction in wound area indicated that there was significant difference between Treatment group and other groups (P < .05). Quantitative histological and morphometric studies, and mean rank of the qualitative studies demonstrated that there was a significant difference between Treatment group and other groups (P < .05). Observations demonstrated C-PEG-CGNPs significantly shortened the inflammatory phase and accelerated the cellular proliferation. Accordingly, the animals in Treatment group revealed significantly (P < .05) higher fibroblast distribution/one mm2 of wound area and rapid reepithelialization. The mRNA levels of Bcl-2, p53, and caspase-3 were remarkably (P < .05) higher in Treatment group compared to control animals. The immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction findings. C-PEG-CGNPs offered potential advantages in burn wound healing acceleration and improvement.

Evaluation of Effect of Biologically Synthesized Ethanolic Extract of Propolis-Loaded Poly(-Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles on Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats.

Wound healing is interaction of a complex cascade of cellular/biochemical actions leading to restoration of structural and functional integrity with regain of injured tissues strength. This study was aimed at evaluation of application of ethanolic extract of propolis-loaded poly(-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (EEP-PLGA NPs) on wound healing in diabetic rats. Sixty rats were randomized into four groups of 15 rats each: In control group (Control) diabetic wound was treated with normal saline. In Carrier 1 group diabetic wound was treated with PLGA nanoparticles based solution. In Carrier 2 group the diabetic wound was treated with EEP. In Treatment group animals received EEP-PLGA NPs on the wound. Wound size was measured on 7, 14 and 21 days after surgery. The expression of p53, bcl-2, Caspase III, were evaluated using reverse-transcription PCR and Immunohistochemical staining. The Treatment group had significantly reduced the wound size compared to other groups (P = 0.001). histological and morphometric studies, and mean rank of the qualitative studies demonstrated that there was significant difference between Treatment group and other groups (P < .05). Observations demonstrated that ethanolic extract of propolis-loaded PLGA nanoparticles significantly shortened the inflammatory phase and accelerated the cellular proliferation. Accordingly, the animals in Treatment group revealed significantly (P < .05) higher fibroblast distribution/one mm2 of wound area and rapid re epithelialization. The mRNA levels of bcl-2, p53 and caspase III were remarkably (P < .05) higher in Treatment group compared to control and animals. The immunohistochemical analyzes confirmed the RT-PCR findings. EEP-PLGA NPs offered potential advantages in wound healing acceleration and improvement through angiogenesis stimulation, fibroblast proliferation and granulation tissue formation in early days of healing phases, acceleration in diabetic wound repair associated with earlier wound contraction and stability of damaged area by rearrangement of granulation tissue and collagen fibers.

Angiogenic effects of cell therapy within a biomaterial scaffold in a rat hind limb ischemia model.

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a life- and limb-threatening condition affecting 1-10% of humans worldwide with peripheral arterial disease. Cellular therapies, such as bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used for the treatment of CLI. However, little information is available regarding the angiogenic potency of MSCs and mast cells (MC) in angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of MCs and MSCs to induce angiogenesis in a rat model of ischemic hind limb injury on a background of a tissue engineered hydrogel scaffold. Thirty rats were randomly divided into six control and experimental groups as follows: (a) Control healthy (b) Ischemic positive control with right femoral artery transection, (c) ischemia with hydrogel scaffold, (d) ischemia with hydrogel plus MSC, (e) ischemia with hydrogel plus MC and (f) ischemia with hydrogel plus MSC and MCs. 106 of each cell type, isolated from bone marrow stroma, was injected into the transected artery used to induce hind limb ischemia. The other hind limb served as a non-ischemic control. After 14 days, capillary density, vascular diameter, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry at the transected location and in gastrocnemius muscles were evaluated. Capillary density and number of blood vessels in the region of the femoral artery transection in animals receiving MSCs and MCs was increased compared to control groups (P < 0.05). Generally the effect of MCs and MSCs was similar although the combined MC/MSC therapy resulted in a reduced, rather than enhanced, effect. In the gastrocnemius muscle, immunohistochemical and histomorphometric observation showed a great ratio of capillaries to muscle fibers in all the cell-receiving groups (P < 0.05). The data indicates that the combination of hydrogel and cell therapy generates a greater angiogenic potential at the ischemic site than cell therapy or hydrogels alone.

Assessments of regenerative potential of silymarin nanoparticles loaded into chitosan conduit on peripheral nerve regeneration: a transected sciatic nerve model in rat.

