Abstract
The aim was to examine the efficiency of a scaffold made of poly (L-lactic acid)-co-poly(ϵ-caprolactone), collagen (COL), polyaniline (PANI), and enriched with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) as a nerve conduit in a rat model. P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI scaffold was optimized and electrospun into a tubular-shaped structure. Adipose tissue from 10 Lewis rats was harvested for ASCs culture. A total of 28 inbred male Lewis rats underwent sciatic nerve transection and excision of a 10 mm nerve trunk fragment. In Group A, the nerve gap remained untouched; in Group B, an excised trunk was used as an autograft; in Group C, nerve stumps were secured with P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI conduit; in Group D, P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI conduit was enriched with ASCs. After 6 months of observation, rats were sacrificed. Gastrocnemius muscles and sciatic nerves were harvested for weight, histology analysis, and nerve fiber count analyses. Group A showed advanced atrophy of the muscle, and each intervention (B, C, D) prevented muscle mass decrease (p < 0.0001); however, ASCs addition decreased efficiency vs. autograft (p < 0.05). Nerve fiber count revealed a superior effect in the nerve fiber density observed in the groups with the use of conduit (D vs. B p < 0.0001, C vs. B p < 0.001). P(LLA-CL)-COL-PANI conduits with ASCs showed promising results in managing nerve gap by decreasing muscle atrophy.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilPeripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are one of the most disabling components of traumatic injuries of extremities, especially traumatic hand injuries, and they may accompany2.8–6.1% of cases [1,2,3]
The aim of the study was to create a novel type of fibrous conduits based on poly(Llactic acid co--caprolactone)/collagen/PANI and investigate their efficacy in the regeneration of a 10 mm gap in the sciatic nerve of a rat with and without adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) enrichment
We was analyzed in the context of managing peripheral nerve gaps in a rat model
Summary
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are one of the most disabling components of traumatic injuries of extremities, especially traumatic hand injuries, and they may accompany. 2.8–6.1% of cases [1,2,3]. In the case of nerve shortening after trauma, neuroma resection, or during reconstructive procedure, a surgeon may encounter a need for management of a gap between nerve stumps. The main goal of the procedure is to provide a tension-less junction between the ends of an injured nerve, since that factor mainly contributes to delayed neuroregeneration [4]. There are few possible surgical approaches in managing peripheral nerve gaps. Primary suturing remains the gold standard only in case of tension-free conditions.
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