PURPOSE: It is compulsory to make a tension-free, end-to-end repair in transected injuries. However, when it comes to longer defects, placement of an autograft or nerve conduits is required. The present study was designed to assess regenerative potential of silymarin nanoparticles loaded into chitosan conduit on peripheral nerve regeneration in a transected sciatic nerve model in rat. METHODS: In NML group left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision and after careful hemostasis skin was closed. In TSC group left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in adjacent muscle. In CTN group, 10-mm sciatic nerve defects were bridged using a chitosan. In CTN/NSLM group, 10-mm sciatic nerve defects were bridged using a chitosan conduit and 100 µL silymarin nanoparticles were administered into the conduit. The regenerated fibers were studied 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Assessment of nerve regeneration was based on behavioral, functional, biomechanical, histomorphometric, and immuohistochemical criteria. RESULTS: The behavioral, functional, electrophysiological, and biomechanical studies confirmed significant recovery of regenerated axons in CTN/NSLM group (P < 0.05). Quantitative morphometric analyses of regenerated fibers showed number and diameter of myelinated fibers in CTN/NSLM group were significantly higher than in CTN group (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: This demonstrated potential of using chitosan-silymarin nanoparticles in peripheral nerve regeneration without limitations of donor-site morbidity associated with isolation of autograft. It is also cost saving and may have clinical implications for surgical management of patients after peripheral nerve transection.

Fabrication and transplantation of chitosan-selenium biodegradable nanocomposite conduit on transected sciatic nerve: a novel study in rat model.

Purpose: The improvement of techniques using conduits that connects the ends of damaged nerves and guides the growth of nerve fibers between the stumps, including adoption of natural or synthetic materials still is a challenge in peripheral nerve repair. The aim of the present novel study was to fabricate and transplant chitosan-selenium biodegradable nanocomposite conduit on transected sciatic nerve in rat model.Methods: In NORMAL group, the left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision and after careful hemostasis skin was closed. In TRANSECTED group left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in adjacent muscle. In CHITOSAN and CSBNC groups, 10-mm sciatic nerve defects were bridged using a chitosan and chitosan-selenium biodegradable nanocomposite conduits, respectively. The regenerated fibers were studied 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Assessment of nerve regeneration was based on behavioral, functional, biomechanical, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical criteria.Results: The behavioral, functional and biomechanical studies confirmed significant recovery of regenerated axons in CSBNC group (P < 0.05). Quantitative morphometric analyses of regenerated fibers showed the number and diameter of myelinated fibers in CSBNC group were significantly higher than in the CHITOSAN group (P < 0.05).Discussion: This demonstrates the potential of using CSBNC in peripheral nerve regeneration without limitations of donor-site morbidity associated with isolation autograft. It is also cost saving and may have clinical implications for the surgical management of patients after facial nerve transection.

Effects of local administration of ibuprofen on sciatic nerve regeneration and reinnervation after egg shell membrane conduit repair in rat.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of locally administered ibuprofen (IBU) on transected peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery. METHODS: Seventy-five male Wistar rats were divided into five experimental groups (N.=15), randomly: In authograft group (AUTO) a segment of sciatic nerve was transected and reimplanted reversely. In transected group (TC), left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in the adjacent muscle. In treatment group defect was bridged using an egg shell membrane conduit (ESM/IBU) filled with 10 µL ibuprofen (100 ng/mL). In ESM conduit group (ESM), the conduit was filled with phosphate-buffered saline alone. In sham-operated group (SHAM), sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of five animals each and regenerated nerve fibers were studied 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Behavioral testing, biomechanical studies, sciatic nerve functional study, electrophysiological, gastrocnemius muscle mass and morphometric indices confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in ESM/IBU than ESM group (P<0.05). In immunohistochemistry, location of reactions to S-100 in ESM/IBU was clearly more positive than that in ESM group. CONCLUSIONS: Ibuprofen accelerated and improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. This study is expected to set a stage for testing the ibuprofen in the human patients.

Local Xenotransplantation of Bone Marrow Derived Mast Cells (BMMCs) Improves Functional Recovery of Transected Sciatic Nerve in Cat: A Novel Approach in Cell Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMCs) on functional recovery of transected sciatic nerve in animal model of cat. METHOD: A 20-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a silicone nerve guide filled with BMMCs in BMMC group. In Sham-surgery group (SHAM), the sciatic nerve was only exposed and manipulated. In control group (SILOCONE) the gap was repaired with a silicone nerve guide and both ends were sealed using sterile Vaseline to avoid leakage and the nerve guide was filled with 100 µL of phosphate-buffered saline alone. In cell treated group ([SILOCONE/BMMC) the nerve guide was filled with 100 µL BMMCs (2× 106 cells/100 µL). The regenerated nerve fibers were studied, biomechanically, histologically and immunohiscochemically 6 months later. RESULTS: Biomechanical studies confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in BMMCs transplanted animals compared to control group (p<0.05). Morphometric indices of the regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in BMMCs transplanted animals than in control group (p<0.05). In immunohistochemistry, location of reactions to S-100 in BMMCs transplanted animals was clearly more positive than that in control group. CONCLUSION: BMMCs xenotransplantation could be considered as a readily accessible source of cells that could improve recovery of transected sciatic nerve.

Mouse Bone Marrow-Derived Mast Cells Induce Angiogenesis by Tissue Engineering in Rats: Histological Evidence.

OBJECTIVES: Therapeutic angiogenesis is employed to induce vascular network formation and improve functional recovery in ischemia. The aim of this study is to find an appropriate method to recover local ischemic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental survey, 20 male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200-250 g were randomly divided into four experimental groups respectively: ischemia group in which the femoral artery was transected; phosphate buffer solution group (PBS) in which the femoral artery transected location was immersed with PBS; chitosan (CHIT) group in which the transected location was immersed in a 50 µL CHIT solution; and mast cell transplanted group in which the transected location was immersed with a mixture of 50 µL CHIT and 50 µL PBS that contained 1×106 mast cells. RESULTS: On day 14 after surgery, mean numbers of blood vessels of different sizes in the CHIT/mast cell group significantly increased compared to the other experimental groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that mast cell reconstitution could offer a new approach for therapeutic angiogenesis in cases of peripheral arterial diseases.

Effects of Chitosan-Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite Conduit on Transected Sciatic Nerve: An Animal Model Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of chitosan-zinc oxide nanocomposite conduit on transected sciatic nerve in animal model of rat. METHODS: Sixty male White Wistar rats were used in this study. A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a chitosan-zinc oxide nanocomposite conduit (CZON) filled with phosphate buffered saline. In chitosan group (CHIT) the chitosan conduit was filled with phosphate buffered saline solution. In sham-operated group (SHAM), sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. In transected group (TC), left sciatic nerve was transected and nerve cut ends were fixed in the adjacent muscle. The regenerated fibers were studied within 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The behavioral and functional tests confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in CZON group compared to Chitosan group (p<0.05). The mean ratios of gastrocnemius muscles weight were measured. There was statistically significant difference between the muscle weight ratios of CZON and Chitosan groups (p<0.05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in CZON than in Chitosan. In immuohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S-100 in CZON was clearly more positive than Chitosan group. CONCLUSION: Chitosan-zinc oxide nanocomposite conduit resulted in acceleration of functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve.

The Extract of Lycium depressum Stocks Enhances Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

In diabetes, impaired wound healing and other tissue abnormalities are considered major concerns. The aim of the present study was to assess the wound-healing activity of methanolic extracts of the extract of Lycium depressum leaves. A total of 60 healthy male Wistar diabetic rats weighing approximately 160 to 180 g and 7 weeks of age were randomized into 10 groups for incision and excision wound models: sham surgery group (SHAM), including creation of wounds and no treatment; base formulation group (FG) with creation of wounds and application of base formulation ointment; treatment group 1 (TG1) with 1 g of powder extract of the plant material in ointment; treatment group 2 (TG2) with 2 g; and treatment group 4 (TG3) with 4 g of powder extract of the plant material in ointment. A wound was induced by an excision- and incision-based wound model in male rats. The mature green leaves of L depressum were collected and authenticated. Extractions of dried leaves were carried out. For wound-healing activity, the extracts were applied topically in the form of ointment and compared with control groups. The healing of the wound was assessed based on excision, incision, hydroxyproline estimation, and biomechanical and biochemical studies. The extract of L depressum leaves enhanced wound contraction, decreased epithelialization time, increased hydroxyproline content, and improved mechanical indices and histological characteristics in treatment groups compared with SHAM and FG ( P < .05). These findings permit the conclusion the extract of L depressum benefits parameters of wound healing in a diabetes induced model.

Topically-administered acetyl-L-carnitine increases sciatic nerve regeneration and improves functional recovery after tubulization of transected short nerve gaps.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injuries repair is still among the most challenging and concern-raising tasks in neurosurgery. The effect of an acetyl-L-carnitin-loaded silicone tube as an in-situ delivery system in defects bridging was studied using a rat sciatic nerve regeneration model. METHODS: A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a silicone tube (SIL/ALC) filled with 10 µL acetyl-L-carnitine (100 ng/mL). In the control group (SIL), the tube was filled with the same volume of the phosphate-buffered solution. The regenerated fibers were studied 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The functional study confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in acetyl-L-carnitine treated than control group (P<0.05). The mean ratios of gastrocnemius muscles weight were measured. There was a statistically significant difference between the muscle weight ratios of SIL/ALC and SIL groups (P<0.05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers in SIL/ALC were significantly higher than in the control group. In immuohistochemistry, the location of reactions to S-100 in the SIL/ALC group was clearly more positive than in the SIL group. CONCLUSIONS: Acetyl-L-carnitine, when loaded in a silicone tube, can bring to an improvement in functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve.

Mast cells improve functional recovery of transected peripheral nerve: A novel preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Employment of regenerative properties of cells at the service of nerve repair has been initiated during recent decades. Effects of local transplantation of bone marrow-derived mast cells on peripheral nerve regeneration were studied using a rat sciatic nerve transection model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a conduit chitosan-based hybrid conduit filled with BMMCs in BMMC group. In positive control group (Pos), the conduit was filled with phosphate-buffered saline alone. The regenerated nerve fibers were studied within 12 weeks after surgery. In sham-operated group, the sciatic nerve was only exposed and manipulated. In negative control (Neg) a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was created and the nerve stumps were sutured to the adjacent muscles. The regenerated nerve fibers were studied functionally, biomechanically, histologically and immunohiscochemically. RESULTS: Functional and biomechanical studies confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in BMMCs transplanted animals compared to Pos group (p<0.05). Morphometric indices of the regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in BMMCs transplanted animals than in Pos group (p<0.05). In immunohistochemistry, location of reactions to S-100 in BMMCs transplanted animals was clearly more positive than that in Pos group. CONCLUSIONS: BMMCs transplantation could be considered as a readily accessible source of cells that could improve functional recovery of transected sciatic nerve.

Protective effects of intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries: Histological and biochemical assessments in a rat model.

PURPOSE: Ovarian torsion must be diagnosed and treated as much early as possible. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries. METHODS: Thirty healthy male Wistar rats weighing approximately 250g were randomized into six experimental groups (n=5): Group Sham: The rats underwent only laparotomy. Group I: A 3-h ischemia only. Group I/R: A 3-h ischemia and a 3-h reperfusion. Group I/Nimodipine: A 3-h ischemia only and 1mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine 2.5h after induction of ischemia. Group I/R/Nimodipine: A 3-h ischemia, a 3-h reperfusion and 1mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine 2.5h after induction of ischemia. RESULTS: Nimodipine treated animals showed significantly ameliorated development of ischemia and reperfusion tissue injury compared to those of other groups (P<0.05). The significant higher values of SOD, tGSH, GPO, GSHRd and GST were observed in I/R/Nimodipine animals compared to those of other groups (P<0.05). The damage indicators (NOS, MDA, MPO and DNA damage level) were significantly lower in I/R/Nimodipine animal compared to those of other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine could be helpful in minimizing ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovarian tissue exposed to ischemia.

Planimetric and Biomechanical Study of Local Effect of Pulegone on Full Thickness Wound Healing in Rat.

BACKGROUND: Pulegone as principal component of essential oil, reported to have anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was aimed to evaluate wound healing activity of pulegone in a rat model. METHOD: Forty rats were used for excisional and incisional wound healing models. For each model twenty male white Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 4) of control (CG), Sham surgery, E1, E2 and E3. Wound size, hydroxyproline content of wound and biomechanical testing were assessed. RESULT: In E2 animals, the wound size was reduced earlier than in E1 and E2 groups (P = 0.035). However, time had significant effect on wound contraction of all wounds. Hydroxyproline contents in the groups CG, sham surgery, E1, E2 and E3 were found to be 51.25 ± 3.40, 58.41 ± 4.62, 68.59 ± 3.53, 86.32 ± 3.18, and 74.26 ± 4.73 mg g-1, respectively. Hydroxyproline contents were increased significantly in E2 compared to E1 and E3 which implied more collagen deposition compared to other experimental groups (P = 0.001). The biomechanical indices, maximum stored energy, stiffness, ultimate strength and yield strength obtained for E2 group were significantly higher than those obtained for E1 and E2 groups (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The pulegone showed a reproducible wound healing potential in rats.

Assessment of Neuroprotective Effects of Local Administration of 17- Beta- Estradiol on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in Ovariectomized Female Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the neuroprotective effects of local administration of 17- beta- estradiol on nerve regeneration. METHODS: Sixty female Wistar rats were overiectomized and divided into four experimental groups (n = 15), randomly: In autograft group a segment of sciatic nerve was transected and re-implanted reversely. In sham-surgery group sciatic nerve was exposed and manipulated. In transected group left sciatic nerve was transected and stumps were fixed in adjacent muscle. In treatment group defect was bridged using a silicon conduit filled with 10 µL (0.1 mg/mL) 17- beta- estradiol. Each group was subdivided into four subgroups of five animals each and nerve fibers were studied in a 12-week period. RESULTS: Behavioral, functional, biomechanical, electrophysiological and gastrocnemius muscle mass findings and morphometric indices confirmed faster recovery of regenerated axons in treatment group than in other groups (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical reactions to S-100 in treatment group were more positive than that in other groups. CONCLUSION: Local administration of 17-beta-estradiol improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. It could have clinical implications for the surgical management of patients after facial nerve transection.

Effect of local administration of platelet-derived growth factor B on functional recovery of peripheral nerve regeneration: A sciatic nerve transection model.

BACKGROUND: Effects of platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) on peripheral nerve regeneration was studied using a rat sciatic nerve transection model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five male, white Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups (n = 15), randomly: Normal control group (NC), silicon group (SIL), and PDGF-B treated group (SIL/PDGF). In NC group, left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision and after homeostasis muscle was sutured. In the SIL group, the left sciatic nerve was exposed in the same way and transected proximal to tibio-peroneal bifurcation leaving a 10-mm gap. Proximal and distal stumps were each inserted into a silicone conduit and filled with 10 µL phosphate buffered solution. In SIL/PDGF group, the silicon conduit was filled with 10 µL PDGF-B (0.5 ng/mL). Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of five and were studied in 4, 8, 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Behavioral testing, sciatic nerve functional study, gastrocnemius muscle mass, and histomorphometric studies showed earlier regeneration of axons in SIL/PDGF than in SIL group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Local administration of PDGF-B combined with silicon grafting could accelerate functional recovery and may have clinical implications for the surgical management of patients after facial nerve transection.

Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma Combined with Chitosan Biodegradable Film on Full-Thickness Wound Healing in Rat Model.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of platelet rich plasma (PRP) with chitosan biodegradable film on full thickness wound healing in rat. METHODS: This was an experimental study being performed in 2015 during a 4-month period. Twenty-four male white Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 12 rats each, randomly: Control group (SHAM) with creation of wounds and no treatment, PRP group with creation of wounds and application of one milliliter PRP, Chitosan group (CHIT) with dressing the wound with chitosan and CHIT/PRP group with application of one mL PRPand dressing the wound with chitosan. The wounds were created by cutting healthy skin.Wound size was measured on 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 post surgery and was compared between groups. RESULTS: Reduction in wound area, hydroxyproline contents and biomechanical parametersindicated there was significant difference (p=0.001) between group CHIT/PRP and other groups. Biomechanical testing was performed on day 9 post surgery in incisional model. Quantitative histological studies and mean rank of the qualitative studies demonstrated that there was significant difference (p<0.001) between group CHIT/PRP and other groups. CONCLUSION: PRP with chitosan have beneficial effects on wounds repair and could be suggested for treating various types of wounds in animals and human being.

Nonexpanded Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Local Therapy on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Using Allografts.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Adipose tissue possesses a population of multi-potent stem cells which can be differentiated to a Schwann cell phenotype and may be of benefit for treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Effects of local therapy of nonexpanded adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on peripheral nerve regeneration was studied using allografts in a rat sciatic nerve model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male white Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups (n = 10), randomly: Sham-operated group (SHAM), allograft group (ALLO), SVF-treated group (ALLO/SVF). In SHAM group left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision and after homeostasis muscle was sutured. In the ALLO group the left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision and transected proximal to the tibio-peroneal bifurcation where a 10 mm segment was excised. The same procedure was performed in the ALLO/SVF group. The harvested nerves of the rats of ALLO group were served as allograft for ALLO/SVF group and vice versa. The SHAM and ALLO groups received 100 µL phosphate buffered saline and the ALLO/SVF group received 100 µL SVF (2.25 ± 0.45 × 10(7) cells) locally where the grafting was performed. RESULTS: Behavioral, functional, biomechanical, and gastrocnemius muscle mass showed earlier regeneration of axons in ALLO/SVF than in ALLO group (p < .05). Histomorphometic and immunohistochemical studies also showed earlier regeneration of axons in ALLO/SVF than in ALLO group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of nonexpanded SVF could accelerate functional recovery after nerve allografting in sciatic nerve. It may have clinical implications for the surgical management of patients after nerve transection.